[From nobody Mon Apr 23 13:25:36 2007 Received: from ccm08.constantcontact.com ([63.251.135.109]) by mail.turbonet.com (Cactus Mail Server v8.9.1) with ESMTP id CYT48438 for <lfalen@turbonet.com>; Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:22:38 -0700 Received: from ccm01.constantcontact.com (unknown [10.250.0.102]) by ccm08.constantcontact.com (Postfix) with ESMTP id ADE844F7F91 for <lfalen@turbonet.com>; Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:21:20 -0400 (EDT) Received: from ws002 (unknown [10.250.0.102]) by ccm01.constantcontact.com (Postfix) with ESMTP id ED414F07C3 for <lfalen@turbonet.com>; Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:21:19 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <1101617901972.1011139438025.2412.2.51162001@scheduler> Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:21:19 -0400 (EDT) From: HALT--An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform <ejournal@halt.org> Reply-To: ejournal@halt.org To: lfalen@turbonet.com Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_Part_1296110_316758844.1177359679938" X-Mailer: Roving Constant Contact 0 (http://www.constantcontact.com) X-Return-Path-Hint: ESC1101617901972_1011139438025_2412@in.roving.com X-Roving-ID: 1101617901972 X-Lumos-SenderID: 1011139438025 X-Roving-CampaignId: 1101617901972 X-Roving-StreamId: 0 X-Spam-Flag: YES X-Spam-Status: Yes, hits=16.00 required=5.00 tests=HTML_MESSAGE=0.00, BAYES_60=1.59, SARE_RD_TO_BAD_TLD=2.50, IMPRONONCABLE_2=1.50, NO_RDNS2=0.01, J_CHICKENPOX_34=0.60, J_CHICKENPOX_54=0.60, J_CHICKENPOX_57=0.60, J_CHICKENPOX_73=0.60, OTHER=6.0 version=3.1.6 X-Spam-Level: **************** X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.1.6 (1.0) on mail.turbonet.com Subject: [Spam] HALT Announces Top Judicial Disability Web Sites: The HALT eJOURNALApril 23, 2007 ------=_Part_1296110_316758844.1177359679938 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit You are receiving this email from HALT because you purchased a product/service or subscribed on our website. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add ejournal@halt.org to your address book today. If you haven't done so already, click to confirm http://visitor.constantcontact.com/c.jsp?t=1101617901972.2412.62978104.2&m=1011139438025&wl=F your interest in receiving email campaigns from us. You may unsubscribe http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&m=1011139438025&ea=lfalen%40turbonet.com&se=2412&t=1101617901972&lang=en&reason=F if you no longer wish to receive our emails. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform April 23, 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The HALT eJournal ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Roger, Welcome to HALT's eJournal, a bimonthly newsletter featuring updates on our recent activities, nationwide legal news and helpful information for legal consumers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HALT Announces Top Judicial Disability Web Sites When a judge abuses her authority on the bench, legal consumers rely on judicial disability systems to investigate the misconduct and impose sanctions. As research for HALT's upcoming Judicial Accountability Report Card recently uncovered, public access to information about these systems and the judicial complaint process is surprisingly limited. "In an era in which more and more Americans obtain resources online, we're alarmed that so many judicial disability systems are still stuck in the Dark Ages without Web sites," stated HALT Senior Counsel Suzanne M. Blonder. "Even those that do host sites typically provide shamefully scant information." Half a dozen states, however, offer Web sites that serve as valuable tools for filing a complaint against an unethical judge and understanding the judicial disability process. Web sites for judicial conduct commissions in six states-Indiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin-stand at the top of the heap. Taking top honors in HALT's national survey, the Web site hosted by Indiana's Judicial Qualifications Commission [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.5nexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.in.gov%2Fjudiciary%2Fjud-qual%2F] provides judicial disciplinary opinions dating back to 1986 (including cases that led to private reprimands), a downloadable complaint form, explicit assurances that complainants may speak publicly about their complaints and the disciplinary process, a detailed explanation of the process, and examples of complaints that would lead to dismissal, private reprimand, public censure and removal. Refreshingly, Pennsylvania's Judicial Conduct Board [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.4nexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.judicialconductboardofpa.org%2F]provides well-organized online information in an unusually consumer-friendly tone. The Board's Web site, which assures the public that they have a right to expect the highest standard of ethics from judges, features a FAQ page that addresses everything from the kinds of allegations that the Board will consider to the complainant's role in disability proceedings. Texas' Commission on Judicial Conduct [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.aoexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scjc.state.tx.us%2F]offers one of the nation's most sophisticated Web sites and includes a section dedicated to the state's growing Spanish-speaking population. In addition to providing bi-lingual information about the discipline process, the site offers a downloadable complaint form in Spanish. Unlike the state's ineffective lawyer discipline counterpart, Utah's judicial discipline Web site [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.boexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.utah.gov%2Fdocuments%2FFlowchart%2520Full.doc]provides a goldmine of useful information. While online resources in other states characteristically lack clear explanations of the disciplinary process, the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission site offers a color-coded, plain language flow chart guiding consumers from the preliminary screening stage through the Utah Supreme Court's sanction recommendation phase. [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.coexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.wv.us%2Fwvsca%2FJIC%2Fcover.htm] The Judicial Investigation Commission of West Virginia [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.coexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.wv.us%2Fwvsca%2FJIC%2Fcover.htm] is unique in that it provides a comprehensive synopsis of advisory opinions dating back 25 years and divides them by topics, such as mistreatment of litigants in the courtroom and misconduct stemming from financial conflicts of interest. This extensive database allows the public to review the Commission's ruling in different kinds of misconduct cases. While most judicial disability bodies conceal data, Wisconsin's Judicial Commission [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.doexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wicourts.gov%2Fabout%2Fcommittees%2Fjudicialcommission%2Fcumulativetables.htm] includes detailed case disposition data on its Web site, which allows the public to hold the system accountable for its rate of discipline. In the next eJournal, we will reveal the Dirty Half-Dozen of the nation's worst judicial disability Web sites - stay tuned. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HALT Urges N.J. to Strengthen Lawyer Fraud Compensation New Jersey's Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection is responsible for compensating legal consumers for money stolen or misappropriated by a dishonest attorney. Unfortunately, the Fund will only consider for payment claims arising from an attorney's dishonest conduct "provided that...the attorney has been suspended, disbarred or placed in disability inactive status, has resigned with prejudice or has pleaded guilty to, or been convicted of embezzlement or misappropriation of money" (New Jersey Rules of Court 1:28-3). Yet in 2005, only 1.5 percent of all complaints of misconduct to New Jersey's attorney discipline system resulted in the attorney being removed from the practice of law for any period of time. HALT is urging the Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection to adopt a standard for considering compensation claims similar to Pennsylvania, which declares that "imposition of discipline...shall not be a prequisite for favorable action with respect to a claim" (Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 521). HALT also points to Maryland's leadership, which requires "as a condition precedent to the payment of any claim...that final action be taken on the [disciplinary] grievance" but doesn't mandate that a particular disciplinary outcome is required for a favorable compensation decision (Regulations of the Client Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland, Section C). "The function of client protection is best served by providing every victim of a dishonest attorney the full opportunity to seek restitution. New Jersey should ensure that no defrauded legal consumer is barred outright from receiving much-needed compensation," stated HALT Senior Counsel Suzanne M. Blonder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tenants' Rights: What You Should Know By Terri Rudy and Rachel Decker You may think signing a lease is all there is to renting an apartment. But there's much more to the landlord-tenant relationship. Do you know what your legal rights are if you find your landlord in your apartment when you return home early one day, if your landlord refuses to return your security deposit, or if the dishwasher breaks and floods the apartment? Your rights as a tenant include: * The right not to be discriminated against. It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against you on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability. If you're discriminated against, file a complaint with the state or federal agency that hears such cases. * The right to a lawful lease. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your lease before you sign it. If any clauses are unclear, unreasonable or unlawful, discuss them with your landlord and make sure the lease is changed to reflect your new understanding. If you need additional help, consult a professional. * The right to decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions. If your landlord repeatedly fails to provide safe and clean housing, you can call your local housing authority, try to mediate the dispute or sue in small claims courts. * The right to privacy. In most states, landlords have to give notice 24 hours ahead of time before they enter the property, except for emergencies. * The right to have your security deposit returned. This is provided you keep the rental unit in good condition; other than "ordinary wear and tear," your landlord may charge you for things like large holes in the wall, cigarette burns or excessive water damage. It's a good idea to inspect the apartment beforehand with your landlord and jointly sign a move-in inspection sheet so you're not unfairly charged when you move out. To learn more, read HALT's free Everyday Law Series guide "Tenants Rights" at www.halt.org, or write to us for a free copy at HALT, 1612 K St., NW, Ste. 510, Washington, DC 20006. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ :: ejournal@halt.org [mailto:ejournal@halt.org] :: 1-888-FOR-HALT :: http://www.halt.org [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6vcu87bab.0.0.jozwjwn6.0&amp;ts=S0224&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halt.org] In This Issue: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ lifetimes [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.bf5ws9n6.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halt.org%2F] Make a Difference with a Risk-Free Gift Among the most generous people in the world, Americans pride themselves on following the guiding principles of compassion and integrity [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.8ynqq6bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wpg.cc%2Fstl%2FCDA%2FarticleDetail%2F1%2C1001%2C150-2087%2C00.html]. Does Your Estate Plan Measure Up? Evaluate your current estate plan and rate yourself on the plans you have made for protecting your heirs. Add up your points. How does your estate plan score [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ummwy5bab.0.q5t8r7bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wpg.cc%2Fstl%2FCDA%2FarticleDetail%2F1%2C1001%2C150-154%2C00.html]? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quick Links: Join Halt Now! 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If you haven't done so already, click to <a href=3D"h= ttp://visitor.constantcontact.com/c.jsp?t=3D1101617901972.2412.62978104.2&m= =3D1011139438025&wl=3DF" shape=3D"rect" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:#0= 000ff;">confirm</a> your interest in receiving email campaigns from us. <br= /><br />You may <a href=3D"http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=3Dun&m=3D= 1011139438025&ea=3Dlfalen%40turbonet.com&se=3D2412&t=3D1101617901972&lang= =3Den&reason=3DF" shape=3D"rect" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:#0000ff;"= >unsubscribe</a> if you no longer wish to receive our emails.</font></div><= /div> <div align=3D"center" bgcolor=3D"#000000" style=3D"background-color:#000000= ;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;overflow: auto;"> <table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" width=3D"600" style= =3D"width:600px;"> <tr> =09<td colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bordercolor=3D"#990000" style=3D"border-= color:#990000;padding:2px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;"> =09<table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" 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color=3D"#3= 33333" size=3D"3" face=3D"Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif" style= =3D"color:#333333;font-family:Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;fon= t-size:12pt;"><b><font face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif" color= =3D"#990000">An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform</font></b></font= ></td> <td align=3D"right" style=3D"color:#333333;padding-left:5px;font-family:Tre= buchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;padding-right:5px;"><= font color=3D"#333333" size=3D"3" face=3D"Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sa= ns-serif" style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica= ,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;"><b><font face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Time= s,Serif" color=3D"#990000">April 23, 2007</font></b></font></td></tr></tabl= e><table id=3D"content_LETTER.BLOCK2" hidefocus=3D"true" contenteditable=3D= "inherit" tabindex=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"5" wid= th=3D"100%" datapagesize=3D"0" border=3D"0" bgcolor=3D"#FFFFFF" style=3D"ma= rgin-bottom:6px;background-color:#FFFFFF;"> <tr> <td style=3D"color:#66683F;font-family:Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-= serif;font-size:24pt;"><font color=3D"#66683F" size=3D"6" face=3D"Trebuchet= MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif" style=3D"color:#66683F;font-family:Trebuc= het MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:24pt;"> <p align=3D"center"><font face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif"><st= rong><font color=3D"#990000">The HALT&nbsp;eJournal</font> </strong></font>= </p></font></td></tr></table> =09=09</td> =09</tr> =09<tr> =09=09<td colspan=3D"4" height=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#990000" styl= e=3D"background-color:#990000;" /> =09</tr> =09<tr> =09=09<td colspan=3D"4" rowspan=3D"1" width=3D"100%"> =09=09 =09=09</td> =09</tr>=09 =09<tr> =09=09<td colspan=3D"4" height=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#990000" styl= e=3D"background-color:#990000;" /> =09</tr> =09<tr>=09=09=09 =09=09<td colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" valign=3D"top" width=3D"428" bgcolor= =3D"#FFFFFF" style=3D"background-color:#FFFFFF;padding-top:10px;padding-lef= t:5px;padding-right:5px;"> =09=09<table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" width=3D"100%= " style=3D"width:428px;"> =09=09<tr> =09=09=09<td colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" width=3D"100%">=09=09=09=09 =09=09=09<table id=3D"content_LETTER.BLOCK4" hidefocus=3D"true" contentedit= able=3D"inherit" tabindex=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D= "5" width=3D"100%" datapagesize=3D"0" border=3D"0" style=3D"margin-bottom:6= px;"> <tr> <td style=3D"color:#000000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif= ;font-size:12pt;"><font color=3D"#000000" size=3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times= New Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#000000;font-family:Garamond,Times N= ew Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;"><span><b>Dear Roger,</b></span><br /> <div><font face=3D"Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,Serif">Welcome to HALT's <= i>eJournal</i>, a bimonthly newsletter featuring updates on our recent acti= vities, nationwide legal news and helpful information for legal consumers.<= /font></div></font></td></tr></table>=09=09=09=09=09=09 =09=09=09</td> =09=09</tr> =09=09<tr> =09=09=09<td colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" width=3D"100%"> =09=09=09 =09=09=09 =09=09=09 =09=09=09<a name=3D"LETTER.BLOCK6">&nbsp;</a><table id=3D"content_LETTER.BL= OCK6" hidefocus=3D"true" contenteditable=3D"inherit" tabindex=3D"0" cellspa= cing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"5" width=3D"100%" datapagesize=3D"0" b= order=3D"0" style=3D"margin-bottom:6px;"> <tr> <td style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;= font-size:10pt;"><font color=3D"#333333" size=3D"2" face=3D"Georgia,Times N= ew Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Georgia,Times New = Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:10pt;"> <div bordercolor=3D"#000000" style=3D"color:#990000;border-bottom-style:sol= id;border-bottom-width:1px;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif= ;font-size:12pt;border-right-style:solid;border-right-width:15px;border-col= or:#000000;"><font color=3D"#990000" size=3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times New = Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#990000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Ro= man,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;"><b> <div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b style=3D"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">= <span style=3D"COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">HALT Announces Top Jud= icial&nbsp;Disability Web Sites</span></b></p></div></b></font></div> <div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <div>&nbsp;</div><span style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: italic"> <div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">When a judge abuses her authority on the bench, legal consumers= rely on judicial disability systems to investigate the misconduct and impo= se sanctions.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>As research fo= r HALT's upcoming Judicial Accountability Report Card recently uncovered, p= ublic access to information about these systems and the judicial complaint = process is surprisingly limited.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </= span></span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div /></div></span></span><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Geo= rgia">"In an era in which more and more Americans obtain resources online, = we're alarmed that so many judicial disability systems are still stuck in t= he Dark Ages without Web sites," stated HALT Senior Counsel Suzanne M. Blon= der.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>"Even those that do hos= t sites typically provide shamefully scant information."<span style=3D"mso-= spacerun: yes">&nbsp; <br /></span></span></div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 1= 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Half a dozen states, however, offer Web si= tes that serve as valuable tools for filing a complaint against an unethica= l judge and understanding the judicial disability process.<span style=3D"ms= o-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Web sites for judicial conduct commissions i= n six states-Indiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsi= n-stand at the top of the heap.</p></span> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">Taking top honors in HALT's national survey, the Web site hoste= d by <a href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dummwy5bab.0.5nexb4bab.jozwjwn6.24= 12&ts=3DS0238&p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.in.gov%2Fjudiciary%2Fjud-qual%2F" target= =3D"_blank">Indiana's Judicial Qualifications Commission</a> provides judic= ial disciplinary opinions dating back to 1986 (including cases that led to = private reprimands), a downloadable complaint form, explicit assurances tha= t complainants may speak publicly about their complaints and the disciplina= ry process, a detailed explanation of the process, and examples of complain= ts that would lead to dismissal, private reprimand, public censure and remo= val. </span></p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">Refreshingly, <a href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dummwy5bab.0.= 4nexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=3DS0238&p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.judicialconductboar= dofpa.org%2F" target=3D"_blank">Pennsylvania's Judicial Conduct Board </a>p= rovides well-organized online information in an unusually consumer-friendly= tone.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The Board's Web site,= which assures the public that they have a right to expect the highest stan= dard of ethics from judges, features a FAQ page that addresses everything f= rom the kinds of allegations that the Board will consider to the complainan= t's role in disability proceedings.</span></p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia"><a href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dummwy5bab.0.aoexb4bab.jozw= jwn6.2412&ts=3DS0238&p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.scjc.state.tx.us%2F" target=3D"_b= lank">Texas' Commission on Judicial Conduct </a>offers one of the nation's = most sophisticated Web sites and includes a section dedicated to the state'= s growing Spanish-speaking population.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nb= sp; </span>In addition to providing bi-lingual information about the discip= line process, the site offers a downloadable complaint form in Spanish.</sp= an></p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">Unlike the state= 's ineffective lawyer discipline counterpart, <a href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.= jsp?t=3Dummwy5bab.0.boexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=3DS0238&p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fjcc= .utah.gov%2Fdocuments%2FFlowchart%2520Full.doc" target=3D"_blank">Utah's ju= dicial discipline Web site </a>provides a goldmine of useful information.<s= pan style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>While online resources in oth= er states characteristically lack clear explanations of the disciplinary pr= ocess, the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission site offers a color-coded, plai= n language flow chart guiding consumers from the preliminary screening stag= e through the Utah Supreme Court's sanction recommendation phase.<span styl= e=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><a href=3D"http:= //rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dummwy5bab.0.coexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=3DS0238&p=3Dhtt= p%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.wv.us%2Fwvsca%2FJIC%2Fcover.htm" target=3D"_blank"> <div>&nbsp;</div>The Judicial Investigation Commission of West Virginia</a>= &nbsp;<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span>is unique in that it p= rovides a comprehensive synopsis of advisory opinions dating back 25 years = and divides them by topics, such as mistreatment of litigants in the courtr= oom and misconduct stemming from financial conflicts of interest.<span styl= e=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This extensive database allows the pu= blic to review the Commission's ruling in different kinds of misconduct cas= es.</span></div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">While most judicial disability bodies conceal data, <a href=3D"= http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dummwy5bab.0.doexb4bab.jozwjwn6.2412&ts=3DS0238&p= =3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.wicourts.gov%2Fabout%2Fcommittees%2Fjudicialcommission%= 2Fcumulativetables.htm" target=3D"_blank">Wisconsin's Judicial Commission</= a> includes detailed case disposition data on its Web site, which allows th= e public to hold the system accountable for its rate of discipline.<span st= yle=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia" /></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">In the next <em>eJournal</em>, we will reveal the Dirty Half-Do= zen of the nation's worst judicial disability Web sites - stay tuned.</span= ></p></font></td></tr></table></td> =09=09</tr>=09=09 =09=09<tr> =09=09=09<td colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" width=3D"100%"> =09=09=09 =09=09=09 =09=09=09 =09=09=09<a name=3D"LETTER.BLOCK5">&nbsp;</a><table id=3D"content_LETTER.BL= OCK5" hidefocus=3D"true" contenteditable=3D"inherit" tabindex=3D"0" cellspa= cing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"5" width=3D"100%" datapagesize=3D"0" b= order=3D"0" style=3D"margin-bottom:6px;"> <tr> <td style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;= font-size:10pt;"><font color=3D"#333333" size=3D"2" face=3D"Georgia,Times N= ew Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Georgia,Times New = Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:10pt;"> <div bordercolor=3D"#000000" style=3D"color:#990000;border-bottom-style:sol= id;border-bottom-width:1px;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif= ;font-size:12pt;border-right-style:solid;border-right-width:15px;border-col= or:#000000;"><font color=3D"#990000" size=3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times New = Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#990000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Ro= man,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;"><font color=3D"#990000"><font face=3D"Gara= mond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif"> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY:= Garamond"><strong>HALT Urges N.J. to&nbsp;Strengthen&nbsp;Lawyer Fraud Com= pensation</strong></span></p></font></font></font></div> <div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D"#= 000000"> <div>&nbsp;</div></font></span></div> <div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D"#= 000000"> <div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">New Jersey</span><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: G= eorgia">'s Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection is responsible for compensat= ing legal consumers for money stolen or misappropriated by a dishonest atto= rney.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <div>&nbsp;</div></div></font></span> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">Unfortunately, the Fund&nbsp;will only consider for payment cla= ims arising from an attorney's dishonest conduct "provided that...the attor= ney has been suspended, disbarred or placed in disability inactive status, = has resigned with prejudice or has pleaded guilty to, or been convicted of = embezzlement or misappropriation of money" (New Jersey Rules of Court 1:28-= 3).<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Yet in 2005, only 1= .5 percent of all complaints of misconduct to New Jersey's attorney discipl= ine system resulted in the attorney being removed from the practice of law = for any period of time.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></sp= an></p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">HALT is urging the Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection to adopt= a standard for considering compensation claims similar to&nbsp;Pennsylvani= a, which declares that "imposition of discipline...shall not be a prequisit= e for favorable action with respect to a claim" (Pennsylvania Rules of Disc= iplinary Enforcement, Rule 521).<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </= span>HALT also points to&nbsp;Maryland's leadership, which requires "as a c= ondition precedent to the payment of any claim...that final action be taken= on the [disciplinary] grievance" but doesn't mandate that a particular dis= ciplinary outcome&nbsp;is required&nbsp;for a favorable compensation decisi= on (Regulations of the Client Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland, Secti= on C).</span></p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia">"The function of client protection is best served by providing = every victim of a dishonest attorney the full opportunity to seek restituti= on.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>New Jersey should ensure= that no defrauded legal consumer is barred outright from receiving much-ne= eded compensation," stated HALT Senior Counsel Suzanne M. Blonder.</span></= p></div></font></td></tr></table><a name=3D"LETTER.BLOCK7">&nbsp;</a><table= id=3D"content_LETTER.BLOCK7" hidefocus=3D"true" contenteditable=3D"inherit= " tabindex=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"5" width=3D"10= 0%" datapagesize=3D"0" border=3D"0" style=3D"margin-bottom:6px;"> <tr> <td style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;= font-size:10pt;"><font color=3D"#333333" size=3D"2" face=3D"Georgia,Times N= ew Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#333333;font-family:Georgia,Times New = Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:10pt;"> <div bordercolor=3D"#000000" style=3D"color:#990000;border-bottom-style:sol= id;border-bottom-width:1px;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif= ;font-size:12pt;border-right-style:solid;border-right-width:15px;border-col= or:#000000;"><font color=3D"#990000" size=3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times New = Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#990000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Ro= man,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;"><b><font face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,= Times,Serif" color=3D"#990000"> <div><font face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif">Tenants' Rights: W= hat You Should Know</font></div></font></b></font></div> <div><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D"#= 000000"> <div /></font></span>&nbsp;</div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>By Terri Rudy and Rachel Decker</s= trong></p><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color= =3D"#000000"> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">You may think signing a lease is all there= is to renting an apartment. But there's much more to the landlord-tenant r= elationship.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Do you know wha= t your legal rights are if you find your landlord in your apartment when yo= u return home early one day, if your landlord refuses to return your securi= ty deposit, or if the dishwasher breaks and floods the apartment? </p></fon= t></span> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia"><font color=3D"#000000">Your rights as a tenant include:</font>= </span></p> <ul> <li style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list= .5in"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D= "#000000">The right not to be discriminated against.<span style=3D"mso-spac= erun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate again= st you on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disab= ility. If you're discriminated against, file a complaint with the state or = federal agency that hears such cases.</font></span> <li style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list= .5in"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D= "#000000">The right to a lawful lease.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nb= sp; </span>Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your lease = before you sign it. If any clauses are unclear, unreasonable or unlawful, d= iscuss them with your landlord and make sure the lease is changed to reflec= t your new understanding. If you need additional help, consult a profession= al. </font></span> <li style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list= .5in"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D= "#000000">The right to decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions.<span s= tyle=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>If your landlord repeatedly fails = to provide safe and clean housing, you can call your local housing authorit= y, try to mediate the dispute or sue in small claims courts.<span style=3D"= mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></font></span> <li style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list= .5in"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D= "#000000">The right to privacy. In most states, landlords have to give noti= ce 24 hours ahead of time before they enter the property, except for emerge= ncies.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></font></span> <li style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list= .5in"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><font color=3D= "#000000">The right to have your security deposit returned. This is provide= d you keep the rental unit in good condition; other than "ordinary wear and= tear," your landlord may charge you for things like large holes in the wal= l, cigarette burns or excessive water damage.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: y= es">&nbsp; </span>It's a good idea to inspect the apartment beforehand with= your landlord and jointly sign a move-in inspection sheet so you're not un= fairly charged when you move out. </font></span></li></li></li></li></li></= ul> <p style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMIL= Y: Georgia"><font color=3D"#000000">To learn more, read HALT's free <i styl= e=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Everyday Law Series </i>guide "Tenants Ri= ghts" at </font><font color=3D"#000000"><em>www.halt.org</em></font><font c= olor=3D"#000000">, or write to us for a free copy at HALT, 1612 K St., NW, = Ste. 510, Washington, DC 20006.</font></span></p></font></td></tr></table><= a name=3D"LETTER.BLOCK8">&nbsp;</a><table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" ce= llspacing=3D"0" width=3D"100%"> =09=09=09<tr> =09=09=09=09<td colspan=3D"1" height=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#990000= " style=3D"background-color:#990000;" /> =09=09=09</tr> =09=09=09</table><a name=3D"LETTER.BLOCK9">&nbsp;</a><table id=3D"content_L= ETTER.BLOCK10" hidefocus=3D"true" contenteditable=3D"inherit" tabindex=3D"0= " cellspacing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"5" width=3D"100%" datapagesiz= e=3D"0" border=3D"0" style=3D"margin-bottom:6px;"> <tr> <td style=3D"color:#666666;font-family:Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-= serif;font-size:10pt;"><font color=3D"#666666" size=3D"2" face=3D"Trebuchet= MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif" style=3D"color:#666666;font-family:Trebuc= het MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;"> <div><b> <div><font face=3D"Garamond,'Times New Roman',Times,serif" color=3D"#000000= " size=3D"3" style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); FONT-FAMILY: Gara= mond,'Times New Roman',Times,serif">:: <a href=3D"mailto:ejournal@halt.org"= shape=3D"rect" color=3D"#990000" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"COLOR: rgb(153= ,0,0)">ejournal@halt.org</a> </font></div> <div><font face=3D"Garamond,'Times New Roman',Times,serif" color=3D"#000000= " size=3D"3" style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); FONT-FAMILY: Gara= mond,'Times New Roman',Times,serif">:: 1-888-FOR-HALT </font></div> <div><font face=3D"Garamond,'Times New Roman',Times,serif" color=3D"#000000= " size=3D"3" style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); FONT-FAMILY: Gara= mond,'Times New Roman',Times,serif">:: <a href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t= =3D6vcu87bab.0.0.jozwjwn6.0&amp;ts=3DS0224&amp;p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.halt.or= g" shape=3D"rect" color=3D"#990000" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"COLOR: rgb(1= 53,0,0)">http://www.halt.org</a> </font></div></b></div></font></td></tr></= table></td> =09=09</tr> =09=09</table> =09=09</td> =09=09<td colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" width=3D"7" background=3D"http://img.= constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/newsmodern2_rightshadow.gi= f" style=3D"background-image:url(http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/ima= ges/1101093164665/newsmodern2_rightshadow.gif);background-repeat:repeat-y;"= /> =09=09<td colspan=3D"1" height=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" width=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#= 990000" style=3D"background-color:#990000;" /> =09=09<td align=3D"center" colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" valign=3D"top" width= =3D"160" bgcolor=3D"#FFFFFF" style=3D"background-color:#FFFFFF;padding-top:= 17px;padding-bottom:10px;width:160px;"> =09=09<table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" width=3D"100%= " style=3D"margin-bottom:6px;"> =09=09<tr> =09=09=09<td align=3D"center" colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#FFFFF= F" style=3D"background-color:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Garamond,Tim= es New Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;"><font color=3D"#000000" size=3D"3= " face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#000000;font= -family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;"><b>In This Is= sue:</b></font></td> =09=09</tr> =09=09<tr> =09=09=09<td align=3D"center" colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#FFFFF= F" style=3D"background-color:#FFFFFF;"><b><a href=3D"#LETTER.BLOCK6" shape= =3D"rect" style=3D"color:#990000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times= ,Serif;text-decoration:none;font-size:12pt;"><font color=3D"#990000" size= =3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#990000= ;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;">HALT Ann= ounces Top Judicial Disability Web Sites</font></a></b></td> =09=09</tr><tr> =09=09=09<td align=3D"center" colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#FFFFF= F" style=3D"background-color:#FFFFFF;"><b><a href=3D"#LETTER.BLOCK5" shape= =3D"rect" style=3D"color:#990000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times= ,Serif;text-decoration:none;font-size:12pt;"><font color=3D"#990000" size= =3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#990000= ;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;">HALT Urg= es N.J. to Strengthen Lawyer Fraud Compensation</font></a></b></td> =09=09</tr><tr> =09=09=09<td align=3D"center" colspan=3D"1" rowspan=3D"1" bgcolor=3D"#FFFFF= F" style=3D"background-color:#FFFFFF;"><b><a href=3D"#LETTER.BLOCK7" shape= =3D"rect" style=3D"color:#990000;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times= ,Serif;text-decoration:none;font-size:12pt;"><font color=3D"#990000" size= =3D"3" face=3D"Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif" style=3D"color:#990000= ;font-family:Garamond,Times New Roman,Times,Serif;font-size:12pt;">Tenants'= Rights: What You Should Know</font></a></b></td> =09=09</tr> =09=09</table>=09=09=09 =09=09=09=09 =09=09 =09=09<table id=3D"content_LETTER.BLOCK15" hidefocus=3D"true" contenteditab= le=3D"inherit" tabindex=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cols=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0= " width=3D"100%" bgcolor=3D"#990000" datapagesize=3D"0" border=3D"0" style= 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