Where have I been??

I have been woefully neglectful in my studies.I would also like to think that I have a good reason, could actually offer up several choices on a platter like I have bee busy at work, busy enjoying my birthday, being without a laptop for a while. But no excuses, where there is a will there is a way. Speaking of laptop, I just got my brand new laptop and now I can utilize the wireless service in my apartment. Sweeeet.

So back on track am I, let's rebuild that enthusiasm and kick some major butt.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!! Yay

Finally, the B-Day is here and I am thrilled. Of course, I encountered some glitches but all is well as I move to enjoy what should be a remarkable day. Thank God I managed to live for another year, striking, especially after hearing that a former classmate was taken in a car accident.

I love this saying...remember the present is a gift. Enjoy it!

The thin line between love and hate

O so well I could have thought of a better title but forgive me. I have been woven and cuddled in my cocoon for God alone knows how long. Football fans and you people who only know of the Brazilian team, hmm hmm, what do you think of those tackles and attacks? Do you think a yellow or a red card is suufficient for some of those moves you see that raise the hair on the nape of your neck and instinctively brings about that cringe?

Well that is the thin line between love and hate or between criminal liability and acceptable sportsmanship. Cases have been surfacing and rightly so that speak to this issue. Law, generally and criminal law in a narrower sense, seems to be on the right path in fulfilling their roles as arbiters of order.

Thinking from the perspective of a football fanatic, will this detract from the spirit of the game, will players be so caught up in preventing a lawsuit and hence dull their performance. I know, I know, a lot of questions, maybe that will evoke a lot of responses.

Countdown!!!!!!

And oh how I am counting down to the big day. Yeah my Birthday. The day an angel was created. Now that I am done with all that. Keeping fingers crossed that my spirit remains in the tip-toppest of positions.

Dreadful Neglect and Appropriate Regret

Hello my lovely readers, well the handful who I know check to see if I have written anything and surprisingly the few lured here by Google.

I have neglected my blog for a while. Sheesh how time flies. Speaking of flying, what can you make of a Judge who in the divorce case El Fararghy v El Fararghy tells the husband that he can depart on his magic carpet to escape paying costs. It doesn't even stop there, there were other swipes at the Sheik's culture. I wonder maybe the Judge had a bit too much to drink. Hmmm Hmmm I think yes (like Elliot in Open Season). I must say I have been having a blast, when I am not obsessing over exams that is, reading some cases that are out of the world.

Anyway hope you haven't neglected me as I have you. See you soon.

Most Amazing Experience

I had the best experience everrrr yesterday. Nothing is better than knowing that you are loved...and loved unconditionally. I am such a bad Christian, like I am a convenient Christian, pray when I remember or when I am in a jam. Yesterday, I was not on top of my mountain singing "Joy to the World", more like on a hill saying "yeah I am still here". Anyway, as I sat there, I had this remarkable feeling of peace, I smiled and I knew that it had to be God. And I almost cried because all I could think about was I have not prayed in ages yet he made me feel better in an instance.

YES, studying is moving at a snail's pace but I will be back on top oh so soon. I read in the papers about this illiterate women who at 50 decides to get English. How inspiring is that. HA! I sound so loony but I am oh so joyful. Wonder how long it will last. Who cares I am gonna ride it like a wave!!!!! Keep Safe.

How Noble Are You Dr. James Watson???

1962 Noble Prize recipient for Medicine, Dr. James Watson is again on a roll!!! Latest is that studies show that black people are less intelligent than white people. Wow!! All I can say is that this is hella motivation for me to ensure that racist asses like this have exceptions to their biased views and when those exceptions turn out to be the rule, what then Dr. Watson? This man was a part of the team that discovered the structure of DNA, so you are tempted to say that he must know what the hell he is saying. After all DNA is the boss when it comes to the make-up of humans but I gotta turn my back on this "scientific fact". I wonder if I were white if I would feel this way?

After all I do believe that white people have no rhythm, maybe I am being hypocritical. I have to evaluate that one but for now Dr. Watson you are an arse.

HIATUS!!!!

Hmmm! Hi Readers, how's it been? Well I am at that point after peaking and there is no other direction but down, yes, you guessed it, law studies have been relegated to the backburner while I rethink and revise strategies to come back with a BANG and proceed to climb back to that peak. Hopefully, all this will coincide with exam time. Yeah? Yeah? You think? Ahhh, not too sure but keeping fingers crossed.

At least the mind is not asleep so good news there and I refuse to get frustrated. No intelligent post here today. Sorry for the disappointment if you found the others to be even mildly relevant and reflective of good sense.

I may be going crazy (indicated by the impish grins that play hide and seek on my face) AH , another stupid grin, yes I am declaring insanity. Surprisingly not from studies, in fact I study best when I am in the Mad Scientist mode but not yet my little darlings for I must time this progress to align itself with May/June.

Could you follow anything I just posted? Well, that makes maybe none of us. Toodles

Hunting for a better judgement??

And they are off!!! Again!! Pro-hunting factions after having failed at using the validity of the Parliament Acts to declare Hunting Act 2004 unlawful are now raising the banner of Human rights and European trade as a support for their cause.

Parliamentary sovereignty is a ghost, isn't it??? UK makes it laws and as a defense, people always revert to the infamous need for respect for human rights and look to the EU and the EC as their saviours. I wonder if the UK were to withdraw from the EU, what the hell would happen???? Hmmmm?

And yet another lawyer brings the trade into disrepute. You always hear these corny jokes about lawyers being unscrupulous witches and wizards who will go to any ends to concoct a potion to bedazzle the judge or jury and win their case. Is it indispensable that as lawyers in order to succeed, you have to draw your arse in the dirt???

Human Rights - Fundamental or Fight against Fundamentalism?

As I read Gibbs' article on the LCJ and his address to the American Bar Association, I wondered "is Human Rights respected as fundamental to each and every individual or is it just another strategy against fundamentalist tendencies and eruptions?"

Sure, a policy and a strategy will undoubtedly at times serve different purposes for the benefit of society. But why was the HRA enacted? Was it because of pressure from the EU or the commitment made to honour obligations made in that forum by the EC Act of 1972? I believe that our approach to HR should not lie in what benefits it holds for the preservation of society, albeit I am not disputing the indispensability of that notion. It should be founded on the realization that as humans, as inhabitants of this land, each and every breathing individual is entitled to such privileges.

Just my airhead view anyway.

A Different Mark!!

Hey to all readers! I came across this article in Times online by Edward Fennell "Making a mark may be easier" and of course it makes for relevant discussion, especially for those interested in Intellectual Property (IP)issues.

The long and short is that the UK IP Office which registers patents and trademarks will no longer investigate the relative conflict between a new trademark and an existing one. There are arguments defending the pros or cons of the move. Some attorneys believe that the authority once associated with a trademark will be diminished.

I understand all these misgivings and the implications of such a move. However, I have to side with those who espouse the view that now companies will have to take the protection of their intellectual property interest seriously and at heart. Gone are the days of relying on the UK IP Office to be watchdogs, now it is every man for himself. And I am indeed concerned for those small business who it is projected will face a disadvantage in terms of cost and resources to maintain the needed vigilance. In everything there are ups and downs. What are your pros or cons? Let's hear it!!!

What is the world coming to!

Went for an interview at a prestigious law firm today. Keeping fingers crossed (Pay keen attention to the tension in my words, I would love to get this job!!!!! I would tell you more about the interview experience, it wasn't bad but I really want to get that call saying come in and view your office. Yeah!

Anyhoo, Big up to Val, you know yourself. This good samaritan has been feeding me lovely notes and I am so grateful. Wishing him good luck in his third year!!!

And I just read a stirring post at Emancipated? Ramblings. Too hot to handle man. Sizzling!

Can you believe I open my inbox to see an e-mail titled "Help" from some individual whose name I can not recall who claims financial inability to hire a lawyer and who proceeds to give me the scraps of his problem and asks for legal help and a sample letter to send to the alleged faulting party. Now who would want their case resting in the hands of an L1 student? Huh? There are real qualified solicitors and barristers in immediate airspace aka blawgland. Come on dude! I hope he reads this.

LIFE! I am smiling today, hopefully that lasts until next time. And of course shout out to all my word contributors, you're blazing!!!

Darn It!

I spent a while writing a good little entry for the blog but I have no idea where the hell it went and of course I am in no mood at the moment to replicate that.

People! What's up with the Microsoft ruling handed down from the European CFI? Do you agree? Should Microsoft share its software and change its method of selling its products?. All of this in light of the fact that organizations such as the WTO advocate for liberalization of trade and services while members of the EU and the US still pay out huge sums in farm and other subsidies. The world will never be fair.

Readers do not think for a second that because I have not been boring you with my weekly lessons that I have slacked off. I am reading intently and practising, I have fallen in love with a topic on my Crim Law syllabus : actus reus - causation. But I here that students usually like Crim law so I guess that's nothing unusual. I have a bone to pick though, for a area that has so many brilliant minds why is it that as soon as I read a rule, I read a few sentences later that there are many exceptions to the rule that often make the rule seem like the exception. In the Spirit of Reform, the Law Commission needs to work on those areas assiduously.

I opened my mail to see words of encouragement from a student in Malaysia. Thanks for the support!! Hopefully, I will benefit from the material that he promises to share.

I have a task for all my readers! I am working on increasing the vocabulary and like Akeelah I believe that every person I encounter can be my teacher int his quest. So anyone who wants to share words, some I may know others I may not. SHARE!

For my freedom! friend I hope that you were apprised. Write soon.

Perspectives

Wow! It has been a whole week since I last wrote and I am embarrassed to say that I have not seen any real news for that period either. So technically, I am behind. Not too perturbed though, have noticed of late that my mood has grown dramatically calmer because I am known for being extremely high-strung and emotional. Glad that phase is over, if so it is.

And still more material arrives from that blessed institution and I am surprisingly still excited to receive it. Thought that preliminary buzz would have worn off by now. Been catching up on my previous degree as I prepare for a possible job change, at a time like this you may ask? But sometimes change is good and for all the Jamaicans reading this! - no! I am not being ousted due to the change in government and no! I have no connections in the victorious party who are responsible for any change made during this time. Glad I got that out of the way and that leads to another point - today the nation shall swear in its 8th Prime Minister. Hmm for some reason there is not that much ceremony and excitement surrounding it in light of the fact that it is a change from the 18 yr regime of the outgoing party. I, for one, plan to listen to the Prime Minister's speech as he takes over the helm.

It's now back to school time and at times I remember that I am included in the 'back to school' posse. Still haven't gotten used to it. Soon I hope. Talk later.

And the Winner Is.......

Drumroll please??? No, maybe we can hold out on the drumroll for now, but preliminary results show that the Opposition party, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is well on its way to forming the new government after 18 years of starvation. The ruling People's National Party (PNP) is set to go down in flames.

This brought the UK elections to mind when a Conservative government in power for 18 years, just as the PNP, was beaten badly by the Labour government. The difference with both is that the Labour government won by a landslide whereas the JLP only scraped by on a slim 5% majority. I think this representative of the will of the people, the electorate has shown 'who is the boss' and the results show that they are not totally confident in the JLP but they had to make a choice and to them the JLP seems the lesser of the two evils.

More could be said but that's all for now folks. PEOPLE REIGN SUPREME. Parlimentary sovereignty blahhhhh, electorate sovereignty!!!!!!!!

To France!!! Rome in turmoil

Extradition...if you don't already know. It was most definitely a turn off (pun intended) for Noriega and his counsel when they learned of the recommendation for Noriega to be extradited to France to serve a sentence of 10 years for money laundering . Not to mention Panama's call for him to be extradited to his country to stand trial.

And abortion is back on the agenda. This is due to an expectant mother of twins who after doing an amniocentesis test decided to abort one of the twins who had Down's syndrome. The twist is that instead of having the 2 beautiful babies God had intended her to have, this woman will be having nada. This is due to the healthy baby being aborted by error. Why can't we let things run their course, where is the joy in surprises that God himself has prepared for us? Hmm? boy o boy I say.

As it relates to my studies, I am still going strong. Have not been deterred yet.

The worst teacher ever

Work has taken a glorious ride in the backseat of the cab on this road to somewhere, not quite sure yet but the destination is promising. I sigh and wonder how life is treating other fellow citizens of earth out there. And you may wonder does she really care? or why the heck would she want to know that? God alone knows but for some reason at this point of writing I do care.

Work is moving along with the time. What else can I say, deadlines are not as strict, I can study at my desk if I so chose and so forth. You get the drill. I decided that I needed a timetable (like duh) and so I should ensure that before this day is out that I have a comprehensive one, self-lectures, self tutorials, revision, reading and the works.

I have the worst teacher ever, she barks at me when my train of thought on an issue is wack, she never fails to register nor express her disgust at my aptitude or lack thereof and the worst part, I never get a break from this woman!!!! When I pass a mirror, she is there, I am sleeping she is there...blast it I would like to slack off without her knowing for once. Thank God she is not my boss.

Later folks.

US A-G Resigns

And he's out!!!!! Talking about bushwhacked...sorry I meant bush backed A-G, alberto Gonzales. He tendered his resignation, my darlings and well it is claim that Bush reluctantly accepted.

It is not UK news, but still significant as the US as influenced by British history has a common law tradition permeating their legal system. Though suffering from constitutional differences, the concept is the same..judicial review. Public authorities and bodies need to realize that they are not above the law..no matter how low the law gets, the are always under its rule. Or ideally that is the essence, right. I hate when these people speak of rule of law and fail to see that their actions is in contradiction of certain tenets of the concept.

His resignation is welcomed, that is the pressure that should come to bear on any public authority accountable to the electorate, if they fail to respect such accountability.

Cheers

Catching up!!

Been travelling quite a bit here in blogland, or is it blawgland? Even managed to get myself caught on a misdeameanour in the land of 'Nearly Legal'. Got off quite easily once I swore never to do said frowned upon activity again.

Been swimming in inforrmation and now I know what it means when they say 'the law is ever-changing'. Law reports daily that may support a certain legal principle or may deviate in some way from it. Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Rules that will take effect on 1 October 2007, and I have not much idea what the Crim PR is all about as yet. Hmmm for some amazing reason, I am not daunted.

Any person with knowledge about the CrimPR and who wishes to take on the task of bringing me up to speed is more than welcome. Although I do notice that no one ever takes me up on the task to comment on the issues that I do present. I wonder why I even bother to ask. Well, toodles folks.

Chindamo and all that human rights!

Welcome back to Legally Blonde, fellow blogger on law school issues. Well, it is the 22nd of August in London and I am still on the 21st here in Jamaica but upon checking out the news on the TIMES, the focus is the same as yesterday. The UK's inability to deport Learco Chindamo based on the fact that deportation would be a breach of his human rights to family life. I mean sad as it is because the Lawrence family feel as if they have not been served justice but how can you deport someone to a country that they left at 6 yrs and who lacks fluency in the mother tongue? Hmmm! According to the TIMES, there is some secret document that supports claims that Chindamo will be a threat to society. After all, based on his notoriety and public opinion, people hate his guts, so is it better to deport him so that he can get acquainted with his Italian roots and possibly get accepted or respect his need for family and let him stay and be ostracized. Check out the story and the info. Let me know what you think!

I'm a Survivor!!!!

Well, Dean, Hurricane Dean that is, has come and gone. Many Jamaicans were affected adversely, however, we have to thank God that it did not continue on the projected course as the aftermath would have been deadlier. Yes, there were 2 deaths confirmed, sad but hopefully with time, we will get back on track.

And for that matter, the General Elections scheduled for the 27th of August has been postponed until the 3rd of September. Well! Well!

I was so determined in my studies during the Hurricane, especially after a client at my hairdresser noted that I would have hell completing my studies successfully, and with only candlelight I worked through my syllabus and read at least 2 chapters....not bad under the circumstances, if I may say so myself. Whooo lemme catch my breath.

Well until later, I have to go do my job, should have a entry exam tomorrow but that was postponed so it's as if our lives have been delayed. But no delays for CLRI, Crim law, Contract or Public Law. Onward!

Hurricane on the way

And the hurricane is on the way!!!! Dean, at the moment category 3 is making its way towards Jamaica. Praying that it will change its course. As for my studies, still keeping up, reading my cases, notes and guides. Working diligently through English Legal system. Ever since beginning this course, I see the law everywhere. How corny, OMG but tis true. One more step towards that goal, now according to my guide, I need to start thinking like a lawyer and develop some proper legal method. When I get there I will let you know! What are the views on Peter Smith LJ and the call for him to resign? Let me know. PEACE

So many cases, so little time!!!!

I have not even begun to glance at criminal law and the case load from contract has my head twirling. I stay up until odd hours of the night and I can barely finish a subsection of my subject guide. Over 9 hours and no breakthrough, OH MY GOSH!!!!! Maybe I am going about this the wrong way. I shall not fail even if it means no sleep for a year, onward must I trod. Peace.

Ripples in the Brook

I got my study material from London yesterday and to say the least I was elated. I was scared and excited, all at the same time. I must say thanks to Lot53 and Emancipated for taking the time to read and leave their comments...at least I know there is someone out there with me.

After my excitement had faded into the background with novelty of opening the packages, I wondered if I would feel this enthusiastic in a few months. I have to be realistic when the going gets tough, what the hell will I be doing? Like ripples in the brook will I expand my wings throughout this journey until I touch the shore of culmination or will my ripple be too small to even cause a second effect? Hmmm.....I don't know but soon we will all find out.

As I read the postings of fellow bloggers like Susie Law School, I realised how swiftly the time went as I read, they were finishing semesters and school years in minutes. Then there is the flip side will I be ready in time. Tune in tomorrow for what awaits me as I walk boldly through the wardrobe to LAWSCHOOL

A peek through the window

Hey Folks!

I have taken a peek through the window and I like what I see. I will most definitely regret saying this when the intensity of the course start to pile up. I am currently looking at the English legal system and as my course outline now calls it "Common law Reasoning and Institutions".

Blackstone isn't such a bad fellow to read. I have finished a brief scan of the introductory commentary. Most definitely need to revisit that in greater detail. I will not attempt to even discuss certain topics until I feel I have read sufficiently well to do so. However, it became rather clear that the reform of the House of Lords is highly necessary, I believe when there is a custom or way of doing something that was predicated on an existing social condition or circumstance which no longer exists, then revision must be given to that custom. Obviously, these nobles and peers were deemed to be more educated because duh!!! and no surprise here they were the class that had the wealth to access books and other materials as opposed to the meaner people of that society. In light of globalization and the access which poor and underprivileged persons have to education, that entire social condition has changed somewhat. In fact, do away with them I say! Off with their peerage!

There is a story I heard a while back about a daughter who grew up watching her mother prepare ham for the Christmas dinner every year. and every year her mother would cut off a huge chunk off one end of the ham and throw it away. And thus the tradition continued until her daughter asked her why she had to cut off that huge chunk and waste it... her natural reply was "that was the way my mother did it". The little girl decided to ask her grandmother why she did it, to which her grandma replied " the ham was too big for the baking pan I had back then". So you see, blindly following certain customs without an appreciation for their background can actually be wasteful. I welcome all comments and debates, if I am an idiot, I want to know now so that I can improve my lot in time for first year exams.

Peace out!

Welcome

Aaah, welcome to my blog. Glad to have you and Lord knows I will need the support and encouragement for what I am about to undertake. I have decided to pursue my LLB in just 2 years through an External programme and that's not the hair-raising part.....I intend to do all this without attending a lecture or tutuorial.

The question is can I make it??? What do you think? OH I almost forgot..I work full-time. The more I type, the more clearly it seems as if I may have bitten off more than I can chew but what the heck I just might have the balls to swallow it whole!!!

I am not from Europe, not from the USA, I am from a proud but humble island called Jamaica. Yeah you may have heard of it..Bob Marley and the fastest man in the world, Asafa Powell. Yeah!!! That's us and I plan to add my name to the Hall of Fame....crazy girl to complete law degree in 2 years with no formal teaching while holding down a full time job and the stress of a relationship and life. WATCH ME WORK!