Hidden within the legalese of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution are several well-known laws, most of which play important roles in criminal cases and another which is prominent in civil matters. The text of the Amendment reads: "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment …
Van Osdol and Magruder News
Bradshaw Jumps the Broom
Sometimes good things happen to good people. In that category falls the recent nuptials of our partner Tom Bradshaw to a great lady, his longtime companion Christine Rankin. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw! As with most of the men in our firm, Tom has married above his station. Tom is known for working with Van Osdol clients on …
Elizabeth Patterson: Our Montreal Voyageur
This past month I traveled to Montreal. It was my first time there, and while you are only a few hours away from the U.S. border, you feel like you have travelled across the ocean to Europe. Bold, brazen and beautiful, Montreal is a tantalizing tale of two worlds: New-world energy and excitement meets old-world glamour and grace. The 17th …
Magruder Report: Revisiting Search and Seizure
Is it time to revisit the Fourth Amendment prohibition on illegal searches and seizures in the context of the recent tragedy in Orlando? The text of the amendment is as follows: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants …
Get a Bang Out of the 4th
The Fourth of July is nearly upon us. In addition to swimming and sunning, I plan on taking my family to watch the grandest of all Fourth of July traditions, a fireworks display. There’s nothing wrong with getting your Fourth of July kicks by setting off a few fireworks yourself, but make sure that you stay on the right side of the law. …
The FBI Gets Its Man
Amid criticism about gun purchases and other things, the Federal Bureau of Investigation quietly does some great work nationally and here in Kansas City. Aside from apprehending criminals of all shapes and sizes, the FBI conducts a program in Kansas City that provides a strong backbone for our community. I speak of the FBI Citizens Academy, …
