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When a person dies, two important matters?are payment of the decedent s ?outstanding debts and transfer of his property to those entitled to it. Probate ?is the court proceeding for settling someone s final affairs.

Probate proceedings are strictly a matter of state law. The legal rules and procedures vary a lot from state to state. Except where the state has simplified rules for small or uncomplicated cases, expert advice is needed.

A typical probate case begins with the filing of the decedent s?will in the probate court. This is usually a special division of the local court that handles probate and related matters. In some states, like New York, the probate court may be called surrogate s court. The case must be filed in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death.

Anyone may file the will. Usually this is done by the person appointed by the decedent to carry out his last wishes. This person is called the executor in most states, and is somet ... Read more »

A League of Its Own: Cornell Law School

(L-R) Ari Diaconis 14 and Lynne Kolodinsky '14

The Cornell Law Library announced that Ari Diaconis 14 and Lynne Kolodinsky 14 were the first- and second-place recipients of the Robert Cantwell Prize for Exemplary Student Research.

Diaconis cast a wide net in compiling his research for The Religion of Alcoholics Anonymous: Applying the Clergy Privilege to Certain AA Communications. drawing from over 180 sources including in-person interviews, Bible scripture and empirical studies while also using traditional legal research and analysis.

Diaconis argued for the application of the clergy privilege to Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA ) by constructing a detailed history of AA from its origins to present day, relying on a variety of primary and secondary sources including interviews with current members. He then used that historical research to argue that AA constitutes a religion under Supreme Cou ... Read more »

Is It Illegal to Prank Text Someone?

Previous generations had to content themselves with prank phone calls. Today's young people also have the option of prank texting. However, what the sender thinks is a harmless -- possibly Read More

Who Makes the Rules That Govern How the Internet Is Used?

The Internet is used to watch television, connect with friends, pay bills, review bank information and much more. However, when it comes to determining who exactly governs how the Internet Read More

Illegal computer hacking poses an increasing threat as the world relies more and more on computer technology. Hackers are responsible for identity theft, government and industrial espionage and revealing people's Read More

With the spectacular growth of the Internet in recent decades, the private information of governments, businesses and individuals has never been more at risk. Professional and amateur hackers alike have Read More

SMS text scams have ... Read more »

Founded in 1851 and located in the capital of the Empire State, Albany Law School is the oldest independent law school in North America. It is also noted for being the only law school in Albany, located minutes away from New York's highest court, federal courts and state legislature. The law school's most distinguished alumni include President William McKinley and two Supreme Court Justices, David Brewer and Robert H. Jackson.

Students in the Class of had median GPAs and LSAT scores typical of a third tier law school: 3.30 and 155. However, students who fall below these medians should not be discouraged from applying to Albany Law. The school accepts approximately 43 percent of all applicants.

Of course, admission to Albany Law brings the challenge of paying for a legal education. As with any law school, the tab can be steep. Tuition is over $39,000 a year; however, grant aid is available -- the median grant provided is $18,000. Despite the school's financial aid ini ... Read more »

Featured Business Schools

As the birthplace of the MBA, North America has always been the dominant player in MBA education. With hundreds of the world's best business schools at institutions in every state and major city, it is still a growing hub for MBA hopefuls.

But it is the leading US business schools that dominate the market. These schools have long-established networks of alumni, people who believe in their school's core values and will use the network to mutual benefit. The schools benefit from this too as they are able to return to their alumni for years after they leave the school to ask for financial contributions, though the recent economic downturn has seen a dent in this.

Since QS began its annual research into the opinions of MBA applicants, the USA has always been the number one destination for MBA candidates, with around 80% of candidates considering studying there.

Ca ... Read more »