In this episode of Legal Judg(e)ments, host Bob Stetson talks to Jeremy Cohen, a pioneer in pet litigation, about the unique pet case of *Lyman v. Lancer. When Brett Lyman and Sasha Lancer’s relationship ended, a custody battle erupted—not over children, but their beloved Pomeranian, Teddy Bear. This episode explores how courts treat pets as property and family members, the implications of this case for pet owners nationwide, and what it means for future legal disputes over our furry companions.

 What is the law? How does it work? What role do lawyers, litigants, and judges play in the law's development? In sum, what moves the law in American society? I'm Bob Stetson, a Boston-based trial lawyer and the host of the podcast Legal Judg(e)ments. After 17 years in private legal practice, I still don't have a perfect answer to these important societal questions.

Is it politics? Judicial philosophy? The advocacy and skill of the lawyers involved? The likability or lack thereof of their clients? Is it something else entirely? I started this podcast to find out what other lawyers think about these issues. By talking about specific cases, strategies, verdicts, and court decisions, I hope to answer these important questions.

Or, at the least, understand the issues a bit better. If we, as lawyers and as a society, understand how the law really works, maybe we can predict the results more accurately. Or as lawyers, give our clients better legal advice. Let's figure these issues out together. Come listen to Season 4 of Legal Judgements, starting on November 15th.

In the famous American comic strip, The Wizard of Id, the Golden Rule means “Whoever has the gold makes the rules!” And so it’s been in the construction industry time immemorial. In this episode, Bob and Brad Croft discuss Tocci Building Corp. v. IRIV Partners and how the Golden Rule shaped recent statutory enactments in the construction industry and judicial interpretations of them.