Yearly Archives: 2016
Securing Promises to Pay
A promise to pay money can arise in many contexts. If you buy a car on credit, you promise to make the monthly payments plus interest in a promissory note. If you sell your business, the buyer may promise to pay a portion of the… Continue reading
What is RAMP Training?
RAMP is the LCB’s “Responsible Alcohol Management Program” designed to train and certify owners, managers and servers of alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania in proper alcohol sale and service procedures. These include such things as proper identification checks, detecting fake or fraudulent I.D. documents, identifying signs… Continue reading
Queen’s English – Shakespeare, the Inventor
April of this year marked the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. This remarkable man in his 52 years left an unmatched legacy. He’s been described as witty, appalling, perplexing, poetic, erotic, and profound. One more remarkable quality was his ability to create or at… Continue reading
Planning for Out-Of-State Real Estate on Death
Most people’s estates are probated in the state (and county) where the decedent resided. For decedent’s who owned real estate in a state where the decedent does not reside, the situation can be more involved. Typically, such out-of-state holdings will result in probating of the… Continue reading
What is “Strict Liability”?
Proving a criminal or civil case normally requires proving the mental state of the defendant, specifically showing that the defendant intended to commit the act for which he or she is being prosecuted. State of mind usually plays an important part in criminal or civil… Continue reading
Landmark Changes to the Liquor Code
In December we reported that the Pennsylvania Senate had approved liquor reforms that were acceptable to the Governor, but that the Pennsylvania Legislature had yet to approve any such change. In June, the Legislature finally passed the Liquor Reform Bill and on June 8, 2016,… Continue reading
Misbehaving Agents Under a Power of Attorney
Individuals often question the actions of agents acting under another family member’s power of attorney. Complaints can arise during the course of the family member’s life, but more often the questions seem to arise after a parent passes, when the heirs wonder where the estate… Continue reading
Criminal Law: What is a Preliminary Hearing?
If you are arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with a serious crime, such as a misdemeanor or felony, a preliminary hearing before a magistrate will be scheduled promptly. In the first instance, the purpose of a preliminary hearing is to protect the right of the… Continue reading
Latin Lovers – Law List
Here is a list of some common Latin terms which pervade court papers and legal opinions, along with their common meanings: Caveat Emptor: “Buyer beware” — meaning that the buyer of property is on notice to inspect it carefully and will be held to that… Continue reading
Fiduciary Duties and Retirement Planning
In a recent issue we dealt with a case where an insurance salesman who held himself out as giving investment advice was found to have violated a “fiduciary standard” which he owed a customer. This decision may be part of a growing trend that the… Continue reading