Make the song your own … then get sued

david.yas@exhibitAnews.com You might remember the theme song to the 1984 film "Ghostbusters," mainly because it was wildly popular and hugely annoying. But did you know that Huey Lewis sued Ray Parker Jr. over the song? Lewis felt that the oft-repeating, grinding melody of "Ghostbusters" sounded a bit too much like Lewis' "I Want a New Drug." The irony, of course, was that both songs were downright lousy. They both should have been arguing that the other one came... More

Degrees for police chief, dog give defendant 'paws' for concern

Degrees for police chief, dog give defendant 'paws' for concern A man challenging his arrest on drug charges is asking to have a local police dog appear in court as an exhibit because, he claims, the dog and the police chief who played a role in his arrest have criminal justice degrees from the same school. According to Clifford Green of Fostoria, Ohio, Chief John McGuire and the dog, Rocko, hold degrees from Concordia College and University, an online school based in the Virgin Islands.... More

The 'magic words' that can land you on a jury

Most people claim to hate jury duty, despite its critical role in our justice system. Maybe you're one of them. You wince at the thought of sitting on a hard, wooden bench among strangers for weeks on end, listening to endless legal debates during an often-tedious trial with breaks that are more frequent and ill-timed than commercials on "Monday Night Football." But what about those few but enthusiastic, public-spirited citizens who want to be jurors? You know them: the "Law &... More

When it comes to wriggling out of jury duty, lawyers have heard it all

"When I first became a prosecutor in New Bedford, a potential juror said he couldn't serve because he was going fishing. Not being from that area I thought, 'Are you serious? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.' Then I realized he was in the fishing industry, and he was going out on a boat for 30 days."— Jeremy Silverfine, Boston trial lawyer "On more than one occasion I've had people claim to be Jehovah's Witnesses and therefore unable... More

Joy ride?

There is a psychological phenomenon that makes us willing to lock ourselves in rusty cages, put our lives in the hands of 16-year-old employees and allow our bodies to be thrashed about, dropped hundreds of feet, spun, tossed, shaken, tipped upside down, jolted and jerked. It's called thrill-seeking. And millions of Americans do it every summer at amusement parks and carnivals around the country. But as technological advances push the limits of thrill rides and as traveling carnival equipment... More

The war on gun violence

As gunfire continues to erupt on the streets of Boston and other urban communities, political leaders and community activists are urging legislators on Beacon Hill to put tougher weapons laws on the books. But some may be surprised to learn that Massachusetts already has passed what is believed to be the strictest set of gun laws in the country, particularly after legislation in 1998 that made a number of sweeping changes. Despite the tough laws, in April Gov. Deval L. Patrick proposed a bill that... More

Should it be illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving?

"In the city it should be. I'm from New Hampshire, and I don't think it would be necessary there. [But] in the city there's more to pay attention to."— Matt BurgessRoxbury "It should be legal. You can learn how to do it right. It's a matter of personal responsibility that doesn't need to be regulated."— Kerry JesserDorchester "Yes, it's a disraction. But it's fine if you talk with a Bluetooth [device] because your hands are free."—... More

Know potential penalties before pouring at parties

Prohibition was officially repealed in 1933. With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, it was once again legal to go to a local tavern and have a drink. This right, however, is not without limitations. Numerous criminal and civil laws make it illegal to use or share alcohol, especially when it could potentially harm others.  Some of these include drunk-driving laws, social-host liability laws and restrictions on access to alcohol by minors.    While most of these laws may seem... More

Legal Briefs

Construction vehicle strikes, kills bicyclist Cyclists can take a variety of safety precautions when they hit the road, but as one multi-million-dollar settlement shows, sometimes there is no protection against the actions of others. While in a crosswalk at an intersection, a woman was patiently straddling her bike and waiting for a red light to turn green when suddenly, and without warning, she was run over and killed by a construction vehicle called a "boom lift" that had come barreling... More

Look back in time (1993)

It's an unforgettable image for any local sports fan: Boston Celtics captain Reggie Lewis staggering down the court and falling onto the parquet of the Boston Garden in the middle of an NBA playoff game. But even more memorable was the subsequent news of the 27-year-old basketball star's death while practicing jump shots. His death in 1993 came only months after Lewis had stood hand in hand with his pregnant wife, Donna Harris-Lewis, and renowned cardiologist, Dr. Gilbert Mudge, at a press... More

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