During a heated exchange between YSL attorney Brian Steel and the judge presiding over the YSL RICO trial, Ural Glanville, attorney Steel moved to have Judge Glanville recuse himself from the trial. Judge Glanville refused to do so, saying that the attorneys requesting him to step aside had not cited any factual evidence that he should recuse, but instead had only made assertions without factual backing. Glanville cited the case Baptiste versus State as the precedential basis for his decision. Attorney Steel argued that Baptiste actually supports the defense’s contention that Glanville should step aside. We have made an audio recording of the Baptiste case so that you can listen to it and decide for yourself which side is citing the case correctly. Search our channel for the video.

In addition to Baptiste, attorney Steel cited another case, Parrish versus State, when arguing that Glanville should recuse. Parrish is an appellate case tried by attorney Steel’s law firm, and Steel cites the case in support of his contention that pleadings made by an attorney, on behalf of his or her client, become a statement of the client.

As it relates to the YSL case, Steel says that other YSL lawyers contend that Glanville “got involved with speaking with Mr. Copeland, and assisted in Mr. Copeland testifying against Mr. Williams. “ Steel says he has added the court to the witness list, and plans to call the court as a witness during the trial, as a result of the aforementioned meeting with witnesses Woody Copeland.

To help provide the public with additional context for Steel’s citation to the Parrish case, we present the full case here in audio format. You can also find a link to the written decision in the description.

Lawyers for YSL members, including rapper Young Thug, are requesting that the judge in their RICO case, Ural Glanville, step down. At issue is a secret ex parte meeting that Glanville conducted with witness Woody Copeland and the prosecutor. The defense claims that this secret meeting is prejudicial to their case and represents judicial misconduct on the part of Glanville. In filing their motion to have Glanville recuse himself, YSL defense counsel cites a Georgia court case, Baptiste v. State, as one of the primary precedential rulings supporting their motion. Interestingly, Glanville also sites Baptiste v. State when denying YSL’s motion for recusal. In order for you to better understand the reasoning both sides are using, we researched the Baptiste case and provide it here in audio format.

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One of the most common citations is a court case. Below, we give instruction on how to cite a court case. ​​

Remember, we have a legal citations workshop (live over Zoom) which ​gives you all the information you need to become a Cite Checking PRO. 
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Citing a Court Case
Citing a court case according to The Bluebook rules involves several components. Here’s a breakdown of how to properly format a citation to a court case:

Citing a court case according to The Bluebook rules involves several components. Here’s a breakdown of how to properly format a citation to a court case:

1. Case Name

• Format: The case name, or “style of cause,” should be in italics or underlined.
• Parties: Only the first party on each side of the case is usually included for cases in appellate courts.
• Abbreviations: Omit most abbreviations and all procedural phrases (like “In re” or “ex parte”) except for “v.” (for versus).
• Capitalization: Capitalize the principal words.

2. Citations (Volume, Reporter, Page Number)

• Volume: The volume number of the reporter in which the case is published comes first.
• Reporter: The abbreviated name of the reporter follows the volume number.
• Page Number: The page number on which the case begins comes after the reporter.
• Example: 123 F.3d 456 (123 = Volume, F.3d = Federal Reporter, Third Series, 456 = Page Number).

3. Court and Date

• Court: Add an abbreviation of the court that decided the case (only if the court is not obvious from the reporter).
• Year: The year of the decision is placed in parentheses at the end.
• Example: 123 F.3d 456 (9th Cir. 1996)

4. Parenthetical

• Rule for Parenthetical: A parenthetical may be used to provide additional information about the case, such as the court’s jurisdiction, the decision’s procedural posture, or a brief explanation of the case’s relevance.
• Placement: The parenthetical comes after the year and is also enclosed in parentheses.
• (en banc) indicating the full court participated.
• (affirming denial of a motion to dismiss) to explain the procedural posture or the decision made.

Full Citation Example

Smith v. Jones, 123 F.3d 456 (9th Cir. 1996) (en banc).

This example includes the case name in italics, the volume number, the reporter abbreviation, the page number, the court in abbreviation (if necessary), and the year in parentheses. If applicable, a parenthetical providing additional information about the case is included after the year.

Remember, The Bluebook offers detailed rules for various situations and exceptions, so it’s important to consult it directly for complex cases or for citations to other types of legal materials.

Getting a job without experience is not impossible. Here are some strategies to increase your chances:

1. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Positions:
• Look for internships or entry-level positions that require minimal experience.
• Many employers are willing to hire candidates with little to no experience for entry-level roles.

2. Emphasize Transferable Skills:
• Identify and emphasize skills you’ve gained through volunteer work, internships, coursework, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, can be valuable in any workplace.

3. Create a Strong Resume:
• Craft a well-organized and tailored resume that highlights your skills, education, and any relevant experiences.
• Use action verbs and quantify your achievements wherever possible to showcase your impact.

4. Write a Compelling Cover Letter:
• Customize your cover letter for each application. Express enthusiasm for the position and explain how your skills and qualities make you a suitable candidate.
• Use the cover letter to address any potential concerns about your lack of experience and focus on your eagerness to learn.

5. Network:
• Attend industry events, job fairs, and networking functions to connect with professionals in your desired field.
• Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network and seek advice from experienced individuals.

6. Volunteer or Freelance:
• Offer your services on a volunteer or freelance basis to gain practical experience.
• This can help you build a portfolio and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

7. Professional Development:
• Invest in your skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications that are relevant to the job you’re targeting.
• Highlight these additional qualifications on your resume.

8. Show Enthusiasm and a Willingness to Learn:
• During interviews, convey your passion for the industry and the specific role.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and adapt to the company’s culture and expectations.

9. Utilize Personal and Academic Achievements:
• Highlight any academic achievements, leadership roles, or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment and capabilities.

Persistence is key. Job hunting takes time, especially when you’re starting your career. Stay positive, be open to opportunities, and continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.

Certificate:

A certificate is a document that attests to the completion of a course, training, or program of study.

Between a certificate and certification, most paralegal employers prefer a paralegal certificate as it demonstrates the completion of a course of study.

A certificate is generally awarded by an educational institution (such as Paralegal Institute), training center, or organization that provides specific education or training.

Certificates can be obtained for a wide range of purposes, including academic achievements, vocational training, or participation in workshops and seminars.

The emphasis is on the completion of a learning experience.

Certification:

Certification is a formal recognition by a professional organization or a certification body that an individual has met specific criteria or standards in a particular field.

It often involves an assessment or examination process to ensure that the individual possesses the required skills, knowledge, and competencies in a specific domain.

Certifications are often linked to professional or industry standards and are typically pursued to enhance one’s credibility in a specific profession.

Certification is an ongoing process, and individuals may need to renew or update their certification periodically through continuing education or reexamination.

In summary, a certificate is generally awarded upon the completion of a course or program, while certification is a formal recognition of an individual’s competence in a specific area, often requiring an assessment or examination.

Certificates are more commonly associated with educational achievements, whereas certifications are often tied to professional or industry standards.

By thoroughly preparing for an interview, you increase your confidence, showcase your qualifications effectively, and leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

​”Murder,” “homicide,” and “kill” are related terms often used in legal and everyday language to describe the act of causing another person’s death. However, they have distinct legal and semantic differences:

Kill:

“Kill” is a general and broad term that simply means causing the death of another living being. It can refer to the act of taking someone’s life intentionally or unintentionally.
Killing can be lawful (e.g., self-defense or a soldier in combat) or unlawful (e.g., murder or manslaughter).
It is a neutral term that does not inherently imply criminality or legality.
Homicide:

“Homicide” is a legal term used to describe the killing of one person by another person. It encompasses all instances of one person causing the death of another.
Homicide can be categorized into different types based on intent and circumstances:
a. Murder: A deliberate and intentional killing with malice aforethought, often involving premeditation.
b. Manslaughter: The unlawful killing of another person without malice or with less intent than murder. Manslaughter can be further divided into voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, depending on the level of intent or negligence involved.
Murder:

“Murder” is a specific subset of homicide that involves the intentional and unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought means that the perpetrator had the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.
Murder charges are typically more severe than manslaughter charges and carry heavier penalties.
​
Murder is often categorized into different degrees (e.g., first-degree murder and second-degree murder) based on the specific circumstances and intent involved. First-degree murder generally implies premeditation and a higher level of intent, while second-degree murder may involve intent but without premeditation.

​In summary, “kill” is a general term for causing the death of another living being, “homicide” is a legal term encompassing all instances of one person causing the death of another, and “murder” is a specific type of homicide involving intentional and unlawful killing with malice aforethought. The legal distinctions between these terms can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s important to consult the specific laws and definitions applicable in a particular location.