What is federal subject matter jurisdiction? USLawEssentials 2026-09-21 | What is federal subject matter jurisdiction?
Corporate Hijacking: USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast: USLawEssentials 2022-08-20 | Originally published July 10, 2021 this episode continues the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast What’s New in the Legal News series? This episode explores a defendant accused of “corporate hijacking” as part of a securities fraud scheme. Your hosts discuss the story of the defendant who allegedly misrepresented himself as a corporate officer of defunct companies and proceeded to ‘pump and dump’ company stock at an artificially inflated price.
When the Judge gets Judged: Law & Language Podcast USLawEssentials 2022-07-02 | What happens when a judge misbehaves in court?In episode 9 of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast (originally published June 21, 2021) Stephen introduces a story from the American Bar Association Journal: Judge gets 6-month suspension, partly for misusing her contempt power.The judge who apparently abused her power in court finds herself being judged. Find out what happens as you improve your legal English vocabulary and listening skills.
Kim Kardashian and the Baby Bar USLawEssentials 2022-07-02 | In episode 4 of the USLawEssentials Law & Language podcast (published May 2021) we learn that Kim Kardashian failed the California "Baby Bar" exam. But good news! Apparently, she did pass it months later. Her future might be bright!We talk about the differences between accredited and unaccredited law schools, a bit about how to become a lawyer, and we propose some very bad ideas for a new reality TV series.
Edwards v Vannoy USLawEssentials 2022-07-02 | Originally published in May of 2021, this is Episode 3 of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast.In this episode we continue the What's New in Legal News series. This time it's Daniel's turn and he introduces the Edwards v. Vannoy Supreme Court decision and its effect on the Constitutional requirement of unanimous jury verdicts in criminal cases.You can watch two videos discussing this decision and the relevant underlying case, Ramos v. Louisiana:Edwards v. Vannoy: youtu.be/fSisjxFeRYgRamos v. Louisiana: studio.youtube.com/video/QujwTMUFE3k/edit
Does a Full House Reduce your Odds of Passing the Bar? USLawEssentials 2022-07-02 | Episode 2USLawEssentials Law & Language presents the What's New in Legal News series, where Stephen Horowitz and Daniel Edelson ask each other about legal news developments. Today it's Steve's turn and he introduces an interesting article about bar passage rates.Apparently, more people in a bar exam candidate's home reduces the chances that he or she will pass the bar! Hmmmm.....why would this be?You can listen to more USLawEssentials Law & Language podcasts by following this link or follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, etc.uslawessentials.com/law-language-podcast
USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast: Jones v. Mississippi USLawEssentials 2022-07-02 | Episode 1Originally published on May 28, 2021, in this podcast, your hosts, Daniel & Stephen, discuss part I of the Supreme Court's decision in Jones v. Mississippi.USLawEssentials offers two legal English and US law courses based on the Supreme Court's decision, which you can find here:uslawessentials.com/courses/jones-mississippi-iuslawessentials.com/courses/law-language-jvmYou can listen to the USLawEssentials Law & Language podcasts here: uslawessentials.com/law-language-podcast...or wherever you normally listen to your podcasts including Spotify, Pandora, Apple podcasts, etc..
What are the federal sentencing guidelines? USLawEssentials 2022-01-24 | This video introduces the federal sentencing guidelines in the United States. The federal sentencing guidelines provide guidelines that federal judges consult when determining a sentence for a defendant convicted in federal court.
What are the three types of product liability claims? USLawEssentials 2021-12-14 | This video introduces product liability claims based on manufacturing defect, design defect, and failure to warn.
What did the Supreme Court decide in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.? USLawEssentials 2021-06-25 | This video introduces the recent Supreme Court decision holding that a school violated a student's constitutional rights by punishing her for a snapchat message that included a vulgar message.
What did the Supreme Court decide in Edwards v. Vannoy? USLawEssentials 2021-05-24 | This case introduces the 2021 decision in Edwards v. Vannoy where the Supreme Court of the United States held that Ramos v. Louisiana does not apply retroactively to federal courts reviewing final state court convictions.
What is the series qualifier canon? USLawEssentials 2021-04-17 | This video introduces the series qualifier canon, a principle of statutory interpretation in which a modifier or qualifier is presumed to apply to a series of nouns or verbs coming before the qualifier. We introduce how this principle was applied in the Supreme Court case, Facebook v. Duguid.
Why did SCOTUS affirm personal jurisdiction over defendant in Ford Motor Co. v. Montana 8th Dist Ct? USLawEssentials 2021-04-02 | This video introduces how the Supreme Court analyzed specific personal jurisdiction over defendant in Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District CourtThe Court clarifies the meaning of personal jurisdiction arising out of, or relating to, defendant's contacts with the forum state.
What is the tort of false imprisonment? USLawEssentials 2021-03-16 | This video introduces the intentional tort of false imprisonment where defendant confines plaintiff to an enclosed area without plaintiff's consent.
Why did the Supreme Court hold that Uzuegbunam v Preczewski was not moot? USLawEssentials 2021-03-13 | This video introduces Uzuegbunam v Preczewski where SCOTUS held that $1 in nominal damages was sufficient to satisfy the requirement that a case be redressable and not moot.
What is 42 USC Section 1985? USLawEssentials 2021-02-21 | Also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1871, this law was passed after the Civil War to criminalize conspiracies to deprive people of their civil rights through violence and intimidation.
Introduction to Outlining for Law Exam Essay Questions USLawEssentials 2021-02-19 | This video introduces strategies for outlining a law school or bar exam essay question. We focus on how a horizontal outline can help you organize your answer.
What is Amendment XXV (25) of the United States Constitution? USLawEssentials 2021-01-07 | This video introduces Section 4 of Amendment XXV to the United States Constitution which provides the process whereby the Vice President and the Cabinet can remove the President from office if they believe he is unfit.
Why did the Supreme Court reject the Texas v Pennsylvania lawsuit for lack of standing? USLawEssentials 2020-12-13 | This is a short response to questions about why the Supreme Court on December 11, 2020 rejected the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit for lack of standing. This recent decision provides us with a good opportunity to take a look at Article III, cases and controversies, and the jurisdiction of the federal courts.
Why is the Civil Lawsuit in George Floyds case primarily based on the Fourth Amendment? USLawEssentials 2020-11-28 | This video responds to a question about whether the George Floyd civil litigation is based on violations of the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. We briefly look at the George Floyd civil lawsuit, 42 USC Section 1983, and the Fourth Amendment.
What is restitution? USLawEssentials 2020-11-19 | This video introduces restitution, where it would be unfair for a defendant to retain something of value that should be given to the plaintiff. Restitution is typically a remedy or a claim in the absence of a contractual obligation.
What is supplemental jurisdiction USLawEssentials 2020-10-29 | This video introduces supplemental jurisdiction which provides grounds for a federal court to assert subject matter jurisdiction over a claim that otherwise could only be brought in state court. uslawessentials.comuslawessentials.com/blog
What is a motion for reconsideration? USLawEssentials 2020-09-11 | This video introduces the motion for reconsideration, where a part asks a judge to reconsider a decision based on an obvious mistake of fact or law or where new, intervening law requires a different result.
What is a lesser included offense? USLawEssentials 2020-09-01 | This video introduces the lesser included offense. A lesser included offense is a less serious crime that includes all the elements of a more severe crime. As a result, when a person commits that more serious crime, he has also committed the less serious crime. If the person is convicted of the more serious crime, the court does not need to convict him of the less serious crime.
What is Qualified Immunity? USLawEssentials 2020-06-11 | This video introduces qualified immunity. Qualified immunity shields government officials, including police officers, from civil liability for their actions in the course of performing their work. While the immunity is not absolute, officials are generally exempt from liability except in extreme cases such as where they act incompetently or intentionally. If officials act improperly as a result of a reasonable mistake of law or fact, they will still be shielded from liability.sound courtesy of bensound.com
What is proximate cause? USLawEssentials 2020-05-20 | This video introduces proximate cause and compares it with actual cause in a negligence lawsuit.uslawessentials.comopening song courtesy of bensound.com
What did the Supreme Court decide in Ramos v Louisiana? USLawEssentials 2020-04-23 | This video introduces the Supreme Court's decision in Ramos v. Louisiana. In this April 20, 2020 decision the Supreme Court rejected a prior decision (Apodaca v. Oregon) and held that the Sixth Amendment requires unanimous jury verdicts to convict defendants in state courts.Click here for a brief introduction to why this case raises questions concerning precedent and abortion rights: uslawessentials.com/connection-ramos-louisiana-abortion-rightsuslawessentials.com
What is a choice of law clause in a contract? USLawEssentials 2020-04-17 | This video introduces the choice of law clause in a contract, a provision in which the parties specify the law that should govern disputes arising out of the contract.
What is the case or controversy clause? USLawEssentials 2020-04-12 | This video introduces the case or controversy clause of Article III of the Constitution which provides that federal courts may only hear certain types of cases.
What is a representation in a contract? USLawEssentials 2020-04-04 | This video introduces the meaning of a representation in a contract, in which one party assures the counter-party that a certain fact is true. Business contracts often have a section called representations and warranties, which includes these types of promises.
What is the mistake of fact defense in a criminal case? USLawEssentials 2020-03-31 | What is the mistake of fact defense in a criminal case? This video introduces the mistake of fact defense where a defendant's mistake as to a fact may negate the requisite culpable mental state.uslawessentials.com
What is the crime of attempt? USLawEssentials 2020-03-29 | This video introduces the crime of attempt in which a person with the intention to commit a crime, engages in conduct to put the crime into effect. In addition, the video introduces the defense of voluntary abandonment.uslawessentials.com
Law School Memorandum of Law Part I USLawEssentials 2020-03-23 | This video provides suggestions for improving your performance on the law school legal writing memorandum of law. This video discusses time management, case summaries, and outlining.uslawessentials.comMusic courtesy of bendsound.com
What are general and specific personal jurisdiction (very low music volume) USLawEssentials 2020-03-04 | This video updates a prior version of the video and has very low music volume. The video introduces basic concepts behind general and specific personal jurisdiction.
What is the UCC Firm Offer Rule? USLawEssentials 2020-02-13 | This video introduces the firm offer rule of the Uniform Commercial Code which governs irrevocable offers by merchants.
What is past consideration? USLawEssentials 2020-01-08 | What is past consideration? This video introduces the meaning of past consideration, which is not considered legally sufficient consideration to form a contract. The video distinguishes between consideration, where something of value is provided to induce a promise, and past consideration.For those of you who requested a version without music: youtu.be/nQPDLgkLx_4
What is the tort of assault? USLawEssentials 2019-09-19 | This video introduces the intentional tort of assault. You can read more here and try a quiz:uslawessentials.com/what-tort-assault
Introduction to Federal Rule of Evidence 404 and character evidence USLawEssentials 2019-08-04 | This video introduces Federal Rule of Evidence 404 which limits the use of character evidence to prove that someone acted in conformity with that trait on a particular occasion.
MBE Question: Diversity and Removal USLawEssentials 2019-07-26 | This video responds to a question submitted by a student regarding diversity and removal.
Knight First Amendment Inst. v Trump USLawEssentials 2019-07-22 | This video introduces Knight First Am. Inst. v Trump in which a federal appellate court held that the President's Twitter account had become a public forum where viewpoint discrimination was unconstitutional
What is the felony murder rule? USLawEssentials 2019-07-11 | This video introduces the felony murder rule, which imposes vicarious liability for murder on participants in a felony where a homicide occurs.You can read more at uslawessentials: uslawessentials.com/what-is-the-felony-murder-rule
What is an illusory promise? USLawEssentials 2019-04-26 | This video introduces how contract law treats so-called illusory promises. These are not considered enforceable promises or a basis for consideration. No music version is here: youtu.be/1aNC5coqVX0
How do lawyers and judges distinguish cases ? USLawEssentials 2019-03-05 | This video introduces the process of distinguishing cases, in which different circumstances lead to different legal results.
What is the parol evidence rule? USLawEssentials 2019-03-03 | This video introduces the parol evidence rule, which excludes extrinsic evidence to alter the terms of an integrated contract.More here: uslawessentials.com/what-is-the-parol-evidence-rule
What is a special counsel? USLawEssentials 2019-01-15 | This video introduces the special counsel, or special prosecutor, appointed by the department of justice to avoid conflicts of interest in certain types of cases.
What is an executory contract? USLawEssentials 2018-12-12 | This video introduces executory contracts, a contract in which both parties have yet to perform all their material obligations.
What is mediation? updated USLawEssentials 2018-12-05 | This video introduces mediation, a type of alternative dispute resolution through facilitated negotiation. This video is an updated version of an earlier video. Sound by bensound.com
What is property law? (updated) USLawEssentials 2018-11-15 | This video introduces property law -- people's rights concerning things, including real property, personal property, and intellectual property. The video is updated from an earlier version and includes better audio.
What is standing to challenge Constitutionality? (updated) USLawEssentials 2018-11-11 | This video introduces standing to challenge a law's constitutionality. The video updates an earlier video's audio issues. You can read about standing to challenge President Trump's designation of Matt Whittaker as acting Attorney General here: http://uslawessentials.com/standing-challenge-matt-whitakers-appointment
What is a public figure plaintiff in a defamation claim? USLawEssentials 2018-11-01 | This video introduces the public figure plaintiff in a defamation case - - a plaintiff such as a politician or celebrity. The public figure plaintiff in a defamation case usually must prove actual malice - - that the defendant knew that the statement about the plaintiff was false or that the defendant recklessly disregarded the truth.For a podcast episode also discussing the actual malice standard please follow this link:uslawessentials.com/podcast/sarah-palins-defamation-lawsuit-part-i
Gamble v United States: What is the Separate Sovereigns Exception? USLawEssentials 2018-10-20 | UPDATE: This case was decided on June 17, 2019. You can learn more here and watch a video summary of the case: uslawessentials.com/gamble-v-united-states.This video introduces the separate sovereigns exception to the double jeopardy clause of the Fifth Amendment and its upcoming challenge in the Supreme Court. In Gamble v. United States, the Supreme Court will decide whether to overrule its own precedent and hold that the Double Jeopardy Clause prohibits the federal government from prosecuting a person for the same act that subjected him to prosecution in state court.
