DOE decision on Virginia Tech shootings provides colleges and universities with guidance on Clery Act timely warnings *

USA - April 12 2012
In a recent decision issued on March 29, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE)’s Chief Administrative Law Judge Ernest C. Canellos overturned a finding that the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) violated the Clery Act by failing to issue a timely warning to students, faculty and staff during the mass shooting incident that occurred on campus in April 2007

Co-authors: Angelo A. Stio III, Hedya Aryani.

Supreme Court: Westboro picketing may be hurtful or distasteful, but is nevertheless entitled to First Amendment protection *

USA - March 3 2011
In a decision released on March 2, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the picketing activities conducted by members of a Baptist church near a U.S. Marine’s funeral service are entitled to “special protection” under the First Amendment, and are thus shielded from tort liability.

Co-authors: Jeffrey L. Vagle .