on issues in law, civics and public policy.

"The very winds carry freedom" - Thursday, October 7, 2010. I recently received an email with the transcript of the sentence read by the judge to Richard Reid, the Shoe Bomber. The sentencing hearing was held in 2003, and the Reid story is old news. But it is worth reading again now that some time and distance has passed since 9/11. (more)

Lawyers for Lawyers - Wednesday, April 29, 2009. As law firm economics place increasing demands on lawyers and firms, lawyers are starting solo and small law firms, moving to other firms, merging practices, taking in-house counsel positions, reorganizing partnerships and updating technology. In many situations, attorneys need assistance with legal, technology and firm administration issues associated with these transitions. In other words, lawyers need lawyers too. (more)

A Glass Act - Sunday, September 21, 2008.  From a story in today's Charlotte Observer, Rick Rothaker wrote of the day the news broke, "at a restaurant at the base of the Merrill tower, the takeover news was rippling through lunchtime conversations.  General manager Melonee Gilchrist said the firm's investment bankers were taking the news as expected. 'They're drinking,' she said."  (more) 

The War - Monday, October 8, 2007.  I watched the recent Ken Burns documentary, The War -- an oral history by and about about the men and women who experienced WWII.  What a remarkable piece of work.  (more)

The Other Branch of Government - Friday, April 20, 2007.  The law is something of a mystery to most people.  In fact, it's apparently a mystery to a good many North Carolina state lawmakers.  (more) 

Property Taxes (civic pneumonia) - Tuesday, March 13, 2007.  A while back, I received a tax notice from the Catawba County Tax Collector for the boat I keep on Lake Norman in Catawba Country.  A few weeks later, I received a tax notice from the Mecklenburg County Tax Collector for the same boat, which, as I said, is kept on Lake Norman in Catawba County.  (more)

Liberty vs. The Flag - Friday, October 18, 1996.  As a citizen and a veteran, I am offended by the sight of our flag in flames. However, I did not serve or fight for a flag - but for the principles of liberty and justice for which it stands.  (more)

The Zen of Criminal Defense - Sunday, September 22, 1996.  As I understand it, at least in felonies, an accused has a right to a trial by a jury of his or her peers and a right to counsel. This due process of law is our bulwark against the otherwise unchecked and potentially tyrannical police power.  (more)

"We the people, of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

- Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America

Copyright  ©  2011 Ashe Lockhart. All rights reserved.