Lawsuit pipeline: dueling polybutylene class actions make choices plumb difficult for homeowners

Article Abstract:

Homeowners whose polybutelene piping leaks are faced with dueling class-action lawsuits and tight deadlines for making a complex decision. Lawsuits in Tennessee, Cox v. Shell Oil, and Alabama, Spencer v. Shell, seek different goals, with Spencer nearing trial and an $850 million settlement imminent in Cox. Who will be covered by Spencer, and how likely an award is, are unclear. Lawyers in each case say the other is hurting clients and acting unprofessionally. Meanwhile, class actions are seeking certification in other states.

Analysis, Class actions (Civil procedure), Cases, Class action lawsuits, Plastic pipes, Polybutylene, Pipe, Plastic, states

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Improbable cause: prosecutors say police may have made arrests based on questionable 'narcotics divining rod.' (Quadro Tracker)

Article Abstract:

Federal prosecutors hope to permanently stop sales of Quadro Tracker, a drug detection device that has generated heated controversy in the law-enforcement community. US District Judge Thad Heartfield in Feb 1996 temporarily banend sales to schools and law enforcement agencies. Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico issued a 1995 report calling the Tracker into serious question, though more than 1,000 have sold nationwide for up to $3,000. Prosecutors fear use of the device could jeopardize convictions.

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing, Electronic Search & Detect Eqp, Product information, Testimony, Police, Police officers, Detection equipment, Drug traffic, Drug dealing, Quadro Corp.

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New devices let frisks go undercover; agency pushes effort while critics worry about trampling privacy rights

Article Abstract:

New scanners which allow police to search people up to 90 feet away unbeknownst to them raise privacy concerns. The devices were originally made for military use and courts will probably not balk at their use at airports and courthouses instead of more convention scanners. Other uses will have to qualify as reasonable searches and at least follow guidelines established in the Terry case.

Innovations, Searches and seizures, Criminal investigation, Electronic equipment, Electronics in criminal investigation

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