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1500 questions
29
votes
3 answers
If mathematical equations are not patentable, why are algorithms patentable?
I'm new to the domain of understanding the law behind patenting, and I want to start a company that uses machine learning algorithms. Unfortunately, almost every concept is patented by the top companies.
Aren't computer algorithms mathematical…
Sreram
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28
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4 answers
Can a corporation refuse to know things its agents know?
I called in to tell a company something. The people I could reach on the phone are definitely agents of the company, and they definitely got my message. But they told me that they couldn't internally handle what I had told them, and asked me to tell…
interfect
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28
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1 answer
Why wasn't the attorney general's fraud lawsuit against Trump thrown out for lack of standing?
Often I read about civil court cases that get thrown out because the person(s) filing the case had no direct involvement or were not affected in the case. The judges in these cases often note that the correct parties need to file the suit in order…
rtaft
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28
votes
2 answers
Why are Hollywood studios permitted to collectively bargain with employees, and what are the limits of this apparent antitrust exemption?
Employers are generally not allowed to coordinate in any way which limits the normal competition for employees. Further, trade associations are not generally permitted to act in ways which would limit the competition for employees among member…
retriever123
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28
votes
7 answers
Is attempted manslaughter a real crime?
During a scene of a movie where they're reading out another character's rap sheet they mention 'attempted manslaughter'. As I understand it manslaughter is the unlawful but unintentional killing of another person through some sort of criminal…
Ethan
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28
votes
2 answers
Is my employer allowed to make me work without pay?
As the title says: A coworker and I had recently made a mistake at work. In response to this, our manager decides we have to work for two extra hours on our next shifts unpaid. Is this legal?
I work in the State of Georgia in the US, by the way.
Cdoy
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28
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5 answers
If a moderator of an online forum edits my post to say something illegal, how could I prove I didn't write the incriminating message?
Hypothetical situation.
Several years ago, Reddit co-founder Steve Huffman caused some controversy by editing comments that criticized him. On most social media platforms, staff cannot edit users' messages without direct access to the…
Danny
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28
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1 answer
Why the obscure but specific description of Jane Doe II in the original complaint for Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity?
In Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity (2023), filed in the Wyoming District of U.S. court, the plaintiffs are seven women, members of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at University of Wyoming, suing the national organization (based in Ohio) for…
Mark Dominus
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28
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7 answers
If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law?
The problem with old laws seems to be that many times the drafters aren't alive to tell what their intent or interpretation is of a given law, but in case a law is new and the drafter or drafters are alive, can courts ask them about the…
user49663
28
votes
1 answer
What was the original idea behind the practice of courtroom wigs?
English judges and barristers have for a long time had to wear wigs. What was the intended implied message by the object aesthetic? What was the look of a judge or advocate wearing that type of courtroom wig intended to evoke about the character,…
TylerDurden
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28
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4 answers
How does one prove paternity if the father has an identical twin?
Lets say Alice gets pregnant and claims she slept with Bob and he is the father. She wants a paternity test to prove it. The problem is that Bob has an identical brother, Billy, who has the exact same genetics. A paternity test can prove one of…
dsollen
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28
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3 answers
Is it considered kidnapping if an underaged teenager willingly goes with someone else without the permission of their parent or guardian?
I have often read about kidnapping charges being brought against a non-custodial parent during divorce or against an individual when a teenager runs away from home with their respective boyfriends or girlfriends.
In criminal law, are the wishes of a…
AlanSTACK
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28
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6 answers
Convicted for murder and "victim" found alive
In two works of fiction I read or saw, a person was convicted for murder when the victim was actually alive. (In one case, not quite alive - police take finger prints of an unknown 30 year old woman, freshly murdered, and finds that they match a 16…
gnasher729
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28
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3 answers
If a man is raped, resulting in pregnancy, and the woman chooses to carry the child to term, is the man still responsible for child support?
Inspired by Is it true that men are forced to pay child support for children they didn't consent to have?
Let's say Alice rapes Bob and becomes pregnant. She then carries the child to term, against Bob's wishes. Can she then compel Bob to pay child…
Allure
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28
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3 answers
If applied in the United States, what is the most obvious legally functional difference between the British and American "mirandizing" phrase?
In the United States, police must read your rights regarding police questioning as shown below1:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you…
isakbob
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