Over three months ago my boss sent me an urgent email. He needed an article for a newsletter “right away, as in today”. I hate pressure as much as the next guy, so I was really annoyed (toned down language in case my mother reads this). However, I struggled to put something of quality together. As of yet, there has been no newsletter published and this article is growing older by the minute. Rather than let it die, I’m going to post it here.
Facebook and the Law
We all love facebook, right? We use it to keep in touch with family and friends. We post our statuses share our pictures, jokes and links. We chat and check in at our favorite locations. It’s great fun. However, our facebook profiles say a lot about us. How many of us think about how our information can be used by third parties? How much of our privacy are we risking by using facebook and other social networking sites?
Facebook is clearly a public forum, therefore all information published on the site is available to the general public and can be legally used in criminal or other investigations. This is obvious in a situation where a person claiming a permanent disability under worker’s compensation statute posts status updates and photos on his arduous Trek Across Maine ride. After the June 15, 2011 “Vancouver Riot” which broke out after our Bruins beat the Canucks in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, police were overwhelmed with thousands of email tips with links to facebook and other social media postings. Many of these have been used in the investigation and presumably will be introduced as evidence in subsequent prosecutions.
So, it’s a given that the police can and will use facebook, but what about the implications in civil cases particularly in the discovery process? Modern discovery rules are very broad allowing for discovery of just about anything that may lead to admissible evidence. In Offenback v. L.M. Bowman, Inc., 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66432 (M.D. Pa. June 22, 2011) the plaintiff sued the defendants for personal injuries resulting from an automobile accident. The damages complained of included inability to work and limited “ability to sit, walk, stand, ride in a vehicle, bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift. He claimed that he could not drive for any period of time and [was] physically limited as to riding his bicycle or motorcycle.” The defendant’s attorneys requested discovery of his facebook account. His attorneys claimed the information was not relevant.
During an in camera review here’s what the judge found the plaintiff’s facebook account revealed:
• Plaintiff has posted a number of photographs or updates that reflect he continues to ride motorcycles and may have on more than one occasion traveled via motorcycle between his home in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. In particular, our review found a photograph posted on March 14, 2011, which appears to show Plaintiff with a Harley Davidson motorcycle that other posts suggest that he purchased in or around July 2010.
• On or about October 1, 2010, Plaintiff posted information to his account that suggests he may have traveled to West Virginia via motorcycle.
• On July 22, 2010, a post on Plaintiff's "Profile" page suggests that he had taken, or was planning to take, a trip to Pennsylvania on his motorcycle.
• On October 29, 2010, a photograph was posted to his account that may show Plaintiff hunting and in possession of a 10-point buck that he or another hunter had shot and killed.
• On August 29, 2010, Plaintiff's "Profile" contains an update in which he posts photographs and comments suggesting that he may have recently ridden a mule.
• On July 7, 2010, Plaintiff posted pictures of a Harley Davidson motorcycle that it appears he may have purchased shortly before the pictures were posted.
• On July 1, 2010, Plaintiff included "motorcycles" among his interests that he posted to his Facebook profile.
• Between March 16, 2010, and March 18, 2010, friends or relatives of Plaintiff posted comments to his profile that suggest Plaintiff had traveled from Kentucky to Pennsylvania, either by motorcycle or automobile.
It should be no surprise that the plaintiff was ordered to provide that facebook data to the defendants although the judge did add that other information, specifically “routine communications with family and friends, an interest in bluegrass and country music, a photography hobby, sporadic observations about current events, and a passion for the Philadelphia Phillies”, was not relevant.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
YouNeedaHelmet When You’re not Particularly Punctilious
The dictionary.com Word of the Day is punctilious (puhnk-TIL-ee-uhs), an adjective meaning “strictly attentive to the details of form in action or conduct; precise; exact in the smallest particulars”. After a tedious morning in-service on rubrics and assessment, I found myself with a couple of free hours. Since I’m starting a black and white film photography class on Wednesday, I tried to make good use of the time by preparing.
Several months ago at an auction I bought a Nikon FG 35 mm camera and two extra lenses. The FG is the camera I wanted in the 80’s but couldn’t afford. I had already gotten batteries for it and tested it to make sure it powered on. One thing I noticed was that it had a roll of Kodachrome film in it. Yeah, as in “I got a Nikon camera, I like to take a photograph, so Mama don’t take …. “ More importantly they don’t make it any longer. Even though that old roll left in that old camera for who knows how long might not be any good, I was optimistic and proceeded to use it up.
I referred to my manual. I carefully adjusted and readjusted the settings. I practiced using the complicated focusing screen. I framed each shot with the greatest of care. I worked at this for over an hour. I shot 32 frames and was feeling great. Again I referenced the manual for precise instructions on how to rewind and remove that precious roll of Kodachrome. Alas, when I opened the camera back, I discovered that the spool was empty.
Several months ago at an auction I bought a Nikon FG 35 mm camera and two extra lenses. The FG is the camera I wanted in the 80’s but couldn’t afford. I had already gotten batteries for it and tested it to make sure it powered on. One thing I noticed was that it had a roll of Kodachrome film in it. Yeah, as in “I got a Nikon camera, I like to take a photograph, so Mama don’t take …. “ More importantly they don’t make it any longer. Even though that old roll left in that old camera for who knows how long might not be any good, I was optimistic and proceeded to use it up.
I referred to my manual. I carefully adjusted and readjusted the settings. I practiced using the complicated focusing screen. I framed each shot with the greatest of care. I worked at this for over an hour. I shot 32 frames and was feeling great. Again I referenced the manual for precise instructions on how to rewind and remove that precious roll of Kodachrome. Alas, when I opened the camera back, I discovered that the spool was empty.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Anthony Case and Ignorance of the Law
I wasn’t going to touch this one, but #YouNeedaHelmet when you read some of the appalling and misguided comments about the Casey Anthony verdict. As everyone on the planet who hasn’t been living under a rock knows Casey Anthony was found not guilty of murder, aggravated child abuse and manslaughter for the death of her daughter. Here’s a fairly good news report on Tuesday’s court proceeding - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/05/casey-anthony-trial-verdict_n_890173.html#s303265&title=Casey_Anthony_Verdict
Many things bother me about the public nature of this trial and the outrage following the acquittal. A subtitle to a news article read “jury finds Casey Anthony did not murder her toddler.” We all should know that is not what a jury “finds” in a criminal trial. The jury finds the facts and the judge applies the law. Understanding the system and how it works is key to reflecting on the outcome.
There’s no question that facts of this case are egregious. A two-year old child’s remains were found in a plastic bag five months after her grandmother reported her missing. Casey never reported a missing child to the police. She didn’t even admit her daughter was missing for a month. She lied repeatedly and both her stories and her actions were, quite frankly, bizarre. Then there’s the shovel thing and the odor in the trunk business. But are those facts sufficient to convict Caylee Marie Anthony’s mother of her murder? Was she guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? The jury said no.
So, what does that acquittal mean? It means this case is over. Period. End of story. I am amazed how many seemingly educated, thoughtful people have been clamoring for a retrial and/or an appeal by the state of Florida. Are these the same people who were shooting illegal fireworks off at all hours of the night this past weekend celebrating our independence and our American way of life? Have they ever read the Constitution? Do they understand what it says, and, more importantly, what it means? I’m saddened to discover that they do not.
There are many troubling aspects to this media circus of a criminal proceeding. The graceless Nancy Grace is and has been a distraction if not a disgrace. Pun intended. The legal taking heads on the cable news networks have soundly and severely criticized Casey’s defense team and Jose Baez, in particular. These may be topics for another post, but let me end with this. We may never know what “really” happened but the jury has spoken. Let’s respect that.
Many things bother me about the public nature of this trial and the outrage following the acquittal. A subtitle to a news article read “jury finds Casey Anthony did not murder her toddler.” We all should know that is not what a jury “finds” in a criminal trial. The jury finds the facts and the judge applies the law. Understanding the system and how it works is key to reflecting on the outcome.
There’s no question that facts of this case are egregious. A two-year old child’s remains were found in a plastic bag five months after her grandmother reported her missing. Casey never reported a missing child to the police. She didn’t even admit her daughter was missing for a month. She lied repeatedly and both her stories and her actions were, quite frankly, bizarre. Then there’s the shovel thing and the odor in the trunk business. But are those facts sufficient to convict Caylee Marie Anthony’s mother of her murder? Was she guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? The jury said no.
So, what does that acquittal mean? It means this case is over. Period. End of story. I am amazed how many seemingly educated, thoughtful people have been clamoring for a retrial and/or an appeal by the state of Florida. Are these the same people who were shooting illegal fireworks off at all hours of the night this past weekend celebrating our independence and our American way of life? Have they ever read the Constitution? Do they understand what it says, and, more importantly, what it means? I’m saddened to discover that they do not.
There are many troubling aspects to this media circus of a criminal proceeding. The graceless Nancy Grace is and has been a distraction if not a disgrace. Pun intended. The legal taking heads on the cable news networks have soundly and severely criticized Casey’s defense team and Jose Baez, in particular. These may be topics for another post, but let me end with this. We may never know what “really” happened but the jury has spoken. Let’s respect that.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
YouNeedaHelmet When You Work Here Part 1
I’m a teacher and will state without any trace of false modesty that I’m damned good at what I do. I love to teach. I live to teach. More to the point, I used to love my job. Unfortunately, that job has changed so much over the past few years that I no longer recognize it. As a colleague said to me recently, “All this paperwork really interferes with my teaching.” I concur and hope to explore here and in future posts what has happened.
So there are a few things I need to know. Let’s start with what’s bothering me the most lately. When did I miss the memo stating that the purpose of post-secondary education is job training? Yes, I was bored and missed most of the ‘80’s but I’ve tried hard to keep up and pay attention since then. Call me old-fashioned, but I still believe the purpose of education is to open minds and that it is not, and never should be, to train and place workers.
Wasn’t it was Socrates who said, "I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think"? I value exposing students to new ideas, helping them to think critically and, building their self-esteem. I get up out of bed each morning to do those very things. The rewards are great and can’t be expressed in formula, rubrics or spreadsheets.
A person who has the ability to read, write and think logically will be a better citizen, a better parent, and, of course, a better employee. But here’s the rub, we cannot measure the value of an individual’s education by a resume or a W-2. How I wish the paper pushers would stop trying!
Focus on this mission statement from Bates College:
Since 1855, Bates College has been dedicated to the emancipating potential of the liberal arts. Bates educates the whole person through creative and rigorous scholarship in a collaborative residential community. With ardor and devotion -- Amore ac Studio -- we engage the transformative power of our differences, cultivating intellectual discovery and informed civic action. Preparing leaders sustained by a love of learning and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the wider world, Bates is a college for coming times.
Read through the mission statement for USM:
The University of Southern Maine, northern New England's outstanding public, regional, comprehensive university, is dedicated to providing students with a high quality, accessible, affordable education. Through its undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, USM faculty members educate future leaders in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering and technology, health and social services, education, business, law and public service. Distinguished for their teaching, research, scholarly publication and creative activity, the faculty are committed to fostering a spirit of critical inquiry and civic participation. USM embraces academic freedom for students, faculty, and staff, and advocates diversity in all aspects of its campus life and academic work. It supports sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. As a center for discovery, scholarship and creativity, USM provides resources for the state, the nation, and the world.
Here’s a like to the mission statement for Harvard College which is really too long to post here: http://www.harvard.edu/siteguide/faqs/faq110.php
Do we really want to stray too much further from these ideals? I’m advocating “Amore ac Studio”. How about you?
So there are a few things I need to know. Let’s start with what’s bothering me the most lately. When did I miss the memo stating that the purpose of post-secondary education is job training? Yes, I was bored and missed most of the ‘80’s but I’ve tried hard to keep up and pay attention since then. Call me old-fashioned, but I still believe the purpose of education is to open minds and that it is not, and never should be, to train and place workers.
Wasn’t it was Socrates who said, "I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think"? I value exposing students to new ideas, helping them to think critically and, building their self-esteem. I get up out of bed each morning to do those very things. The rewards are great and can’t be expressed in formula, rubrics or spreadsheets.
A person who has the ability to read, write and think logically will be a better citizen, a better parent, and, of course, a better employee. But here’s the rub, we cannot measure the value of an individual’s education by a resume or a W-2. How I wish the paper pushers would stop trying!
Focus on this mission statement from Bates College:
Since 1855, Bates College has been dedicated to the emancipating potential of the liberal arts. Bates educates the whole person through creative and rigorous scholarship in a collaborative residential community. With ardor and devotion -- Amore ac Studio -- we engage the transformative power of our differences, cultivating intellectual discovery and informed civic action. Preparing leaders sustained by a love of learning and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the wider world, Bates is a college for coming times.
Read through the mission statement for USM:
The University of Southern Maine, northern New England's outstanding public, regional, comprehensive university, is dedicated to providing students with a high quality, accessible, affordable education. Through its undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, USM faculty members educate future leaders in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering and technology, health and social services, education, business, law and public service. Distinguished for their teaching, research, scholarly publication and creative activity, the faculty are committed to fostering a spirit of critical inquiry and civic participation. USM embraces academic freedom for students, faculty, and staff, and advocates diversity in all aspects of its campus life and academic work. It supports sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. As a center for discovery, scholarship and creativity, USM provides resources for the state, the nation, and the world.
Here’s a like to the mission statement for Harvard College which is really too long to post here: http://www.harvard.edu/siteguide/faqs/faq110.php
Do we really want to stray too much further from these ideals? I’m advocating “Amore ac Studio”. How about you?
Friday, February 11, 2011
You Need a Helmet in Acronym Hell
I hate acronyms. Or should I say IHA? Perhaps my brain is wired poorly, but I find most acronyms confusing. Especially without a specific context, I often scratch my head and mutter WTH when I see one in a tweet or facebook status. Am I alone in this?
A Google query for “acronym search” today yielded 437,000 results, but the top hit was Acronym Search at http://www.acronymsearch.com/. Maybe I should bookmark this site because it lets you type in any acronym and then tells you what it stands for. That will help me, right?
Ah, no, not really. I typed in WTF and got fourteen possible meanings, including World Tennis Federation and World Taekwondo Federation. Please note that the URL for the World Taekwondo Federation is http://www.wtf.org/ Somehow I don’t think either of those reflect what the twenty-somethings intend to express in their facebook statuses. By the way, did you know that OMG stands for Object Management Group?
My department chair assigned me a task a few weeks back. He told me to work on the CLA’s. If you’re a lawyer or a paralegal, you know CLA stands for Certified Legal Assistant. My acronym search tells me it can also mean the Children’s Liver Alliance. Apparently where I work, it’s short for Collegiate Learning Assessment. Hmm, or is that Course Level Assessment?
Since I’m such a great team player (according to my recent ASA), I slaved away and sent the boss the fruits of my labor only to find that he meant LA’s, not CLA’s. LOL. Our next project may involve GEL’s. FML!
Well, TTFN. I just received an urgent email regarding an RTP. Apparently if I don’t take care of this my EOT’s could suffer.
A Google query for “acronym search” today yielded 437,000 results, but the top hit was Acronym Search at http://www.acronymsearch.com/. Maybe I should bookmark this site because it lets you type in any acronym and then tells you what it stands for. That will help me, right?
Ah, no, not really. I typed in WTF and got fourteen possible meanings, including World Tennis Federation and World Taekwondo Federation. Please note that the URL for the World Taekwondo Federation is http://www.wtf.org/ Somehow I don’t think either of those reflect what the twenty-somethings intend to express in their facebook statuses. By the way, did you know that OMG stands for Object Management Group?
My department chair assigned me a task a few weeks back. He told me to work on the CLA’s. If you’re a lawyer or a paralegal, you know CLA stands for Certified Legal Assistant. My acronym search tells me it can also mean the Children’s Liver Alliance. Apparently where I work, it’s short for Collegiate Learning Assessment. Hmm, or is that Course Level Assessment?
Since I’m such a great team player (according to my recent ASA), I slaved away and sent the boss the fruits of my labor only to find that he meant LA’s, not CLA’s. LOL. Our next project may involve GEL’s. FML!
Well, TTFN. I just received an urgent email regarding an RTP. Apparently if I don’t take care of this my EOT’s could suffer.
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