We sometimes hear that someone convicted of a serious crime, suicha s rape or murder, has been released from prison, after many years, because of new DNA evidence.

Exactly what does that mean? And is it that simple?

The allowance of DNA evidence in criminal trials has been described as one of the most significant developments in criminal justice since the jury trial.

West Virginia state law says meetings of governmental bodies generally have to be open to the public.

But what is a "meeting" and what are "open government proceedings"?

The public is entitled to notice of such meetings, but as they say, "the devil is in the details."

What are your rights as a member of the public?

It used to be that business was done on a handshake, and a man was as good as his word. Now, for better or worse, we generally use written contracts. But what are they? If you break a contract, what happens? What should happen?

What happens if the agreement and the written contract are different? And what about a buyout clause? Do you have to pay the money?

How much do you know about the Americans with Disabilities Act?

You probably don't know much ... unless you need to. Then, where do you go for information?

Did you know that the national leader in information about this law of disabilities and employment is right here in West Virginia? It's a difficult law to understand.

Every year, the West Virginia Legislature meets for its regular session, and several special sessions. And every year, many ask the same questions:
Who are these people?
What are they doing in the Legislature?
What's taking so long?

We've all seen the TV ads for debt settlenment companies. If you're over your head in debt, contact the advertiser and they'll make your creditors cut your interest rate and accept much less that they're actually owed. And - they're non-profit!

It sounds like free lunch. But is it too good to be true?

Do they really get the creditors off your back and save you money?

Most of us have heard ads in political and other campaigns about how WV is "bad for business," about how our court system is broken, and how frivolous lawsuits are ruining everything. Is there another side to all of this?

Have you ever wondered about the people who make their living suing businesses, doctors and other people?

Plaintiff's trial lawyers are pretty much a disliked, even hated group - until you need one.

Words like "insane," "mad," and "crazy" are not particularly politically correct these days. Now we use concepts like "mental illness" and "psychopathology."

But all of these terms mean pretty much the same thing in a courtroom: the defendant shouldn't be convicted. 

Sometimes criminal defendants escape punishment, and even trial, not because they are innocent, but because they are insane.

Just exactly how crazy does a defendant have to be to escape being tried or convicted?

We often hear that someone convicted of a serious crime, such as rape or murder, has been released from prison, sometimes after many years, because of DNA evidence.

Exactly what does that mean? And it is really that simple?

The allowance of DNA evidence in criminal trials has baan described as one of the most significant developments in criminal justice since the jury trial. How important is DNA eveidence in criminal cases?

Law Works off June 12 & 19 for pledge

West Virginia state law says meetings of governmental bodies generally have to be open to the public.

But what is a "meeting" and what are "open government proceedings"?

The public is entitled to notice of such meetings, but as they say, "the devil is in the details."

What are your rights as a member of the public?

West Virginia state law says we have to have an ethics commission. The laws concerning governmental ethics were written to quote "maintain confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the government."

It appears that some public officials have used their offices for personal gain or the benefit of special interests.