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.
Attorney Adam Bancroft served as a mock trial judge for the annual Michigan High School Mock Trial competition. Organized by the Michigan Center for Civic Education, a Regional Competition was held for the Kent County area at the 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids.
Mock trials are designed to teach content and appreciation of our judicial system and reenact much of what might take place in a trial court. Students take on the roles of plaintiff and defense attorneys and witnesses. They compete against each other in actual courtrooms in front of real judge lawyers with the opportunity to interpret legal documents and witness statements, and take on roles and simulate a trial in real life and real time. Students adjust to the strategies employed by the opposing side. Mock trials draw upon historical events, trials of contemporary interest, school or classroom situations, or hypothetical and entertaining fact patterns to inspire students to think critically and creatively about the law. The mock trials offer participating students an opportunity to think on their feet. The ultimate mission of the Michigan Center for Civic Education is to promote and support the development of engaged, responsible citizens through law-related and civic education.
As a volunteer judge, Adam enjoyed working with a team of bright, articulate Kent County high school students as they learned more about our legal system and considered the possibility of a future legal career.