International brief ~ UN Security Council reform proposals expected Thursday
The UN panel charged with suggesting reforms to the UN Security Council is scheduled to present its proposals in New York Thursday. The panel's two main proposals reportedly include expanding Security Council membership by nine seats. The first proposal...
The Louisiana Supreme Court Wednesday will consider the constitutionality of the state's Defense of Marriage amendment banning gay marriage. The amendment, overwhelmingly passed by voters in September, was struck down in early October by State District Judge William...
War crimes prosecutor's report to the UN Security Council [ICTY]
Report of Carla del Ponte, Prosecutor of the ICTY, to the UN Security Council, November 23, 2004 [declaring that Serbia has continued to avoid its legal obligations, allowing up to 12 people wanted by the tribunal to live free in...
Presenting the legislative agenda for the 2004-2005 session of Parliament, the British government has pledged to introduce "legislation to increase security for all." In the Queen's speech, read Tuesday morning, proposals to create a "British FBI," introduce a national...
Corporations & securities brief ~ Oracle likely to win PeopleSoft takeover bid
In Friday's corporations and securities law news, Oracle will win its hostile takeover fight for PeopleSoft because it has support from a majority of PeopleSoft shareholders, according to sources close to the situation. The battle is nonetheless likely to...
The traditional British fox hunt is to be banned after the House of Commons Thursday invoked the rarely-used Parliament Act of 1949 to force through the ban over the opposition of the House of Lords. Labour party Ministers had...
Environmental brief ~ 13 countries join US to reduce methane emissions
In Wednesday's environmental law news, the US has encouraged 13 other countries to join an international agreement to reduce methane emissions by trapping the gas and using it for power generation. The program, Methane to Markets, is an attempt...
Corporations & securities brief ~ Ken Lay's wife under investigation for Enron stock sale
In Wednesday's corporations and securities law news, federal officials are investigating former Enron Chairman Kenneth Lay's wife in connection with a $1.3 million Enron stock sale just days before the energy company went under. The couple's lawyer indicated the...
Two senior insurance underwriters with Zurich Financial Services, the third-largest commercial insurer in the US, pleaded guilty Tuesday night to charges connected to NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's ongoing insurance bid-rigging investigation. Also Tuesday, Zurich reported receiving a subpoena...
A Nigerian federal appeals court today blocked an upcoming general strike which would effectively shut down oil exports in the world's seventh largest exporter. Justice Tanko Mohammed Yusuf ruled that the main Nigeria Labor Congress "shall not embark on...
