So Sue Me

Law and Crime

Gossip Can Operate as a Law Enforcement Mechanism

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on September 22, 2022

Imagine a world without lawyers, without courts, and without judges. Rather than settling disputes through the legal system, everyone resorts to a very different tool: Gossip.

Imagine a world without lawyers, without courts, and without judges. Rather than settling disputes through the legal system, everyone resorts to a very different tool: Gossip.

Health

HIPAA: Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on June 22, 2022

How exactly does HIPAA protect health information, and what are its limitations?

How exactly does HIPAA protect health information, and what are its limitations?

Divorce

Divorce: The Constitutional Right Many Cannot Afford

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on June 14, 2021

Just as there is a fundamental right to wed, there is also a fundamental right to end a marriage. But this right is unaffordable for many.

Just as there is a fundamental right to wed, there is also a fundamental right to end a marriage. But this right is unaffordable for many.

Law and Crime

The Psychology of False Confessions

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on September 8, 2020

Why would an innocent person, in his right mind, confess to a crime that he did not commit? The answer may surprise you.

Why would an innocent person, in his right mind, confess to a crime that he did not commit? The answer may surprise you.

Altruism

Americans Have No (Legal) Duty to Help Each Other

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on May 8, 2020

Is there any legal obligation to help those in grave danger, those who are sick, or those who are injured? The answer may surprise (and dismay) you.

Is there any legal obligation to help those in grave danger, those who are sick, or those who are injured? The answer may surprise (and dismay) you.

Child Development

Lawsuits Against Toddlers

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on November 22, 2019

Did you know that, in the United States, you can file lawsuits against very young children? Not just against their parents—but against the children themselves?

Did you know that, in the United States, you can file lawsuits against very young children? Not just against their parents—but against the children themselves?

Behavioral Economics

The Legal Treatment of "Oversensitive" Victims

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on August 28, 2019

How do courts treat oversensitive individuals who are frailer than average, or more susceptible to injury? The answer may surprise you.

How do courts treat oversensitive individuals who are frailer than average, or more susceptible to injury? The answer may surprise you.

Media

Social Media: It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Sued

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on April 29, 2019

Social media and lawsuits do not mix. Here are the many ways your online presence could complicate your lawsuit.

Social media and lawsuits do not mix. Here are the many ways your online presence could complicate your lawsuit.

Law and Crime

Evaluations for U, Non-Immigrant, Visas

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on January 27, 2019

Did you know that victims of criminal activity in the U.S., who help the government investigate or prosecute the crime, may be able to stay on a temporary basis with the U visa?

Did you know that victims of criminal activity in the U.S., who help the government investigate or prosecute the crime, may be able to stay on a temporary basis with the U visa?

Marriage

Can I Sue Over a Broken Engagement?

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on October 26, 2018

When can you sue your fiancé for breaking off the engagement?

When can you sue your fiancé for breaking off the engagement?

Sex

Sexual Harassment in the Office

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on August 6, 2018

Is it okay to flirt with your colleagues? Is it okay to flirt with your boss? When does office romance become sexual harassment?

Is it okay to flirt with your colleagues? Is it okay to flirt with your boss? When does office romance become sexual harassment?

Law and Crime

The Shocking Law of Adverse Possession

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on May 7, 2018

Adverse possession has been described as one of the most shocking laws in history. Why does the law reward trespassers, and what is the emotional response to this?

Adverse possession has been described as one of the most shocking laws in history. Why does the law reward trespassers, and what is the emotional response to this?

Marriage

Palimony: Getting Alimony Without the Marriage

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on February 7, 2018

You have heard of alimony before, but have you heard of palimony? Is it really alimony between pals? When is it most needed, and when is it the most unfair?

You have heard of alimony before, but have you heard of palimony? Is it really alimony between pals? When is it most needed, and when is it the most unfair?

Marriage

Testamentary Restraints on Marriage

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on November 16, 2017

Many parents have a lot to say about their children's love interests and relationship decisions. Some parents want to have the last word, even after they die.

Many parents have a lot to say about their children's love interests and relationship decisions. Some parents want to have the last word, even after they die.

Relationships

Can You Sue Someone Over a Broken Promise?

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on August 18, 2017

Have you ever relied on someone's promise, only to be hurt when that promise was broken? Promissory estoppel is the little-known legal doctrine that holds people to their word.

Have you ever relied on someone's promise, only to be hurt when that promise was broken? Promissory estoppel is the little-known legal doctrine that holds people to their word.

Psychopharmacology

Should Psychologists Be Allowed to Prescribe Medication?

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on May 2, 2017

A new trend has emerged in the controversial RxP battle.

A new trend has emerged in the controversial RxP battle.

Forgiveness

"A Vicious Cycle": The Paradox of Apologies and Lawsuits

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on January 30, 2017

Do apologies invite litigation? Or do apologies prevent litigation?

Do apologies invite litigation? Or do apologies prevent litigation?

Law and Crime

"Mine, Mine, Mine!": The Psychology of Property

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on October 18, 2016

"Mine! Mine! Mine!" It is one of the first words that toddlers learn. But where does property come from, and what does it really mean? Scholars, philosophers, and toddlers answer.

"Mine! Mine! Mine!" It is one of the first words that toddlers learn. But where does property come from, and what does it really mean? Scholars, philosophers, and toddlers answer.

Relationships

The Paradox of "Tasteful" Gold Digging

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on July 18, 2016

Find out why the most unethical forms of gold digging are also the most likely to evade penalty.

Find out why the most unethical forms of gold digging are also the most likely to evade penalty.

Divorce

What Does a 'Gold Digger' Deserve?

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on April 25, 2016

Gold diggers love your wallet more than they love you. And when they have taken enough from you, they leave. Is there a way to stop them from getting away with it?

Gold diggers love your wallet more than they love you. And when they have taken enough from you, they leave. Is there a way to stop them from getting away with it?