Vincent G. Rinn Law Library

"Statistical Abstract" Resurrected By ProQuest & Bernan

The U.S. Census Bureau, responsible for publishing the Statistical Abstract of the United States (Stats Abstract), announced in March 2011 that it would cease production of the Statistical Abstract after the 2012 edition, ( see Statistical Abstract of U.S. Going Away ? )

It had functioned as both as an answer book and source guide. It had been used by librarians and public patrons for generations to help answer a myriad of statistical inquiries with both government and privately gathered data. Even with widespread lobbying by users and librarians, the Census Bureau said it would not continue the Stats Abstract  "due both to substantial budgetary constraints and the need to prioritize several new data gathering endeavors." While  government budgets are indeed tight, one wonders why such a valuable information tool would not also be considered a priority.

Sometimes  private sector publishers have take over previously free government titles which they turn into commercial products that former users must then pay for access to. In the late 1990s several government publications became privatized including Significant Features of Fiscal Federalism, Handbook of Labor Statistics, and Business Statistics of the United States, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, U.S. Industrial Outlook . ( See Robert Oakley, Testimony Regarding S. 2288, The Wendell H. Ford Government Publications Reform Act Of 1998)

However, in this case, two private sector actors have come to the rescue of a valuable publication that the government has just chosen not to continue providing ! A fortuitous reversal of some past practices by private publishers. (Also see, ProQuest press release )

ProQuest, Ann Arbor, Michigan-based electronic publisher and microfilm publisher and Bernan, leading  distributor of essential government publications and publisher of reference works based on government data, have partnered to bring back the venerable "Statistical Abstract of the United States", as a print and an online product. This partnership will ensure the continuation of a the premier reference source that was fist published in 1878.

The new commercial Stats Abstract volume will be an 8.5 x 11 in. hardcover and will contain approximately the same number of tables as previous government editions. Libraries around the country have a spot ready for the 2013 edition.

The considerable staff of statistical editors at ProQuest will be handling the production of the online version of the Stats Abstract. According to the press release, "The digital version will include monthly updates to tables, deep searching at the line-item level, powerful facets for narrowing search results, image and spreadsheet versions of all current and historical tables, along with links to provider sites." This is an advance over the format of the previous goverment online versions which are PDF reproductions of the print version.

Congratulations to ProQuest and Bernan for not only seizing a business opportunity but also serving the information needs of countless citizens who were left "high and dry" by the U.S. Census Bureau.

 

"Overload", Book Examines Impact of Information Overload

Many of us probably recognize that there is a tipping point both in business and in our own personal lives when ever greater access to information, no longer facilitates the activities directed to achieving our objectives. But rather begins to confuse and frustrate those activities, as the volume and number of options for information move beyond our abilities to deal with them.

This seems to be the situation that Jonathan B. Spira, author of the book, "Overload! How Too Much Information is Hazardous to your Organization", is addressing in his new book.

A quote from Larry Bowden, a vice president at computer giant IBM, really captures the crux of the problem, "Information Overload basically slows me down because I' m interacting with information that ’ s irrelevant and out of context and not allowing me to get to the end point to have the impact that I want.”

Mr. Spira explores the exponential growth in the generation of new information and knowledge and how greater access to this production, can detrimentally impact businesses and individual knowledge workers at work and in  their personal lives.

He claims that the very tools deployed to make knowledge workers more efficient have in turn bogged productivity down. He claims that "Information Overload has resulted in work days that never seem to end, completely destroying work/life balance and may even have "..caused people to lose their ability to manage thoughts and ideas, contemplate, and even reason and think."

Beyond exploring the negative impacts of information overload, Mr. Spira's book also provides pragmatic advice, tips, and strategies that the world’s leading organizations, including IBM, Intel, Morgan Stanley, and the U.S. Air Force have employed.

Mr. Spira's book would probably be of value to both managers and individual workers who may already be  experiencing the consequences  to information overload that he describes.

Link to Publisher page.

 

Stocking Stuffer For Your Favotite Illinois Attorney

The Illinois New Rules of Evidence become effective January 1, 2011. A pocket sized edition is now available from the Illinois Bar Association for only $9.99 for Members &  $14.99 for Non-Members.

Running 88 pages long, it could fit into a sturdy stocking hung on the mantle with care. It is the product of two years of diligent work by the Special Supreme Court Committee on Illinois Evidence . You can give the law of Illinois evidence in one easily accessible, authoritative source. Get it into the hands of your favorite practioner or law student before the effective date !

For more information and to purchase a book, please visit

www.isba.org/store/books/illinoisrulesofevidence

Holiday ‘Book Tasting’ Showcases Latest Books By DePaul Faculty Authors

DePaul University’s inaugural “Book Tasting,” which features some of the latest work by faculty authors, will be held Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in the University Center Conference Chicago, 525 S. State St. In the spirit of a wine tasting, authors will offer a flavor of their fiction, topical nonfiction and poetry.

Admission is free and includes a wine raffle. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Guests must be 21 and over to attend because wine will be served. RSVP to the Office of Public Relations and Communications by Friday, Dec. 3 by clicking here. Or call (312) 362-8591.

Authors also will answer questions and sign copies of their books, which are perfect for holiday gifts. The following DePaul authors are scheduled to appear:

Larry Bennett, a professor of political science and author of “The Third City: Chicago and American Urbanism” (University of Chicago Press).

Joseph Ferrari, professor of psychology and Vincent dePaul distinguished professor, is author of “Still Procrastinating? The No Regrets Guide to Getting It Done” (John Wiley & Sons)

Rebecca Johns is an assistant professor of English and author of “The Countess” (Crown). The book is a fictionalization of the life of Elizabeth Bathory, known as the “Blood Countess” of Hungary—one of the most prolific serial killers in history.

Andrea Lyon is a professor of law, associate dean for Clinical Programs in the College of Law and director of the Center for Justice in Capital Cases. She is author of “Angel of Death Row” (Kaplan Publishing), which chronicles some of Lyon’s most compelling work as a criminal defense attorney.

Haki Madhubuti is the Ida B. Wells-Barnett university professor and author of “Liberation Narratives: New and Collected Poems 1966-2009” (Third World Press), a collection of his poetry spanning his illustrious career. He is an award-winning poet as well as founder and president of Third World Press.

Patricia Monaghan is a professor in the School for New Learning and author of “Wineries of Wisconsin and Minnesota” (Minnesota Historical Society Press). The book is a guide to 55 wineries ranging from small family-farm operations to the largest, most well-known wine producers.

Achy Obejas is the Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz writer-in-residence and teaches in the English department and the Latin-American and Latino Studies program. She is author of the novel “Ruins” (Akashic Books) that tells the story of an old man who eagerly supported the Cuban Revolution only to become increasingly isolated in his revolutionary zeal.

Regina Spellers Sims is a visiting assistant professor in the School for New Learning. She is co-editor of “Blackberries and Redbones: Critical Articulations of Black Hair/Body Politics in Africana Communities” (Hampton Press). The book features essays, poems and creative writing that examine the meanings of black anatomy in a changing world.

"Just Books" Could Be "Just The Ticket" For Keeping Up

Looking for a site that can help you keep up with new legally-related books ?
Or that can provide knowledgeable guidance for books on significant issues, such as :

What is the one book all students should read before they start law school ?

What books are essential to understanding how the Supreme Court works ?

What is the best novel about justice ?

What is the Tea Party so angry about ?

What book(s) would you recommend to somebody who wants a context in which to understand the BP Oil Spill and what's at stake in the Gulf ?

Then check out the "Just Books" web page of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law.
The site was launched this in April. It's self description states that it is "dedicated to justice, books and ideas." Just Books features reviews, criticism, essays and excerpts from range of prominent writers.

Gov. Doc. Comic Book Reprises Print

  A time-traveling mouse, in a totally in-house-produced comic book, helps kick off the Government Printing Office's (GPO) upcoming 150th anniversary in 2011."The office -- which has published comics from Pip the Safety Elephant to a "Pogo" parental primer over the past half-century [for other agencies] -- now comes out with "Squeaks Discovers Type," featuring the titular space mouse."

In a world in which the print format is being inexorably eclipsed by digital formats,this fanciful historical romp through the history of printing, helps put the significance of the print medium in proper perspective.

The dynamic duo creators of the comic are the author, Jim Cameron and the illustrator, Nick Crawford. Mr. Cameron acknowledges the inspiration of his kids for the plot of the 24 page book. Mr. Crawford who hand drew the artwork, talks about how they came up with the idea for the book, ""We talked about how the younger generation doesn't know the background [of printing's inventions], so we kind of discussed: 'Let's do a comic book that's readable enough for adults, too -- about the importance of printing.'"

GPO also produced this comic book to showcase their creative services for their agency customers. The next  comic they do , may be for one of these agencies. 

The comic book is available online from GPO for $5.There is no online version of the book at this time. But one can easily foresee digital comic books with links to additional information and interactive features.

However, illustrator Nick Crawford says, ": I think that there is huge potential in interactive comics in digital form, but there is still nothing like a great book to flip through."

"Illinois Survival Guide" - New book From the ABA On Surviving As A New Attorney

A recent 2009 book published by the American Bar Association, “The Illinois Survival Guide”, Best Practices for New lawyers”, provides an excellent  resource for new attorneys pursuing a solo practice, with a focus on Illinois legal practice.

The two authors provide a good balance of perspectives given their different backgrounds. John H. Maville  graduated from the University of  Illinois law School in 1967. He has been a county State’s Attorney; served on the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and is a past president of the Boone County Bar association. Co-author Heather M. Fritsch is a 2000 graduate from Chicago-Kent  College of Law. She worked for about six years in two law firms before she started her own legal practice in Sycamore, Illinois.  She is currently the Vice-Chair of the ISBA’s Young Lawyers Division.

The book is divided into six chapters on “How to Be an attorney” and seven on “Starting Your Own Practice”. There are two appendixes with 158 pages of forms each related to the two main sections of the book (Also on a CD-ROM accompanying the book) . They include forms for client relations, office procedures, Illinois court filings.The text is very practical and detailed in providing advice on matters of office location, billing, employee hiring, office equipment, software, and even office supplies such as a coffee maker ! Most of the chapters have a personal viewpoint at their end, either from one of the authors or sometimes from both, drawn from their own experience.

Besides the very practical advice in the book, Chapter Four spend some time exploring the psychological and motivational issues that will confront those who take this “road less traveled” of solo practice.  Co-author  Heather Fritch relates some personal stories that give real life meaning to the concept of work/life balance.  The insights and recommendations in this chapter may be even more valuable than  the excellent practical guidance in the book, in helping  steer the new lawyer to a successful life and practice.

To quote Ms. Fritch from that chapter, “…being an attorney is not simply a career;  it’s a way of life,  and it can consume you. Remember to find your place within the profession, but do not lose yourself in the process…”

New Book Proposes A "National Security Court System"

At the beginning of the year, at least three bills have been introduced in Congress to either force the administration to consult with "with appropriate officials" before attempting to try terrorism suspects ( S.2943), or not try a specific suspect in civilian courts (S.RES.403), or requiring that all terrorist suspects be tried by military tribunals instead of civilian courts (H.R.4463).

Since Supreme Court cases have ruled the Bush administration creation of it's own military tribunals unconstitutional (Boumediene v. Bush and Al Odah v. United States , HAMDAN v. DONALD H. RUMSFELD ), it would seem that federal civilian courts which have been successfully used to try previous terrorists suspects, would be a generally accepted method for trying current suspects including some of the multi-year Guantanamo detainees.

In fact, the Obama administration has retained the use of of military commissions in other cases, claiming that a law the President signed has made improvements to the military commissions. A bi-polar set of positions seem to be attempting to limit what the administration can do to provide the due process enunciated by the Supreme Court and to put an end to the detention without charge and meaningful hearing, of the Bush administration.

However, even a mix of current approaches may not be able to satisfy the contending proponents nor provide for the developing context of unconventional conflict and actors. A significant new book by Glenn Sulmasy, who is National Security and Human Rights Fellow, Harvard University, and Professor of Law, Commander and Judge Advocate, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, points to a  possible new way to try detainees in America's war on al-Qaida.

In his book,"The national security court system : a natural evolution of justice in an age of terror ", "he proposes a reasonable "third way" solution that avoids even more extreme measures, on the one hand, and a complete shuttering of the court system, on the other. Instead, he advocates creating a separate standing judicial system, overseen by civilian judges, that allows for habeas corpus appeals and which focuses exclusively on existing war-on-terror cases as well as the inevitable cases to come."

Professor Andrea Lyon Book Discussion & Signing At Barnes & Noble

  

DePaul law Professor Andrea Lyon will discuss and sign her new book,"ANGEL OF DEATH ROW: My Life as a Death Penalty Lawyer" at the Barnes & Noble bookstore, 1ST floor of the DePaul Center, 1 East Jackson Blvd.on Wednesday January 20 at 6 PM.

Andrea D. Lyon is a clinical professor of law, associate dean of Clinical Programs, and director of the Center for Justice in Capital Cases.she is a nationally recognized expert in the field of death penalty defense and a frequent continuing legal education teacher throughout the country.

"ANGEL OF DEATH ROW is as readable as fiction, but is far more interesting.  The client cases are engaging and powerful human-interest stories. Lyon stresses that it is the human aspect of her work that makes it so fulfilling.  Lyon asserts that, "Humanity is sometimes what turns out to be more important in a case than any amount of legal maneuvering."  ( From publisher's description)

DePaul Law Professor, Andrea Lyon Interviewed on Today Show

Depaul law Professor, Andrea Lyon, was interviewed on the Today show on Thursday January 7. The interview mainly concerned her representation of Casey Anthony accused of murdering her own daughter and about the publication of her new book,"Angel of Death Row : My Life as a Death Penalty Defense Lawyer".

Andrea Lyon was the first woman in the nation to serve as lead defense attorney in a death penalty case. Over the years she has established a remarkable record of winning all her 19 death penalty cases. Her dedication to advocacy in these cases is fueled by her conviction that the death penalty is a barbaric institution that should be eliminated from our criminal justice system.

In her interview Professor Lyon wonders whether she will be able to prevail in saving her client, Casey Anthony, from the death penalty. Apart from the evidence of guilt or innocence, she thinks that it may be "virtually impossible to get a fair trial" in the Orlando, Florida area. There has been near saturation media coverage of the case which makes the selection of a fair jury very unlikely.

In an article in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper, the previous attorney representing Casey Anthony,Terence Lenamon, stated that, "Her case has become the subject of daily — sometimes hourly — national media coverage" which makes it "...less likely that jurors unacquainted with the case will be found."

According to Andrea Lyon the media-engendered anger is also directed at the defense team. Insights into how she deals with this can be gleaned from her book. One important factor are her own strongly-held views and her passion for the work she does. As law professor, Alan Dershowitz, states in his introduction to her book, "...Lyon does not place cause over client.  She believes that by defending her client with zeal and professionalism, she is indeed serving the causes to which she has committed her life…". Also, her keen understanding of the emotions among jurors in the courtroom, "...helps jurors in the courtroom feel the human side of a defendant time and time again—regardless of the crime." 

However, if Andrea Lyon cannot get a change of venue for the Casey Anthony case, her commitment and skills may not be enough to counter the pernicious effects of pervasive media coverage on the right to a fair trial for her latest death penalty client.