What Justin Baldoni’s Case Against the New York Times Teaches Us About Libel Law
In today’s celebrity-driven media world, defamation lawsuits are a common occurrence, particularly when public figures feel their reputations have been unfairly damaged by the press. Recently, Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of It Ends With Us, filed a high-profile libel lawsuit against the New York Times, seeking $250 million in damages. The lawsuit centers on an article that reported on allegations of misconduct made by Blake Lively, Baldoni’s co-star. This case presents a unique opportunity to examine the legal standards for libel, especially when it involves public figures.
New York’s Clean Slate Act
The New York Clean Slate Act took effect on November 16, 2024. The goal of the Clean Slate Act is to “curb discrimination” of formerly incarcerated individuals and minimize barriers to employment for those individuals “by sealing from public access the conviction records of individuals for certain state convictions.” This sealing would occur after an individual has “satisfied their sentence and the required period of time has passed,” so long as that individual has “remained a law-abiding citizen.”
New NJ Law Requires Disclosure of Wage and Salary Information in Job Posts
For employers looking to hire, a recent New Jersey law is mandating an important change on transparency requirements. On November 18, 2024, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law requiring most covered businesses to disclose wage or salary information and a description of benefits in job postings.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW JERSEY CASE INFORMATION STATEMENT (CIS) IN DIVORCE CASES
In New Jersey divorce proceedings, the Case Information Statement (CIS) is a central and crucial document that provides a detailed snapshot of the financial situation of the parties. Once a divorce complaint is filed, both parties must complete and submit the CIS to help the court understand key aspects of their finances. While completing the CIS can be time-consuming, it is essential to provide accurate and comprehensive information, as it will directly impact the outcome of your divorce and determine how the court will view your case. Below we will guide you through these key sections of the New Jersey link to sample form.
Sharing a Driveway
When the interests of homeowners and developers come into conflict, do New Jersey courts typically favor one over the other? While the state’s legislature has passed laws that put restraints on developers, the courts have found reasons over time to loosen those restraints. One recent decision from the NJ Appellate Division provides an example.
NJ Courts Recognize Grandparent Rights via “Psychological Parenting”
As the makeup of the family changes, so too does the law. In a recent decision by the New Jersey Appellate Division, L.N. v. B.R, A-1141-23 (07/08.24),the Appellate Division reinstated grandparents’ claim that their granddaughter’s father was not entitled to custody or must share custody because the grandparents had become the “psychological parents” of their granddaughter. The child’s mother unexpectedly died during childbirth.
Ride Sharing Away From Court: Uber’s Court Victory
When you step into an Uber, did you know you are likely giving up your right to go to court if your uber driver injures you in a car accident? So says a recent decision by the Appellate Division of New Jersey.
Social Media and the Workplace: Are You ‘Friends’ with Your Employees or Coworkers?
In today’s political climate, it is very common for people to express their opinions on social media. These conversations no longer take place only at the water cooler. More often, individuals are expressing themselves on social media, either with an original post or with a “like” or other support for another’s political post. But if you supervise others, or own the company, the risk of doing so, even from your personal account, cannot be understated.
Why You Need Three Estate Planning Devices
If you have children or have reached your 30’s or 40’s, you have probably heard a million times that you need three important legal documents: A will (and maybe a trust), a healthcare directive, and power of attorney. Yet, most people do not have these documents for reasons as different as people are. But the number ONE reason for having these documents is this: YOU choose who controls you and your money when you are sick or dead. Otherwise a court may have to choose after an expensive court process?
Bright Line Rule for Business Sidewalks
In Padilla v. Young, (A-43-22), the Supreme Court of New Jersey, in a 4-3 decision, tossed away centuries of common law and decades of New Jersey decisional law. From now on, a business owner has the duty to keep the public sidewalks that border all of its business property free from defects and hazards that could endanger pedestrians – even if the business property is a vacant lot.
