Mitts off Miranda?

The Supreme Court is reviewing the applications of the Miranda rights. The Miranda decision was arguably more like a piece of model legislation than a court decision, says Dr. John Vile, constitutional expert. However, it has been in place so long that it seems unlikely the Court will reverse the decision--nor would that be wise, he notes. "Generally, I prefer tests that involve the 'totality of the circumstances' rather than 'bright-line rules,' but such rules are more easily conveyed to police officers and probably result in greater long-term protection of individual rights."

Contact Vile at 615-898-2596.
jvile@mtsu.edu

Unmasking a pirate

DSL Verizon argues that a federal judge's earlier ruling that the recording industry has the right to subpoena the identity of a Verizon user thought to have facilitated online digital piracy violates First Amendment protection. There is no First Amendment right to use the copyrighted expression of others, says attorney Dr. Geoff Hull, professor, recording industry. "The Digital Millennium Copyright Act gives Internet service providers (ISP) adequate protection from infringement suits. When Internet users are infringing, it is a necessary and proper requirement that their IPS be required to divulge the names." The IPS cannot provide a mask for infringers, he adds.

Contact Hull at 615-898-5516.
ghull@mtsu.edu

Growing community

This Saturday and Sunday, MTSU students, faculty, staff, citizens, area businesses and residents of Community Care of Rutherford County (901 County Farm Rd.) will build a garden for the residents of this long-term care facility. Measuring 75 ft. X 100 ft., this "butterfly garden" will provide residents, their families and staff with a quiet place that will also offer positive and therapeutic activity. People skilled in gardening, landscaping, building raised flower beds and caring about others are invited to come, bring tools and enthusiasm. The work will continue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Engraved bricks will be on sale to place in the garden. This is a model of service-learning education. Media welcomed.

Contact student organizer Shelly Selchow at 615-904-8436 or the NPA office at 615-898-2919.

TR EXTRA: EARTH DAY EVENTS THIS WEEK: Tomorrow, April 23, 8 a.m., Yoga on the Knoll; Thursday, April 24, 5 p.m., Students for Environmental Action Symposium, KUC Theater; free and open. Call Tomi Winfree at 615-898-5184. Media welcomed.
TOMORROW, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., MTSU Alumni Center, Extrude Hone/MTSU Seminar, for those interested in the latest technology related to nontraditional manufacturing processes. Free and open. Call Dr. Walter Boles at 615-898-2098. Media welcomed.
TOMORROW, 7 p.m., Business/Aerospace Building S102, artist and author Audrey Flack will lecture on "Art Under Attack"--physical and verbal attacks on great works of art and their removal from public view. Free and open. Call Dr. Lon Nuell at 615-898-2505. Media welcomed.
FRIDAY, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 25, MTSU Floyd Stadium, Special Olympics Spring Games, including schools from Rutherford and Trousdale counties as well as participants from the Adult Activity Center and Stones River Center. Free and open. Call John Harris at 615-898-2783. Media welcomed.