Ecuadorian immigrant Marcello Lucero of Patchogue, New York, was fatally stabbed last week, in an incident police have called a hate crime. Lucero was targeted by seven teenagers, students at Patchogue-Medford High School, because he was Hispanic. According to Suffolk County Police, the teens had been hunting for Latinos to beat up, and ended up killing Lucero. This brutal attack has sparked a public outcry, calling for an end to anti-immigrant sentiments in the area.

Hate crimes, especially ones that are racially charged, are deeply rooted in our nation’s history. Despite the election of Barack Obama to the highest position in the country, Americans continue to fight an uphill battle against racism. (more…)

Last week the law firm of Leeds Morelli and Brown P.C. congratulated President Elect Barack Obama on his victory over John McCain in the 2008 Presidential Election.  Even in the wake of such an important step forward towards equality in America, Leeds Morelli & Brown, P.C. cautioned that progressive minded lawyers still must be vigilant in fighting for the rights of people who are unfairly targeted based on their race and other factors like national origin.  In furtherance of this important goal, Leeds Morelli and Brown P.C. would like to extend its gratitude to The Southern Poverty Law Center, a group who has fought hate since its founding in 1971.  http://www.splcenter.org/

The Southern Poverty Law Center is championing the case of Jordan Gruver.  According to CNN, www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/12/klan.sued

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The office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, November 06, that former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer will not face criminal charges for solicitation of prostitution.  In March, 2008, Spitzer resigned as governor of New York after it was uncovered that he had been a customer of the Emperor’s Club V.I.P., a prostitution service that charged as much as $5,500 an hour.  However, after a thorough investigation, prosecutors found no evidence that Spitzer had used public money or campaign funds to pay for his encounters with prostitutes. 

The decision by some spouses to choose random sexual encounters, over remaining faithful in their marriage, is one that affects many couples.  Eliot Spitzer, David Duchovny, and Peter Cook are among celebrities that have had this very private addiction exposed, discussed, and scrutinized by the media. (more…)

The law firm of Leeds Morelli & Brown P.C. would like to congratulate President Elect Barack Obama on his victory in the 2008 presidential election.  The election of Barack Obama is a significant milestone in American history.  For the first time in the country’s 232 year history the people of America have elected an African American to the highest office in the land.  This choice by the American public shows how far we have come as a country since the dark days of slavery and denial of rights to citizens based on race.  (more…)

On October 23, 2008, the New York Court of Appeals upheld the eviction of Bianca Jagger, ex-wife of Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, from a rent-stabilized Manhattan apartment located on the Upper East Side.  CNN reported that Jagger has been at a stabilized rental rate of $4,614 a month for approximately 20 years.  New York’s Rent Stabilization Code allows landlords to reclaim an apartment after the lease expires if it is not occupied as a primary residence.  Since Jagger holds a B2 visa, which requires her to have a “principal, actual dwelling place” outside the United States, the New York Court of Appeals found that Jagger failed to explain how she could have a valid tourist visa and a primary residence in New York City. (more…)

The Senate race in North Carolina between incumbent Elizabeth Dole (wife of former senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole) and challenger Kay Hagan stands out as one of the most contentious and nasty of this election cycle.  Recently the Dole campaign released a television ad suggesting that Kay Hagan is “godless.”  The ad has sparked outrage from many circles and already has lead to legal action being taken in protest.  Ms. Hagan disputes these claims as she is a devout Presbyterian.  (more…)

Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were shot dead in their Chicago home on October 24, 2008.  A mere three days later, Police discovered Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew’s body with multiple gun shot wounds in an abandoned car.  Media outlets have reported that the man police sources have pinpointed as the primary suspect is William Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson’s sister.  Balfour is currently on parole after serving jail time for attempted murder. (more…)