CIVIL PRACTICE
No lie: Polygraph still around
It’s been derided by skeptics, banned from countless courtrooms and relegated to prank questions on reality television – but the polygraph just won’t go away.
Although inadmissible in most courts, polygraph test results are still being used by criminal defense lawyers and even some civil attorneys to leverage out-of-court settlements.
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BUSINESS
A patent mess: Judicial appointments in question
Patent cases typically involve high stakes and even larger dollar amounts.
But a recent petition for certiorari filed in the U.S. Supreme Court could be the most high-profile patent law case in years.
At issue: the validity of the appointment of 46 (out of 74) patent judges and any decisions they rendered in the last eight years.
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TOP DECISION
Lawyer can deduct checks to his secretary
A solo practitioner could claim an income tax deduction for a series of checks written to his secretary – even though he couldn’t provide specific documentation that they were wage expenses, the U.S. Tax Court has ruled.
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FAMILY LAW
Unregistered domestic partner still has rights
A gay man who believed his domestic partnership was properly registered under state law retains his rights, even if the registration never actually took place, the California Court of Appeal has ruled.
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