Growth market in death futures spawn suits; sales of life insurance policies at a discount draw fraud charges, SEC action
Article Abstract:
The policing of the viatical settlement industry is not keeping pace with its growth. According to the National Viatical Assn, sales volume has increased greatly even though 1996's advances in AIDS treatment have decreased the average yield from 20% to between 12% and 18%. Between $400 mil and $600 mil are being bought each year, and legislation making the purchase price tax-free to certain patients have given the investments added respectability. A suit against the president of Personal Choice Opportunities Inc for mail and wire fraud is one example.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1997
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Pet suits yielding larger damages for the owners; emotional distress a factor, among other novel theories
Article Abstract:
Judges' view of pet treatment suits involving intentional or malicious infliction of emotional distress on the pets seems to have changed, with five-figure verdicts for pets who are not breeding stock becoming almost commonplace. Whether the cause is US litigiousness or more enlightened attitudes about animals is debatable. Attorney Michael Rotsten has a practice consisting exclusively of animal cases, publicizing his work also with television appearances and magazine articles.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1998
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Protecting witnesses a duty? Suits try to hold law enforcement liable
Article Abstract:
The courts are moving away from the rule that the government is not obliged to protect witnesses under threat because of their testimony. A 1990 Florida case decided in favor of an injured witness and against the district attorney of Florida's 13th Judicial District. Two New York suits and one in Los Angeles concern the same cause of action and have survived summary judgment motions by the defense.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1992
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