With the recent announcement of the 2024 Oscars nominees, showings and re-showings of the movies that received a nod from the Academy will be prevalent in the coming months. But it is important to remember that public movie showings are strictly controlled by the U.S. Copyright Act, which grants the exclusive right to authorize public showings of copyrighted works to their owners. Read this overview of how copyright applies to "public" movie showings.
Firearm ownership is at the center of many legal discussions and debates in the US, including how individuals can legally procure guns. Gun trusts are one way of legally and more easily transferring firearm ownership between individuals. Here's an overview of what gun trusts are, their benefits, and some of the key insights to know about drafting a binding gun trust.
On June 15, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed into law the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or CROWN Act. The CROWN Act amends and expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act’s definition of “race” to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities and housing. Specifically, “race” is now defined as “inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. For purposes of this definition, ‘protective hairstyles’ includes, but is not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, locks, and twists.” The text of 2023 PA 45 can be found here.
Michigan is the 23rd state to enact a version of the CROWN Act.
The CROWN Act passed with bipartisan support, and takes effect immediately. Employers should update any employment policies, handbooks or other employment documents accordingly, and should inform their managers and supervisors of the change in the law.
Should you have any questions regarding the CROWN Act, contact employment law attorney Bethany Sweeny (bsweeny@kotzsangster.com) or your Kotz Sangster relationship attorney.
