A question of influence; critics see dividends in political contributions by former publisher

Article Abstract:

Vance Opperman, former pres of West Publishing Co, has long contributed to the Democratic Party. Critics point to governmental decisions benefiting West and imply that these decisions were linked to Opperman's political activities and contributions. Examples are the $3.43 bil merger of West and Thomson Corp which drew heavy opposition from various quarters but eventually got Justice Department blessing and the dropping of an investigation of allegedly monopolies in the online legal services industry after West objected. Opperman maintains that his personal political activity and government decisions on West are not connected.

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING, Publishing, Publishing Industries, Publishing industry, United States, Cases, Finance, Donations, Campaign funds, Democratic Party (United States), West Publishing Co., Opperman, Vance

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Good-faith firings; labor lawyers find cottage industry in investigations for harassment actions

Article Abstract:

A 1998 California Supreme Court ruling in Cotran v. Rollins Hudig Hall International found that an employer may not be liable for a dismissal of an employee wrongfully accused of sexual harassment when the employer had a reasonable, good-faith belief of the allegations' truth. Cotran admitted consensual affairs with both of his accusers and claimed that they had only accused him of harassment after the relationships soured. There are signs that harassment claims have grown greatly since the Cotran case.

Investigations, California, Sexual harassment, Employee dismissals, Employment terminations, Employment at will

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Few find fault with new AG; former Aetna general counsel praised for even temper, good judgment, integrity

Article Abstract:

Bill Clinton's selection of Zoe Baird as attorney-general-designate surprised observers but their reaction has been generally favorable. Baird was thought to be a top candidate for White House counsel. Women's groups were very pleased with the nomination and even conservative groups were not unhappy, taking comfort in Baird's understanding of the business community.

Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Public opinion, Attorneys general, Baird, Zoe

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