The joke's on the 'Joker'

I'm not making this up. Honest. From the Associated Press:

"A Three Rivers man accused of trying to steal a large Batman movie poster from a cinema lobby while dressed up as the Joker has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property.

"Twenty-year-old Spencer Taylor entered the plea Wednesday in St. Joseph County District Court.

"A judge ordered him to serve one day in jail, perform 16 hours of community service and pay $685 in fines.

"Charges of attempted larceny in a building and using a mask to conceal his identity during the commission of a crime were dismissed as part of Taylor's plea agreement.

"Three Rivers police say he was wearing a purple suit, green wig and face paint when they arrested him on July 27."

Foolish prank. Nifty disguise.

Sound off on proposed federal court rule changes

Proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate, Bankruptcy, Civil, and Criminal Procedure, and Federal Rules of Evidence have been posted here and are open for your comments through Feb. 17, 2009.

A brochure prepared by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts summarizes the proposed amendments. For more detailed committee reports, scroll to the bottom of the page here.

Bone up on Michigan bankruptcy practice

Nov. 11 is a court holiday, so it's the perfect time for bankruptcy practitioners to get the latest at the American Bankruptcy Institute Detroit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference.

Things get underway at the Troy Marriott beginning at 7 a.m. with a breakfast and registration period sponsored by Trott & Trott. There's a full day of informational sessions by leading practitioners and bankruptcy judges.

The luncheon keynote speaker is Amy Crews Cutts, Deputy Chief Economist, Freddie Mac; Washington, D.C. Her topic: "The Economic and Housing Market Outlook - When Might We See Bottom?"

Complete information and registration form here.