January 13 roundup

Updates:

  • The Canadian Transportation Agency (as part of its regulation of airline ticket prices) has ruled that obese passengers are entitled to have two airline seats for the price of one, which will no doubt encourage further suits against the American practice. (h/t Rohan) One looks forward to the Canadian lawsuits complaining that an obese passenger wasn’t adjudged obese enough to get a free second seat. [Australian; Toronto Star; Gunter @ National Post; earlier on Overlawyered]
  • Also in Canada, Ezra Levant defends his free speech rights against a misnamed Alberta “Human Rights Commission” over his republication of the Danish Muhammed cartoons. [Frum; National Post; Steyn @ Corner; Wise Law Blog; Youtube; related on Overlawyered]
  • Alleged car-keying attorney “Grodner is now under investigation by the state’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, sources said. Commission officials declined to comment Thursday.” [Chicago Tribune; Jan. 4]
  • “Life is short—get a divorce” attorney Corri Fetman parlays her tasteless billboard (May 10; May 8) into tasteless Playboy topless-modeling and advice-column gig. In the words of Alfred E. Neuman, “Blech.” On multiple and independent grounds. Surprisingly, Above the Law avoids the snark of noting that the lead paragraph of Fetman’s law firm web site bio includes a prestigious 23-year-old quote from a college professor’s recommendation for law school. [Above the Law; Chicago Sun-Times; Elefant]
  • Wesley Snipes (Jun. 11; Nov. 2006) appears to be going for a Cheek defense in his tax-evasion trial—which is hard to do when you’re a multimillionaire whose well-paid accountants explicitly tell you you’re violating the law. (Remember what I said about magical incantations and taxes?) [Tampa Tribune; Quatloos]
  • Accountant Mark Maughan loses his search-engines-make-me-look-bad lawsuit (Mar. 2004) against Google, which even got Rule 11 sanctions. (That happened in 2006. Sorry for the delay.) More on Google and privacy: Jan. 16. [Searchenginewatch]
  • Bribed Mississippi judges in Paul Minor case (Sep. 8 and much more coverage) report to prison. [AP]

7 Comments

  • How on Earth can any rationalperson consider size a disability. The issue is not that the obese need some sort of constant medical assistance in flight, it’s only that they can’t fit comfortably in a coach seat. If Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson (6’7” 320 pounds) wants to buy a coach ticket, is he entitled to a free second seat on grounds that he is disabled?

  • Maybe the airlines will add weight surcharge. Each traveler is allowed X pounds total travel weight. They already charge more for extra or heavy baggage. You weigh in with your luggage.

    I don’t carry much luggage when I travel, Maybe I should add a few pounds and get the extra space.

  • Obese passengers in airline seats and the Cheek defense in one post! Bravo!

  • So, if “caregivers” don’t have to pay for a ticket if the person needs assistance in the air with feeding, toileting, etc, doesn’t that mean that if I buy a ticket for my baby, I should get a free seat? After all, diapers, nursing, etc all have to be done on the plane.

    Too bad I’m not flying in Canada any time soon.

  • Canada: Freedom of Speech succumbing to Kangaroo Courts of the Human Rights Commission

    Proceedings against Ezra Levant are nothing short of ridiculous, but let’s consider the implications for moderate Muslims. This “investigation” will further divide Muslims and non-Muslims in Canada. It will give credence to radicals’ claims that the West is at war with Islam. It will antagonize non-Muslims and moderate Muslims will be pushed towards radicalization. Regardless of the outcome, once again Islamists skillfully manipulated Dhimmi justice system and came out as clear winners. Thank you, Human Right Commission!

  • […] Nov. 20; CBC). We’ve covered the issue for years, including, e.g., here, here, here (U.S.), here, and here. More thoughts: Scott Greenfield, Ann […]

  • […] high-profile Canadian free speech advocate (and target himself of the atrocious attentions of Canada’s speech tribunals) has this to say: Overlawyered.com is a great U.S. website […]