News Archives

In Boston, a lawsuit was settled where an attorney sued three police officers stating that his First and Fourth Amendment Rights were violated when he videotaped the officers on his cellphone. This sends a clear message that the public is allowed to tape and scrutinize police officers in their duties. New police protocol should take into consideration the new age of technology and provide training that allows officers to handle these situations properly.  

This morning, Terry was on WGN regarding the current case in front of the United States Supreme Court on the Health Care Act.

Yesterday, Terry Sullivan was on WGN news discussing the legal implications that the homeowner in Florida might face in the shooting of a young boy that resulted in his death.

Some employers are now requesting new employees to release their Facebook passwords, but Illinois is just one of many states seeking to make this act illegal. The issue is that this can be viewed as an invasion of privacy. Terry Sullivan will be on WGN news tomorrow morning to discuss the importance of this issue- make sure to watch!

As the law gets more progressive in the social media age so do the lawyers for both sides. Thus the Warning: know what you text and think before you do so…or it may well haunt you some day! Two quick examples: Every day now, texts are subpoenaed in divorce court. During the period of spouses’ arguments, one party may make a text offer of settlement without legal advice which - in court- can be used against him or her. Another example would be in the: Lacrosse Murder Case” at the University of Virginia, the defendant, in a lover’s argument, texted his girlfriend: ‘I should kill you.” The text was admitted at his murder trial! Now you’re on your own!!

Today, Terry Sullivan will be on WGN to discuss Blagojevich as he begins his prison sentence.

In Pennsylvania, two thieves took tools from a home before unwittingly trying to sell them back to their owner at his place of employment. The victim was approached by two people at a service center trying to sell him some tools which were still in the victim’s toolbox. The victim recognized his toolbox and reported it stolen. The police quickly arrested the two thieves and they are charged with theft and receiving stolen property.

During a baseball game, a woman and two male White Sox fans started shouting obscenities at the rival fans.  An off-duty police officer, who was there with his two sons and wife, confronted the men about their obscenities, and the three men began fighting.  The off-duty officer’s wife then initiated a fight with the female White Sox fan.  Security came and broke up the fight.  The White Sox fans were all arrested and charged with aggravated battery and mob action.  However, charges were dropped against the female White Sox fan after surveillance video shows the fight was initiated by the off-duty police officer’s wife.

The female fan later sued the White Sox alleging the security (all off-duty police officers) shoved her to the floor, jumped on her and twisted her arm in the security office.  She filed a complaint under Section 1983 of the US Code alleging malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and false arrest. Under Section1983, plaintiffs can recover civil damages if they’re denied a constitutional right by a private person acting under the law.  The District and Appellate Courts ruled in favor of the White Sox since the guards did not identify themselves as police officers and did NOT have their handcuffs or service weapons.  Also noted was that she did not suffer any physical injuries.