'Move over, John Grisham': Exhibit A in print and video

Read reports and view video on the launch of Exhibit A. The Boston Globe: "Move over, John Grisham" The Patriot Ledger: "Lawyers Weekly editor targets new audience"  Fox 25 News on Exhibit A's list of Notorious Criminals The Patriot Ledger: "Magazine minus legalese a big hit"  The Boston Business Journal: "About the law - aimed at the general public" New England Cable News: "The first edition is causing quite a buzz"  Read More →

A courthouse in an office park? What, no gargoyles?

david.yas@exhibitAnews.com When people enter a courthouse, they shouldn’t be looking at subtle touches of history. They should be clubbed over the head with them. Give me spires. Gargoyles. Portraits of really old dudes in robes. Regal, stately benches that rise majestically in an amphitheater of a courtroom. Have you ever been in a courthouse? You should, really. They are public places, after all. You can stroll right into any courtroom you please and take in all the action for free. Justice... More

Woman arrested for calling former supervisor ‘stupid’ in cake frosting

Woman arrested for calling former supervisor ‘stupid’ in cake frosting Police in Derry Township, Pa., have arrested a woman for sending a cake to a former co-worker with an insulting message written in frosting. Equipment contractor Angela Price was charged with “criminal harassment” after she dropped off a cake at Penn State Medical Center for supervisor Michelle Reed, who had recently fired her. The cake said, “You can’t fix stupid” in icing. Hospital security... More

7 tips for buying and using holiday gift cards

There’s no way out; the holidays are coming. And you’re procrastinating, right? Well, whether it’s wacky Uncle Joe or Xena your Goth niece, you can take care of each with a gift card or certificate. But before you hand over big bucks (or tuck one you received into a drawer), know your rights. Otherwise, your thoughtful gift could wind up worthless. 1. What’s the difference between paper and plastic? None. If the gift certificate allows the recipient to shop at a specific store,... More

In a bad space

noah.schaffer@exhibitAnews.com The developers of Columbus Center — the $800 million complex of condominiums and shops planned for the Back Bay — promise “prime location … and world-class amenities … like nothing Boston has ever seen.” But a local activist warns that a loophole in the 2,489-page lease could leave residents of the tony complex stuck with a colossal bill should problems arise with the tunnel over which the project is to be built. And the state’s... More

Pats’ ‘Videogate’ may be a case of what goes around comes around

david.frank@exhibitAnews.com The Patriots may be flawless on the field, but their off-the-field demeanor is arguably less stellar. But, first, let’s be clear on one thing: A recently filed $184 million class-action lawsuit against coach Bill Belichick and the three-time Super Bowl champions for deceiving customers in the “Videogate” scandal is ridiculous. In case you missed it, a New York Jets fan sued the New England Patriots in September, claiming he and his fellow season ticket-holders... More

Legal Briefs

Ivy Leaguers pokerfaced With all the talk of introducing casinos into various communities in Massachusetts, citizens and legislators alike might be wishing they could enroll in a semester-long lecture series on the subject at Harvard Law School. The “Role of Poker in the Legal World” is being led by a noted professor at the Ivy League institution. “Poker is a game about learning how to win, dealing with other people, assessing risk, managing resources and, above all, being able... More

Falling in winter can hurt your wallet as well

Contrary to popular belief, taking a tumble on snow or ice outside of a store does not guarantee a successful lawsuit against the storeowner. Take the recent case of a customer who injured herself at a Stoughton shopping plaza. While returning to her car after stopping at one of the stores, the woman slipped and fell, injuring her neck and back. Although she had no recollection of how the fall occurred, the shopper believed she slipped on ice that had formed from the melting and refreezing of a snow... More

Judge talks fears, tears and changing times

As a judge on the New Bedford District Court, Bernadette L. Sabra handles mostly criminal matters. A member of the bench since 1996 and currently serving as the court’s first justice, Sabra recently spoke to Exhibit A about everything from dealing with violence in the courthouse to laughing on the bench. Q. Witness intimidation and retaliation seem to be more and more common in the courts these days. Why is that? A. People don’t seem to be able to control their emotions. I don’t... More

BSO hits sour note in firing actress

It was a strange confluence of events in 1988 when a panel of judges in Boston considered a case that not only involved important, novel issues of contract law, but also a pop icon like actress Vanessa Redgrave (at right) It happened that the Boston Symphony Orchestra canceled its contract with Redgrave because of a controversy surrounding her public support of the Palestine Liberation Organization. A defiant Redgrave sued the BSO for breach of contract and sought consequential damages “for... More

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