8th Circuit Case Commentaries

Affirmation of Multiplicitous Counts in Aggravated Sexual Abuse: Insights from United States v. Two Elk

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Affirmation of Multiplicitous Counts in Aggravated Sexual Abuse: Insights from United States v. Two Elk Introduction The case of United States of America v. Pascal L. Two Elk (536 F.3d 890)...

Duty of Care for Electric Utilities: Analysis of Koch v. Southwestern Electric Power Company

Date: Oct 15, 2008

Duty of Care for Electric Utilities: Analysis of Koch v. Southwestern Electric Power Company Introduction Koch v. Southwestern Electric Power Company (544 F.3d 906, United States Court of Appeals,...

Affirmation of Dismissal in Tortious Interference and Misrepresentation Claims: Noble Systems Corp. v. Alorica Central, LLC

Date: Oct 9, 2008

Affirmation of Dismissal in Tortious Interference and Misrepresentation Claims: Noble Systems Corp. v. Alorica Central, LLC Introduction Noble Systems Corporation, a Georgia-based corporation,...

Broad Interpretation of Arbitration Clauses Upheld in 3M Co. v. Amtex Security, Inc.

Date: Sep 17, 2008

Broad Interpretation of Arbitration Clauses Upheld in 3M Co. v. Amtex Security, Inc. Introduction The case of 3M Company v. Amtex Security, Inc. addresses the enforceability and scope of arbitration...

Credibility Determinations and Residual Functional Capacity in Social Security Disability Claims: Analysis of Juszczyk v. Astrue

Date: Sep 16, 2008

Credibility Determinations and Residual Functional Capacity in Social Security Disability Claims: Analysis of Juszczyk v. Astrue Introduction The case of James Juszczyk v. Michael J. Astrue,...

Independent Source Doctrine Affirmed in United States v. Swope

Date: Sep 13, 2008

Independent Source Doctrine Affirmed in United States v. Swope Introduction United States v. Richard Dean Swope, 542 F.3d 609 (8th Cir. 2008), is a pivotal case in the realm of criminal procedure,...

Strict Application of AEDPA’s One-Year Limit in § 2255 Motion: Anjulo-Lopez v. United States

Date: Sep 9, 2008

Strict Application of AEDPA’s One-Year Limit in § 2255 Motion: Anjulo-Lopez v. United States Introduction Jesus Anjulo-Lopez v. United States of America, 541 F.3d 814 (8th Cir. 2008), presents a...

Eighth Circuit Establishes EAJA Attorney Fees Must Be Awarded to Attorneys, Not Parties

Date: Sep 6, 2008

Eighth Circuit Establishes EAJA Attorney Fees Must Be Awarded to Attorneys, Not Parties Introduction In the case of Catherine G. Ratliff v. Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, the...

Affirmation of Procedural Standards and Batson Challenges in Barnett v. Roper

Date: Sep 6, 2008

Affirmation of Procedural Standards and Batson Challenges in Barnett v. Roper Introduction In Da v. d Barnett, Appellant, (541 F.3d 804), the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit...

Eighth Circuit Establishes Rigorous Standards for Summary Judgment in Title VII Sexual Harassment Cases

Date: Sep 3, 2008

Eighth Circuit Establishes Rigorous Standards for Summary Judgment in Title VII Sexual Harassment Cases Introduction The case of Gina Jenkins v. Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy (540 F.3d 742,...

Willcockson v. SSA: Remand Due to Insufficient ALJ Rationale in Disability Claims

Date: Aug 29, 2008

Willcockson v. SSA: Remand Due to Insufficient ALJ Rationale in Disability Claims Introduction The case of Donna Willcockson v. Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, Social Security Administration...

Enforceability of Contingent Trademark Licenses: Insights from Gander Mountain Co. v. Cabela's, Inc.

Date: Aug 28, 2008

Enforceability of Contingent Trademark Licenses: Insights from Gander Mountain Co. v. Cabela's, Inc. Introduction The legal landscape surrounding trademark licensing agreements is complex,...

Substantial Evidence and Credibility Assessments in Disability Insurance Denials: Analysis of Van Vickie v. Astrue

Date: Aug 22, 2008

Substantial Evidence and Credibility Assessments in Disability Insurance Denials: Analysis of Van Vickie v. Astrue Introduction The case Kathy S. Van Vickie v. Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of...

True Threats and Protective Custody in School Settings: Comprehensive Commentary on Da v. d Riehm

Date: Aug 16, 2008

True Threats and Protective Custody in School Settings: Comprehensive Commentary on Da v. d Riehm Introduction The case of Da v. d Riehm; Colleen Riehm, Plaintiffs-Appellants (538 F.3d 952) explores...

Establishing Causation in Toxic Exposure Cases: Analysis of R. Bland v. Verizon Wireless

Date: Aug 15, 2008

Establishing Causation in Toxic Exposure Cases: Analysis of Racheal L. Bland v. Verizon Wireless Introduction The case of Racheal L. Bland v. Verizon Wireless, (VAW) L.L.C.; Cellco Partnership;...

Affirmation of Firearm Possession Restrictions under the Second Amendment: Fincher v. United States

Date: Aug 14, 2008

Affirmation of Firearm Possession Restrictions under the Second Amendment: Fincher v. United States Introduction In United States of America v. Hollis Wayne Fincher, the United States Court of...

Refining the Definition of "Crime of Violence" in U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Post-Begay v. United States

Date: Aug 12, 2008

Refining the Definition of "Crime of Violence" in U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Post-Begay v. United States Introduction In the appellate case United States of America v. Kenneth D. Williams, the United...

Eighth Circuit Clarifies Timing of Rule 59(e) Motions in Professional-Negligence Actions

Date: Aug 9, 2008

Eighth Circuit Clarifies Timing of Rule 59(e) Motions in Professional-Negligence Actions Introduction The case of Auto Services Company, Inc. v. KPMG, LLP et al. presents significant insights into...

Heightened Pleading Standards Under PSLRA: Insights from In re Hutchinson Technology Securities Litigation

Date: Aug 6, 2008

Heightened Pleading Standards Under PSLRA: Insights from In re Hutchinson Technology Securities Litigation Introduction The case In re Hutchinson Technology, Inc. Securities Litigation (536 F.3d 952,...

Establishing Probable Cause through Unproven Informant Tips: United States v. Nolen

Date: Aug 5, 2008

Establishing Probable Cause through Unproven Informant Tips: United States v. Nolen Introduction In United States of America v. Kenneth Nolen, 536 F.3d 834 (8th Cir. 2008), the United States Court of...