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.

Rash of Recent Texting-Related Crashes Prompts Legislation
The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense.