Orange County Reporter

GUEST COLUMNS

Federalism allows states and the federal government to balance power and protect individual liberty, encouraging citizens to seek protection from one government when oppressed by the other.

Newsom's tax credit gamble to boost California's entertainment industry

Amid high living costs and talent retention issues, Governor Newsom's plan to incentivize local production could stabilize California's entertainment workforce and provide an economic boost following the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.

AI vs. human court reporters in the future of legal transcription

As AI technology impacts the court reporting industry, the risks--ranging from bias to security concerns--highlight why human court reporters are still essential for delivering accurate, reliable, and trustworthy legal transcripts.

Hochman's win could cast a wider net on prosecutorial priorities

Hochman's "hard middle" platform may allow federal agencies and prosecutors in the region to focus on broader, more complex matters, potentially incentivizing the U.S. Attorney's Office to increase its focus on major cases and corporate wrongdoing, including financial crimes and those impacting America's financial systems.

State AI agenda unpacks the new legislative measures shaping the future

In 2024, California's legislature passed key AI bills focused on ethical concerns and digital content misuse, while Gov. Newsom vetoed a broader measure, signaling the state's cautious approach to AI regulation and its future impact.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe settles data breach claims with hefty fine

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP settles $8 million data breach class action, offering compensation and free identity theft protection to victims while enhancing cybersecurity practices.

Fighting back

California filed 123 lawsuits against the federal government during Trump's first presidency and is preparing for more under Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

California court upholds debarment of contractors for apprenticeship violations

The case of GRFCO, Inc. v. Superior Court highlights the importance of compliance with the apprenticeship requirements on state and local public works projects in California.

Navigating litigation funding requires a thorough and careful tax strategy

Litigation finance is a legitimate way for lawyers and plaintiffs to receive nonrecourse cash, but it's important to consider taxes when striking a deal or later when filing tax returns.

California's $20 wage hike and the future of fast food

California's landmark $20 minimum wage for fast food workers is reshaping the industry, but questions about its long-term impact on wages, turnover, and the role of the Fast Food Council remain.

iFeres v. U.S. - the Supreme Court's unjustified bar to redress for injuries 'incident to service'

The need for experiential diversity on the bench

Soldier first, lawyer always

Military service and the law

Military service imparts valuable skills and qualities that are highly beneficial in the legal profession, such as discipline, commitment, and strong interpersonal skills.

California's lack of Veterans Treatment Courts leaves veterans vulnerable

A life within the rule of law

You cannot pass! The court's role as a gatekeeper

The gatekeeper role, found across mythologies worldwide, is akin to the task trial courts face when screening expert testimony. California cases like Sargon and Tidd highlight the court's duty to ensure that only well-founded, scientifically reliable expert opinions reach the trier of fact, guarding against testimony based on conjecture or insufficient foundation.

Trademark tensions on the track: Court upholds First Amendment protections in Haas v. Steiner

The case of Haas Automation, Inc. v. Guenther Steiner and Ten Speed Press highlights the balance between trademark law and creative expression, focusing on the use of trademarks in biographical works.

The massive change in FTC's 'click to cancel' rule and the state's updated law that nobody is discussing

Decisions by the FTC and California may open new avenues for challenging any advertising claims, with potentially multi-million-dollar business-ending implications for any company selling products on an autorenewal, continuous service, or negative option basis.

Governor nixes bill on private equity in California healthcare

California Gov. Newsom vetoes AB 3129, stopping new restrictions on private equity and hedge fund-backed healthcare deals but other regulatory hurdles for healthcare investors remain in place.

The case for Early Dispute Resolution to fast-track justice

Pursuing early settlement of disputes allows parties to maintain control over the process and outcome, reducing reliance on overburdened judges and unpredictable juries while minimizing economic, timing, and emotional costs.

The new legal recourse for judgment debtors in ex parte proceedings

The Ex Parte Loophole: California courts likely will adopt an exception to malicious prosecution requirements which otherwise require favorable termination when an ex parte has been granted with no opportunity to be heard.

The death of the 2nd Amendment: Part IV - The purpose behind the 2nd

Professor Carl T. Bogus argues that the Second Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights to protect slavery, as Southern states feared the possibility of slave rebellions and the potential for the federal government to disarm the slave patrols. Bogus's research contradicts Justice Antonin Scalia's notion that the Second Amendment was meant to facilitate citizen insurrections against a "tyrannical" federal government.

Class assumptions: Who decides what it means to be wealthy?

At a recent party, an older man claimed that only "very wealthy" individuals could afford a subscription box at the Hollywood Bowl, prompting reflection on classism and the misconceptions surrounding wealth and lifestyle choices.

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