by tforrence | Aug 1, 2014 | Uncategorized
In the following interview, Chief Justice John Roberts contrasts reading a bad brief, which he likens to hacking through a jungle with a machete in an attempt to get to the point, with reading a good brief, which allows the reader to put his arms around the argument...
by tforrence | Jul 29, 2014 | Uncategorized
OK so we all make grammar mistakes. We type “its” rather than “it’s.” But we cringe when a bus drives by with Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s latest slogan “Live Fearless!” It’s like fingernails on a chalkboard. In her...
by tforrence | Apr 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
Prospective clients often ask me about the statistical possibility of being heard by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. I typically tell them that the likelihood of being heard is remote. In 2011, the court received 2,363 petitions and granted only 101. That figure is...
by tforrence | Mar 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
Although the Superior Court affirms over 80% of the time, the statistics show an increased percentage of reversals in cases argued before the assigned panel. For each of the calendar years 2007 – 2011, roughly 10% of the cases submitted on briefs resulted in...
by tforrence | Mar 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
Question: In a direct criminal appeal, can a defendant raise the issue that his trial counsel did not provide effective assistance of counsel? Answer: For now at least, the answer is generally “No.” In Commonwealth v. Grant, 813 A.2d 726 (Pa. 2002), the Supreme Court...
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