Hi all, I am looking for articles or books on how the law serves specific factions of society at the expense of others. I am specifically interested in the issue of art fraud and forgery, but I would be happy to learn about more general overviews on this issue as well. Is there a "classic" book on how law is socially constructed to serve specific factions of society at the expense of others? Or maybe an overview on the sociology or anthropology of law that you highly recommend? Or some key terms I should be aware of? My intuitive understanding of the art forgery example is that laws to prevent fraud serve the interests of people involved in the art market (dealers, galleries, museums, auction houses) but hinder artists that work in historical traditions because the border between a "copy" and a "pastiche" and a "forgery" and a "fraud" is blurry. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
posted by tnygard on Nov 25, 2009 - 13 answers

In Canada (Quebec), what laws exist against identity theft? More specifically, against identity theft for the purpose of defrauding third parties using the stolen identity. [more inside]
posted by furiousxgeorge on Dec 27, 2008 - 2 answers

Does anyone here have any experience with nominations for conservatorship in the state of California, either as a potential conservator, an attorney, social worker, psychiatrist or anyone else who plays a role in the process? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 16, 2008 - 2 answers

Hypotheticalcriminalfilter: if someone was allegedly caught committing fraud against another person (specifics to follow) what would the exact legal charges be (felony fraud/misdemeanor fraud, etc.) and what would the likely sentence be if that person had charges filed against them and was found or pled guilty? [more inside]
posted by miss lynnster on Apr 9, 2008 - 13 answers

Will the Korean doctor rob me blind?? Here's the long and short of it... my father is the doctor that pioneered tumescent liposuction. he teaches his techniques to other doctors on a regular basis and manufactures the tools and equipment involved with the procedure. Recently, a doctor from Korea, I'll call him Dr. Lee, took my father's course and liked it so much that he expressed an interest in teaching the course in Korea and to sell my fathers products in his courses. My father is very interested, but feels concerned that he must submit all of his technical files to Dr. Lee so that he can submit them in an application to the Korean FDA for approval. [more inside]
posted by lukeklein on Mar 27, 2008 - 9 answers

I bought an out of state lemon - is it worth my time to pursue the matter in court? Do I have a moral obligation to go after a scammer that could potentially hurt someone? [more inside]
posted by kscottz on Feb 13, 2008 - 16 answers

Suing over unpaid wages when it's a small amount? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 24, 2007 - 18 answers

I was robbed. Is my Bank liable? To what extent? [more inside]
posted by DickStock on Mar 8, 2006 - 16 answers