The Missouri Bar

Law in Your Life #51: Copyright

Author Stephenie Meyer says she won't complete the next in the popular Twilight Saga because someone shared a rough draft of the story online. Even though it wasn't complete, the document became viral and continued sharing violated the author's right to copyright.

In the digital age, it's tough to protect copyrights - especially when some don't realize they are violating the law by sharing music, books and other documents, or failing to cite sources in blogs. Today Law in Your Life host finds out more about copyright - and how to protect your work - with attorney Annette Heller.

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More on the Web:

Federal Copyright Office

Dog Bites Up in AU - Especially at Home

Dog bites rose 22 percent over the last 10 years in Australia. A new study also found that children under 4 are more likely to be bitten by Jack Russell terriers and Kelpies. Eighty percent of dog bites occur in the home, the study says. (Read more from The Advertiser)

What if your dog bites someone - or you are bitten? Get the answers you need - before an emergency arises - in this Law in Your Life podcast. Host Angela Wilson finds out what you need to know from attorney Keith Culter.

Missouri Couple Co-Parents For Son

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently profiled a couple who use co-parenting for joint custody of their son. When they divorced, they tell the Post-Dispatch, they wanted to put their son's needs first. (Read more)

Not all separations and divorces are that amicable. Sometimes couples need help to civilize custody battles and put their children first. It's called parenting coordination, and it works in some of the stickiest custody fights. Find out more about parenting coordination in this Law in Your Life podcast.

Meyer Drops Midnight Sun After Illegal Copies Show Up Online

Fans of teen vamp author Stephenie Meyer won't get a taste of the Twilight Saga sequel anytime soon. The author pulled her latest project, Midnight Sun, after someone illegally distributed copies of the first rough draft online.

I did not want my readers to experience Midnight Sun before it was completed, edited and published, Meyer says on her Web site. I think it is important for everybody to understand that what happened was a huge violation of my rights as an author, not to mention me as a human being. As the author of the Twilight Saga, I control the copyright and it is up to the owner of the copyright to decide when the books should be made public; this is the same for musicians and filmmakers. ...

Unfortunately, with the Internet, it is easy for people to obtain and share items that do not legally belong to them. No matter how this is done, it is still dishonest. This has been a very upsetting experience for me, but I hope it will at least leave my fans with a better understanding of copyright and the importance of artistic control.

This Friday, the Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson delves into copyright law with attorney Annette Heller. If you blog, podcast, share music, stories, or use works for school papers, this podcast is a must listen!

Guest Worker Shortage Worsens as Congress Debates Immigration

Tourists are flocking to Cape Cod for some sun and fun, but business owners are scrambling to meet their customers' needs. The guest worker program that provided up to 7,000 workers to help during Cape's busy season was not renewed this year as Congress debates immigration law.

The Boston Globe has an eye-opening story about the worker shortage and what impact it has on business finances.

Law in Your Life #50: Parenting Coordination

Nasty child custody cases are terrible for child caught in the middle of parental disputes. In California, parenting coordination has been used for several years to help resolve custody issues without negative impacts to children. Families are just starting to use it in Missouri. What is parenting coordination? How does it work? Can it really help families resolve custody issues? This week, host Angela Wilson delves into this topic with attorney Ann Bauer.

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More on the Web:

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

The Cooperative Parenting Institute

American Psychological Association

New BWI Limits Start This Weekend

This Labor Day weekend, Missouri's new legal limit for boating goes into effect. What does that mean to boaters who want to drink a beer while enjoying the lake? Find out in this Law in Your Life podcast with attorney Erik Bergmanis.

Overseas Travel Declines

Fewer Americans are booking vacations overseas as travel costs soar. But there are still those who want to reach the summits of the Swiss Alps, or cross the famous bridges over the Seine - and are willing to pay for the luxury.

Overseas travel is fun, but takes a lot more preparation than a trip inside the U.S. You need to check the safety of the country you want to visit, know what to do if your passport is lost and more. Want the details? Check out this Law in Your Life podcast with attorney Leon Versfeld about what you need to know before traveling outside the U.S.

Register to Vote

Before you know it, the November election will be here. Are you ready to vote? Here are important links from the Missouri Secretary of State's Office to make sure you are prepared.

Absentee Voting
Missourians Living Abroad
   http://www.republicansabroad.com/
   http://www.democratsabroad.org/
Military Votes
Required ID
Registration
Voters Bill of Rights
Where to Vote

Domestic Violence Contributes to Poor Academic Performance

Domestic violence produces an unsafe, unstable home for children. That instability leads children to become troubled, and hurts their academic performance. A new study from the University of California-Davis, also says troubled children can hurt the test scores of other children in their class. (Read more at ScienceDaily.com)

If you or someone you know is involved in a violent relationship, you need to get out, or get them help. This Law in Your Life podcast shares details on what you can do if you are caught in the web of domestic violence.