Articles Posted in Library News and Views

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In Presumed Guilty, Scott Turow revisits the world of legal drama, charting the transformation of his iconic protagonist, Rusty Sabich, from prosecutor to defense attorney in a rural setting. Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center professor Rodger D. Citron examines Turow’s latest legal thriller, exploring how the author’s storytelling has evolved while maintaining his signature blend of courtroom intrigue and legal realism. Citron argues that Presumed Guilty deepens Turow’s exploration of justice, race, and personal growth, presenting Rusty not just as an older character but as a more mature and introspective one:

Click here to read Professor Citron’s Notes on Scott Turow’s Presumed Guilty

Refeerence:

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed numerous industries, and legal research is no exception. Emerging AI-powered tools have introduced new efficiencies in case law analysis, contract review, compliance monitoring, and legal document automation. Among these innovations, DeepSeek, an open-source large language model (LLM), has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize legal research support systems.

DeepSeek offers advanced reasoning capabilities, text summarization, and document analysis functions that could significantly enhance legal workflows. Its open-source nature and adaptability set it apart from proprietary legal research platforms such as Westlaw Edge, LexisNexis, and Casetext’s CoCounsel. However, its viability as a legal research tool must be assessed not only in terms of its technological capabilities but also through the lens of accuracy, security, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations.

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Introduction:

Law libraries are undergoing a transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI isn’t replacing law librarians, it has become a powerful tool that is changing how legal research is conducted and how libraries serve their patrons​

Modern law librarians leverage AI in various domains – from advanced legal research platforms to automated document handling and chat-based reference assistance – all with the goal of improving efficiency and service quality. By offloading routine or labor-intensive tasks to AI, librarians can focus on higher-level work such as complex research consultations, teaching, and strategic planning​. The following overview highlights key AI applications in legal research tools, document automation, and chatbots, explaining how each contributes to enhanced library services.

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FROM: Jenny S. Silbiger, AALL Vice President.

“I am so grateful to all of our members who make AALL an informed, educated, and wholehearted organization. I know we are not alone in the work that we do, as access to legal information impacts all aspects of the legal profession, and I am heartened to know that we are just one organization of many who are working diligently to make a positive difference in the world.”

STATEMENT:

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is widely celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and steadfast commitment to global peace. Yet, beyond the halls of politics and diplomacy, Carter has carved out an extraordinary legacy as a man of letters—a poet, novelist, memoirist, and philosopher whose works illuminate the depth of his intellect and the compassion of his soul. He published 32 books. Through his poetry, he reflects on the natural beauty of his beloved Georgia and the universal struggles of humanity. His novels and memoirs weave together personal experiences and historical narratives, offering readers both intimate glimpses into his life and profound meditations on the human condition. As a philosopher, Carter’s writings are infused with moral clarity, challenging readers to contemplate the values of justice, faith, and service. In his December 30, 2024 article in the New York Times, Jimmy Carter: Poet, Novelist, Memoirist, and Philosopher, Rick Rojas explores these dimensions of Carter’s life, presenting him as an artist of words whose literary contributions stand as a testament to a life devoted not only to leadership but also to reflection and expression.

Books by Jimmy Carter

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The new year is the perfect time to set and achieve your professional development goals. By focusing on small, actionable steps, you can grow your education and enhance your professional skills. Here are some opportunities offered by the American Association of Law Libraries  (AALL) to inspire your 2025 journey:

  • Nominate yourself or a colleague for a 2025 AALL Award.
  • Apply to lead as the next editor of AALL Spectrum when the call opens on January 28, 2025.
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These News Briefs and Decision Summaries are from  the  the New Jersey State Bar Association. They are an exclusive benefit of the Association in partnership with the New Jersey Law Journal. A subscription may be necessary to access the full text of some of the items listed

NEWS BRIEFS:

Temporary Fix to Public Notice Law Easily Approved in NJ Senate

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Chappell, James. The Golden Years, How Americans Invented and Resisted Old Age. Basic Books, 2024 (publication date November 19, 2024).

James Chappell’s The Golden Years provides a compelling and incisive examination of the history of aging in America from the 19th century’s radical yet unrealized visions for reparative pensions to the contemporary decline of collective policy frameworks supporting older adults. Chappell’s narrative is richly detailed and deeply thought-provoking, offering both a historical chronicle and a critique of the evolving relationship between aging, public policy, and societal expectations.

Chappell shines a light on the early idealistic efforts to repair lives disrupted by war and slavery in the post-Civil War era. These movements, though ambitious, were thwarted by political deadlock and systemic inequalities. The author paints a vivid picture of how old-age support became a prominent issue, yet remained mired in compromises that excluded many, particularly African Americans. The 1935 Social Security Act—a cornerstone of the New Deal—marked a turning point, but its benefits were initially restricted to industrial workers, leaving agricultural and domestic laborers, disproportionately Black, on the sidelines.

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December, 2024.

WHAT’S NEW:

*” The Informed Librarian Online is partnering with Emerald Publishing to bring you full-text access to Emerald’s library journals. At all times you have free access to all of the Emerald journals and the backfiles of these titles. You can read them, print them, and search for articles at their site. To view and link to the titles, go to <https://www.informedlibrarian.com/emeraldaccess.cfm>

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The Justice Department’s potential move to compel Google to sell its Chrome browser could significantly reshape the digital landscape, with direct and indirect consequences for the ability of law libraries to utilize computer-assisted legal research (CALR) to serve patrons effectively. This essay explores how such a divestiture might affect CALR resources, access, and functionality, while also considering implications for law libraries’ broader operational frameworks.

  1. Changes in Browser Compatibility with CALR Platforms

Most computer-assisted legal research tools, such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law, are optimized for popular web browsers, including Chrome. Google Chrome’s dominance in the browser market (approximately 60% as of recent statistics) has led developers to prioritize compatibility with Chrome over other browsers. If Chrome’s ownership changes, there is a possibility that its development priorities, security protocols, or support for certain legal research tools could shift. This could necessitate costly adjustments by CALR providers and law libraries.

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