Posts by Bryan E. Delius
The Pandemic Has Made Juries Harder on Criminal Defendants
Like many other occupations and fields, the legal system has been transformed by the coronavirus pandemic. There have been several changes to some of the traditional aspects of the legal system, from holding virtual hearings to dealing with outbreaks in jails. Detainment and trials are not the only aspects of the criminal justice system that…
Read MoreWhat Is the Most Common Type of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Elder abuse is far more common than any of us like to think. Sending mom or dad to live in an assisted care facility is one of the most difficult decisions adults can face, but not everyone is financially, psychologically or physically capable of providing the level of care an aging parent can require. Making…
Read MoreWhat Is the Crime Fraud Exclusion?
The disappearance of Gabby Petito and the recent discovery of her fiancée Brian Laundrie’s remains have been the controversial subject of headlines for months, with new details unfolding before a captive national audience. Evidence of an altercation between the couple surfaced around the time that her remains were found in Wyoming in late September. An…
Read MoreWhy You Should Give Railroad Crossings a Second Thought
There’s an entire world of industrial operations around us all the time that most of us never consider. We take traffic signals for granted, but operators must ensure that green, yellow and red work in a certain sequence and, in most cases, work together with other signals to control traffic flow. These controls are even…
Read MoreGood Idea, Poor Execution: Why Tennessee’s Criminal Courts Are Ready for Mediation
In June 2021, Knox News launched an investigation into “mediation” practices in the Eighth Judicial District in Tennessee. The investigation turned up some very troubling information regarding one specific judge, who claimed that he was engaging in mediation with defendants to reduce backlog of criminal cases that had built up during the pandemic. Per Knox…
Read MoreFederal Agency Data Predicts 100% Increase in Automated Driving Crashes This Year
With Tesla leading the charge, there are more autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles on the road than ever before. It stands to reason that the number of crashes involving these vehicles will increase as more of them hit the roads and encounter the realities of navigating complex traffic systems. All new technology faces challenges during development,…
Read MoreWhat Should You Do If You Get Hurt On Vacation?
A lot goes in to planning a vacation getaway, whether it’s your annual trip to the Great Smokey Mountains, or your first time exploring Dollywood with the family. All the work and preparation usually pays off in exchange for relaxation and fond memories of a unique time. But what happens when a sudden injury occurs…
Read MoreTennessee Law Tightens Definition of Severe Child Abuse to Include Drug Exposure
On May 4, 2021, the Tennessee Senate passed Senate Bill 1530 with an amendment that expands on the previous definition of “severe child abuse.” The amendment to the bill now includes “knowingly allowing a child to be within a structure where any of the following controlled substances are present and accessible to the child: a…
Read MoreLack of Seat Belts Is Still a Leading Cause of Death in Car Accidents
We cannot control the actions of others, especially when we are on the road. The only thing we can do is ensure that we follow the laws and take precautions for ourselves and our passengers. Of all those precautions, wearing a seat belt is the simplest one – and yet there are still those who…
Read MoreWhen Filling Up Leads to Felonies and Civil Liability
When last call comes, bartenders often find themselves in a mad dash to sell the last of their drinks. If their patrons are already drunk, legally, the bartenders should cut them off to ensure that they don’t drink and drive, lest they find themselves (and their establishment) named in a civil lawsuit. In Tennessee, you…
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