Selecting  just 10 posts for our weekly Top 10 in Law Blogs can sometimes be a challenge–but when our bloggers publish pieces that are not only timely and relevant to current events, but also help further crucial discussions about trauma in our modern society, our decision is that much easier. In this week’s installment, Jon Wainwright shares a podcast highlighting the work of Kansas University School of Law professor Jennifer Schmidt, who recently led a statewide task force to examine the causes of the suicide epidemic in Kansas and is an advocate for new services to address the crisis. Their conversation is especially relevant after the three suicides related to school shootings this week.

Brexit continued to make headlines this week as the UK Parliament, for the third time, rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan to leave the European Union. This leaves the UK on course for a No-Deal Brexit, according to Michelle Linderman and Amar Mann.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has sued Facebook for violating the Fair Housing Act by allowing ads that discriminate against people based on their identity and where they live. Christopher Willis and Scott Pearson think this might be a move on HUD’s part to send a message about disparate treatment.

Enjoy reading and have a great weekend, LexBloggers.

The CAP⋅impact Podcast – Episode 42: Combating Youth Suicides in Kansas with Prof. Jennifer SchmidtBy Jon Wainwright and Capital Center for Law & Policy: I recorded today’s episode on efforts to reduce and prevent youth suicide with University of Kansas School of Law Professor Jennifer Schmidt last Wednesday, 3/20. Just days later we learned that one survivor of the Parkland school shooting took committed suicide. Then another Parkland survivor took their life. And then news broke that a parent…View Full Post

EU Approves Controversial New Copyright RulesBy Rebecca Townsend: The European Parliament voted on 26 March 2019 in favour of the controversial EU Copyright Directive, which will implement sweeping changes to regulation around online copyright. MEPs voted in favour of the compromise text as agreed on 13 February 2019 (previously discussed here). The Directive was approved by 348 votes to 274, concluding one of…View Full Post

U.S. settles whistleblower False Claims Act suit. Duke University to pay $112 million in fabricated research data caseBy Tinker Ready: Duke University reported in January that its scientists won $384.6 million last year from the National Institutes of Health, “ranking 9th in the country among universities, research institutions and teaching hospitals that are awarded the taxpayer-based research dollars.” This week, they had to give some of it back Duke has agreed to pay $112.5 million…View Full Post

White House Issues Executive Order On Free Speech In Higher Education–By David Urban: On March 21, 2019, the White House issued an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to withhold certain types of funds from higher education institutions that fail to comply with the First Amendment or federal laws, regulations, or policies on free inquiry.  The Executive Order does not change existing free speech law…View Full Post

Brexit Update – UK Parliament Rejects Withdrawal AgreementBy Michelle Linderman and Amar Mann: The UK Parliament–for the third (and likely final) time–rejected the Withdrawal Agreement that was negotiated over the course of 18 months between the UK Government and EU. As things stand, the UK is therefore on course for a No-Deal Brexit on 12 April 2019. However, per last week’s summit, the EU…View Full Post

HUD files FHA action against Facebook alleging discriminatory advertising practicesBy Christopher J. Willis and Scott M. Pearson: The Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued a “Charge of Discrimination” against Facebook that charges the company “with engaging in discriminatory housing practices in violation of the [provisions of the Fair Housing Act that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin or disability.]” HUD’s Charge (which initiates an administrative…View Full Post

Narwhals, unicorns and profits – Canadian tech start-ups are on the riseBy Troy Ungerman: Unicorns and narwhals – what business do these creatures have in boardrooms and on stock exchanges? “Unicorn” and “narwhal” are industry terms used to describe certain private start-up tech companies. “Unicorns” are start-ups valued by investors at $1B or more, a rare and substantial feat that has earned them their mythical nickname. “Narwhals” sit a…View Full Post

SEC Awards Two Whistleblowers $50 Million, Including Third Largest Ever Individual AwardBy Kevin LaCroix: On March 26, 2019, the SEC announced that it was awarding two whistleblowers a total of $50 million for providing the agency with information that led to a successful enforcement action. The two awards consisted of an award to one individual of $13 million and an award to a second individual of $37million. The $37…View Full Post

Ethiopia: Africa’s Next Powerhouse?By Witney Schneidman: Ethiopia’s prime minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed—the youngest African leader at 42 years old—has initiated a series of unprecedented economic and political reforms in his first 12 months in office. The core challenge that he faces is moving the economy from state-led to market-based growth while overseeing far-reaching political reforms. Success is far from guaranteed but his…View Full Post

Lawyers: Use Content to Create and Deliver Value for ReadersBy Lindsay Griffiths and Lance Godard: This morning, I’m bringing you a guest post from Lance Godard, of The Godard Group, who is sharing some excellent tips on how to use content to create and deliver value for readers. Have you been wondering how you bridge that gap between good writing, and great writing that catches the attention of potential clients, referral sources…View Full Post