Monthly Archives: July 2006
Restrictive Covenants
The term “covenant” may have religious connotations and certainly sounds archaic, but legally speaking, it has relevance in modern business transactions. But what is a “covenant”? A covenant is a promise or an agreement to do, or, in the case of restrictive covenants, not to… Continue reading
If a Tree Falls in the Woods…
If your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, can you be sued? This is becoming a popular question in light of the recent harsh weather. The answer depends on your actions prior to the fall and the condition of the tree. Pennsylvania requires landowners who… Continue reading
Five Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Bill
If you are like most people, every six months you receive a bill from your insurance company for your car insurance. Most of us simply bite the bullet, pull out the check book and try to forget the experience as soon as possible. Like many… Continue reading
Tax Free Sale of Residence
In mid-1997, the federal tax law changed to provide that a taxpayer may exclude from income up to $250,000 of gain on the sale of a personal residence. Under prior law, taxable gain could be rolled over into a new residence, with a corresponding basis… Continue reading
Is Your Business Safe From Sexual Harassment Charges?
In two recent decisions, the United States Supreme Court has changed the law on sexual harassment involving a supervisor. The Court abolished the distinctions of quid pro quo and “hostile environment” in such cases, instead holding that an employer is strictly liable under Title VII… Continue reading
Crime and Punishment
The vast majority of our clients have little occasion to come into contact with the criminal justice system, and those who do generally are involved in minor matters known as summary offenses.With Congress gearing up for the impeachment inquiry of the President, we are hearing… Continue reading
Latin Lovers VI
De Minimis non curat lex – literally, the law does not care for or take notice of very small or trifling matters. This is one of the oldest concepts in the law – that immaterial discrepancies or disputes will not be allowed to interfere with… Continue reading
What is Strict Liability?
Our legal system typically imposes liability for money damages only upon a showing that a person was negligent (i.e., failed to use due care) or somehow intended to bring about an injury or damage to another. There are cases, however, where an actor can be… Continue reading
Watch Out For Limited Tort Option
Several years ago the Pennsylvania Legislature amended the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law to provide drivers with the choice of full or limited tort options in their automobile insurance coverage. Things haven’t been quite the same since.Full tort coverage is pretty much what we… Continue reading
The Queen’s English – Should There Be A Their There?
We hear it all the time (a teacher to his class): “Everyone should take their gloves with them because it is cold.” The rule is simple and easy to understand; application, however is another kettle of fish! Every pronoun makes reference to an express or… Continue reading