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The Supreme Court and Same-sex Marriage
In the last day of its October 2012 Term, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down two historic decisions that were immediately hailed as victories for supporters of same-sex marriage. In one of the cases, United States v. Windsor, No. 12-307, 2013 WL 3196928 (U.S. 6/26/13), the Court had been asked to rule upon the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a federal statute that limited marriage to heterosexual unions of one man and one woman for purposes of federal law. In a 5-4 decision, the Court in Windsor held that DOMA's definition of marriage was violative of the constitutional guarantees of due process and equal protection. As a result, in states where same-sex marriage is legal, same-sex spouses would be able to enjoy the rights and privileges granted to heterosexual married couples under federal law.
In the other case, Hollingsworth v. Perry, No. 12-144, 2013 WL 3196927 (U.S. 6/26/13), at issue was the constitutionality of Proposition 8, a 2008 California ballot initiative that sought to amend that state's Constitution to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. In that case, also in a 5-4 decision, the Court held that it did not have jurisdiction to determine the case on the merits. The decision let stand a lower court ruling that had struck down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, paving the way for same-sex couples to marry under California law.
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
Bit Parts
Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.