Law in Outer Space

While the laws of physics most often govern what happens in outer space, there is also some international law that applies. The "Outer Space Treaty," which was signed and ratified by the United States and many other countries in 1967, limits its signatories' ability to place nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction into orbit around Earth and other celestial bodies. It also reserves Earth's moon and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes. Although seemingly aspirational in nature, the Treaty has been honored over the last 49 years allowing the U.S. and Russia - occasional terrestrial enemies - to collaborate in space.

For more on this document, visit the Outer Space Treaty page from the U.S. Department of State. You can also see a reproduction of the Treaty and the signatures of several member countries in the Law Library's lobby throughout Space Law Month - August 2016.

Latest & Greatest – Transgender Persons and the Law, 2nd Edition

By Ally Windsor Howell

Published by American Bar Association (2015)

KF 4754.5 .H69 2015

Another of the resources published by the American Bar Association and featured here at the Harris County Law Library this month, Transgender Persons and the Law, 2nd Edition, focuses upon whether a person is male or female for legal purposes and guides the reader through the murky waters that are all too familiar for those who do not identify with the gender they were at birth. Having transitioned herself, author Howell appropriately begins her book with an explanation of who a transgender person is. In this way, the reader can gain an understanding of the issues that transgender persons face when attempting to deal with their legal questions and problems. One of the first concerns upon transitioning is the changing of identification documents to match a new name and gender. These documents include birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s licenses, and immigration papers. Where available, the author provides information on the forms required to make the desired changes.

Howell also addresses the issue of discrimination in the use of public facilities, housing, military services and veterans benefits, health care, and employment. Of concern as well is the question of personal safety. Howell devotes a chapter to a discussion of gender-based violence and hate crime laws and domestic abuse. Transgender Persons and the Law, 2nd Edition is a comprehensive text discussing, addressing, and explaining the unique issues faced by transgender persons. The appendices also provide useful information regarding relevant state laws and municipal ordinances and a listing of companies that provide health insurance coverage for sex reassignment surgery. Whether you are an LGBT lawyer or simply want to become more aware of certain issues, Transgender Persons and the Law, 2nd Edition is an excellent resource for you.

Latest & Greatest -- Locked Down: Practical Information Security for Lawyers

August is ABA Resource Month at the Harris County Law Library. On this Tech Tuesday, we're spotlighting a new tech-related ABA publication, a recent addition to our collection on a topic of growing concern, cybersecurity and the protection of client data.

Locked Down: Practical Information Security for Lawyers is authored by three of the most prominent figures in the field of legal tech, Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek of Sensei Enterprises (and co-hosts of  Digital Detectives on the Legal Talk Network), and David G. Ries, a Pittsburgh attorney specializing in data protection, information security, and digital forensics. 

The authors begin by discussing the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In particular, they point to Rule 1.6, which requires members of the Bar to protect client confidentiality. They also discuss the challenges of securing data in the age of nearly universal connectivity and widespread mobility. Recognizing the inherent difficulties of guarding against data breaches, the authors provide solutions and advice, as well as answers to common questions regarding passwords, multifactor authentication, smartphone security, encryption, and the use of public wi-fi networks.  

Be sure to check out the final Appendix of the book where key developments in the field in information security are addressed, such as the Cybersecurity Informaton Sharing Act of 2015. Also included are recommended sources for tracking vulnerabilities and threats, namely Naked Security News and SANS OUCH!

Perseid Meteor Shower Tonight!

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Image Credit: NASA - Originally published at http://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/watching-meteors-from-the-space-station

Our hometown space agency NASA reports that the annual Perseid Meteor Shower is expected to produce quite a show this year and will peak tonight (Aug. 11, 2016) and tomorrow night (Aug. 12, 2016). While photographers throughout the world will undoubtedly capture phenomenal photographs of the event, very few can capture the types of images NASA will take from the International Space Station and other extraterrestrial locations.

So, how can you use these images when your camera equipment isn't mounted to a rocket? NASA makes it easy! As an agency of the federal government, NASA produces quite a bit of content that is not copyrighted (See U.S. Government Works on USA.gov). As such, beautiful photos and video of outer space, celestial events, and sleek spacecraft are available for use free of charge and without prior permission - especially for educational use - at NASA.gov! However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:

• Be sure to follow the Media Usage Guidelines, which include giving NASA credit for the content the agency has produced.
• Some of the content on NASA.gov is copyrighted by third parties, so you may have to get permission to use that content from the copyright holder even if you find it on NASA.gov.
• The NASA Logo is protected under laws other than copyright and non-NASA entities are prohibited from using it without express permission under 14 C.F.R. § 1221.

Enjoy the Perseid Meteor Shower and visit the Law Library throughout the month of August for Space Law Month!

Latest & Greatest – ABA Trial Preparation Resources

By Bruce W. Felmly

Published by American Bar Association Section of Litigation and First Chair Press (2015)

KF 8915 .F47 2015

In support of its mission of making practical resources available to members of the legal profession, the American Bar Association has published two resources that assist lawyers with trial preparation: Preparing for Trial: 60 Days and Counting and One Hundred Days Before Trial: A Family Lawyer's Guide to Preparation and Strategy.

In his book, Preparing for Trial: 60 Days and Counting, Bruce W. Felmly walks the reader through a trial scenario from the moment the notice setting trial is received to the morning of the trial. Breaking down the 60 days into smaller increments, Felmly explains the tasks that need to or should be performed, such as scheduling, planning trial presentation techniques, conducting mock trials, preparing the pretrial filings, drafting a version of the opening statement, attending the pretrial conference, and preparing the client and witnesses. Following Felmly’s systematic approach will make the task ahead not seem so daunting.

By Steven N. Peskind

Published by the American Bar Association Section of Family Law (2015)

KF 505.5 .P47 2015

For the family lawyer, help comes in the form of Steven Peskind's One Hundred Days Before Trial: A Family Lawyer's Guide to Preparation and Strategy. Peskind guides the reader through the steps and preparations that must be or should be completed during the 100 days leading up to the trial of a family law case. Organized by segments based upon some suggested time periods, the author proposes certain tasks that lawyers should perform. For instance, witnesses, both lay and expert, should ideally be considered 60 days before trial, and 30 days prior to trial would probably be a good time to prepare opening and closing statements and draft any final pretrial motions. At the end of each chapter, there is a checklist to keep track of what has been done and what has yet to be done. This book is a great resource not only for the family lawyer but also for any lawyer who needs a bit of help with staying on track and keeping organized.

Look for both of these titles at the Harris County Law Library!