Did a British Mom Lose Custody of Her Kids for ‘Co-Sleeping’?
18 April 2017 Various news sites overemphasized one aspect of a case involving repeated injuries to two children.
Legal Affairs
Did Jeff Sessions Refer to Immigrants as ‘Filth’?
12 April 2017 Prepared remarks by the Attorney General during an appearance in Arizona were misinterpreted online.
Is Everyone Who Bought Milk Since 2003 Covered Under a Class Action Settlement?
13 January 2017 The deadline to qualify for a class action settlement covering people who bought milk has long since passed.
Did Some Cities in the United States Have ‘Ugly Laws’ to Keep Disabled People Out of Sight?
11 January 2017 Chicago, to name one city that enacted an "ugly law," didn't repeal its ordinance banning people deemed "diseased, maimed, mutilated or in any way deformed" from public spaces until 1974.
Do You Need a Driver’s License to Legally Operate a Car on Public Roads?
24 July 2015 Despite what you may read on social media, you still need a driver's license to legally drive a car, and the U.S. Supreme Court hasn't ruled otherwise.
Are Diners Obligated to Pay Mandatory Gratuity or Tip Charges?
27 December 2016 The often unwelcome presence of precalculated "mandatory" gratuities have left diners confused about whether those fees are obligatory.
Does U.S. Law Require Alcohol to Be Radioactive?
23 December 2016 If such a law existed — which it does not — the scientific rationale would be valid.
‘Purple Paint’ Trespass Warning
7 September 2016 Information about 'purple paint' trespass warning laws in some states is often shared under misleading titles.
State Cuts Off Water to Dakota Access Pipeline Protesters?
25 August 2016 Social media rumors inaccurately reported water was cut off to Native Americans protesting against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
HUD Tiny Homes Ban
4 April 2016 A lot of anxious bloggers incorrectly surmised HUD was moving to make "tiny homes" illegal.
Million Dollar Comma
26 May 2015 Rumor: A misplaced comma once deprived the U.S. government of $1 million in revenue.
1994’s Most Bizarre Suicide
20 December 1999 The case of bizarre suicide attempt that supposedly confounded legal authorities.