A recent AAJ article reports that a petition is pending requesting that the Supreme Court allow active duty military personnel to sue the government. Petty Officer Nathan Hafterson died on March 26, 2006, at Naval Hospital Jacksonville after being admitted for trouble breathing. His attorneys state that it would put military members on the same footing as civilians under the Federal Tort Claims Act. This malpractice action was denied by the lower courts because a federal law (known as the Feres doctrine) prohibits active military members from suing the US government.

New Addiction Promoted
Expect to see more news about e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are nicotine delivery devices. Manufacturers bill them as an alternative to cigarettes where cigarette smoking is prohibited. They are also advertised as devices for those trying to quit smoking.