Friday, April 14, 2023

Cybercrime Investigation: Incompetency of Investigators

 

Cybercrime is a growing threat in this digital age. Despite advancements in technology and equipment, investigators still have a tough time dealing with these crimes. Prithwish Ganguli, a seasoned investigator, gives us a briefing on the incompetency of investigators and the reasons behind it.

The Challenges of Cybercrime Investigation

With the increasing complexity of cybercrimes, investigators need to update themselves regularly. Moreover, there is a dearth of qualified professionals with the necessary skills to tackle this challenge. Investigators must have a thorough understanding of the latest tools and technologies to keep up with the criminals who are continually evolving their methods.

The Impact of Cybercrime

The consequences of cybercrime can be devastating, affecting not only individuals but also businesses and the state. These crimes can result in huge financial losses, sensitive information theft, and reputation damage. It's imperative that investigators have the necessary skills to prevent, detect, and solve these crimes.

The Role of Law Enforcement Agencies

Law enforcement agencies must have the right personnel with the right skills to tackle cybercrime. A lack of training and expertise among investigators can lead to inefficiencies, delayed investigations, and ultimately, a high failure rate in solving these crimes.

How to Address the Incompetency of Investigators

To address this rising problem, law enforcement agencies must prioritize training their existing personnel and recruit more qualified candidates. Continuous training programs must be put in place to keep up with the trends in cybercrime. Additionally, partnerships with private companies and academic institutions can provide further resources and expertise.

Conclusion

Based on Prithwish Ganguli's briefing, it's clear that cybercrime investigation is a difficult task, and the incompetency of investigators only exacerbates the issue. However, with the right resources and continuous training, investigators can overcome these challenges and effectively address cybercrime.

Monday, April 3, 2023

Twenty Tips for Success in Law School

 


1.    DO THE READING. Do all of the reading assigned for your courses. Do not fall behind; you may never catch up. Do your reading at times of the day when you are most alert. Also, do your reading in a location where you will not be distracted or tempted to do something else. Otherwise, you will find that it takes you far longer than necessary to prepare for class.

2.    BRIEF THE CASES. Take notes while reading. For each assigned case, write down the legally significant facts, the holding of the case, and the rationale for the court's decision. This is what is referred to as "briefing" cases. Your case briefs should be just that-brief.

3.    REVIEW BEFORE EACH CLASS. Review your reading notes (case briefs) right before class. That way, the cases will be fresh in your mind, and you will substantially increase your ability to follow the class discussion (not to mention avoid the embarrassment associated with being unprepared when called upon by the professor).

4.    GO TO CLASS. Most professors cover some material in class that is not discussed in the reading, so failure to attend class will put you at a big disadvantage when you take the final exam. Also, you will receive an "FW" if you miss more than 20% of the sessions of a course. This is factored into your grade point average as an "F" and is never removed from your academic record, even if you retake the course.

5.    PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS. Some misguided students use class time to shop on the Internet, play computer games or catch up on their e-mail. You are paying a substantial amount of money for tuition. Do you really want to spend your tuition money "surfing the net" or playing computer solitaire instead of paying attention to the class discussion? 

6.    PARTICIPATE IN CLASS. Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.

7.    TAKE CLASS NOTES. Do not, however, get so caught up in trying to take down everything your professor says that you are not actively engaged in the class discussion. Review your class notes before starting your next reading assignment and analyze how the new cases you read affect those cases you already have reviewed in class.

8.    PREPARE AN OUTLINE FOR EACH OF YOUR CLASSES. Outlines prepared by more senior students or commercial outlines are not acceptable substitutes for making your own outlines. The analysis necessary to prepare a course outline helps you determine the rules of law applicable to the subject matter of the course, as well as determine how the rules relate to one another. If you do not go through this process, you are less likely to master the subject matter. Also, not all professors teach a subject the same way. In fact, many professors do not even teach a course the same way from one year to the next. The only way to get an outline tailored to your course is to make it yourself. Do NOT wait until the reading period to prepare your outlines; you'll never get them done in time. Some students like to outline once per week, others once per month. Still others prefer to outline whenever a topic is completed. Pick whatever schedule works best for you and stick to it.

9.    CONSIDER FORMING A STUDY GROUP. Study groups can be a valuable learning tool. Talking through material with classmates can increase your understanding and retention of course material. You also can obtain helpful study tips from your peers. If you decide to form a study group, seek out other students who are well-prepared for class and have similar academic goals. Do not let your study group meetings become social or gossip sessions. Also, do not use study groups as a way of sharing the workload. Lastly, if you find that you are not benefiting from your study group, resign from the group.

10.  REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW. Just because you don't have an exam until the end of the semester does not mean that you should wait until the reading period to begin your review. This is not undergraduate school. You cannot cram right before finals and get good grades. Therefore, make time for frequent review over the course of the semester.

11.  ATTEND REVIEW SESSIONS CONDUCTED BY YOUR PROFESSORS AND/OR THEIR ACADEMIC FELLOWS. Some professors and/or Academic Fellows hold review sessions prior to exams. This is a great way to clarify the issues about which you are confused without having to stand in line outside your professor's office. Moreover, helpful tips regarding how to write your exam answers in a way that will earn you the most points are often shared during review sessions.

12.  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FEEDBACK FROM YOUR PROFESSORS. If your professor distributes a practice question and says that she will review your answer if you submit it by a certain time, DO IT! This is a great opportunity to get your professor's input and make any necessary adjustments before your performance is graded.

13.  ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED BY THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT CENTER. These workshops cover a number of topics such as outlining, time and stress management, and how to prepare for and write law school exams-skills essential to success in law school.

14.  TAKE PRACTICE EXAMS. Lots of them. Exams previously administered by your professor are preferable. This will help you determine how your professor drafts his or her exams. The Fowler School of Law Library maintains a number of prior exams prepared by law professors. Whenever possible, select a prior exam for which there is a sample answer on file. This will allow you to check your answer against the sample and evaluate your performance. If there is no sample answer on file, ask you professor if he/she will review and comment on your answer. Do not, however, wait until right before finals to ask your professor to review your answer. The earlier you ask, the more likely your professor will have time to review your answer.

15.  CREATE A STUDY PLAN. Many students complain that they do not have enough time to brief cases, prepare outlines and/or take practice exams. They're wrong! By planning your time in advance, you will have enough time to meet all of the demands of law school and have time to enjoy some outside activities. If you need help managing your time, see Professor Faulkner.

16.  DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO PREPARE YOUR LRW PAPERS. Again, this is not undergraduate school. You cannot throw a paper together the night before it is due and expect to receive a good grade (or for that matter, a passing grade). Good legal writing takes time and lots of editing so start working on your LRW assignments as soon as possible. 

17.  REVIEW YOUR EXAMS. Meet with your professors to review your exams after grades have been posted. This is the best way to determine what you did well and what you need to improve.

18.  MINIMIZE YOUR STRESS. Law school can be stressful, but there are a number of steps you can take to keep stress to a minimum. Humor is a great stress reliever. Make time for exercise-carrying 100 pounds of law books every day doesn't count. Eat fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods on a regular basis-a diet Coke and a package of Ding-Dongs are not a balanced breakfast. Don't overdo your caffeine intake; drink lots of water instead. Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Maintain a life outside of law school. You don't need to give up all of the things you enjoyed doing before you went to law school; you just won't be able to do them as often. Finally, if you think that your stress level is getting out of control, talk about it with your significant other, a family member, a close friend, a faculty member, one of the law school Deans, or Professor Faulkner.

19.  DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE COMPETITION ASPECT OF LAW SCHOOL. Face it. Only one student can finish at the top of the class. So instead of setting Numero Uno as your goal, focus on doing your very best. Also, be supportive of and respectful to your classmates. It will make for a more positive law school experience for you and your peers.

20.  GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT. It is not uncommon for students to be confused about the substantive law covered in their classes, how to prepare for class, how to study for exams, how to manage their time or how to take law school exams. Indeed, it is the rare student who does not have questions about these subjects from time to time, particularly during the first year of law school. If you have questions, there are a number of resources available to you. Every professor holds weekly office hours. The Academic Fellows for your courses also are available to help you, as is Professor Faulkner. Please visit us if you have any questions. We're here to help.

 

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Overview of Law of Limitation

 

The Limitation Act, 1963 is the Act governed a time period in which a person can file a suit to sue another to get justice. If the suit is filed after the expiration of time period as specified in this limitation act, thus, it will be bared or cannot be maintained in a court. It also includes provisions for condonation, delay etc. The Limitation Law was firstly established in 1859 which came into exist in 1862. The law of limitation developed in stages and finally comes in the form of Limitation Act in 1963. It was enacted on 5th October, 1953 and came into force from 1st January, 1964.



Why should we adopt the Limitation Act?

The main objective of the Limitation Act, 1963 is to provide a specific time frame in which a person can file a suit in a court. If such law came not in exist then it will lead to never ending litigation as the person can file a suit for the cause of action which was done many years back. It prevents disturbance in society by suppressing fraud and perjury. In other words the law of limitation aims to protect the lengthy process of penalizing a person indirectly without an offence. In Balakrishnan v. M.A. Krishnamurthy, AIR 1988 SC 3222 it was held by the Supreme Court that the Limitation Act is based upon a public policy which is used for fixing a life span of a legal remedy or unnecessary delay for the purpose of general welfare. 

 

Legal Principles are everywhere!

Article 137 of the limitation Act state will apply to any petition or application of any act filled  civil court but it is not limited to the Code of Civil Procedure of which time frame is not mention in Limitation Act.



Section 3 of the act time limits of filling suit /Appeal/Application or other proceedings would be barred. This section equally lies on general public and also government through special time period prescribe for the state in section 25 of article 112 of limitation act. The construction of this section in which a suit, appeal or application is dismissed if it barred by the time period prescribed by legislature. Limitation is not pleaded in defense except when such limitation is extended by the provisions of section 4 to 24 (inclusive) applicable of such suit, Appeal or application. However, It does not attracted to ever case. Section 3(1) extends to suit as well as appeals and application. 



Section 4 of the act provides that such prescribed time of suit appeal or application expires on a date when the courts are closed. The proceeding may be held when the court re opens. 



Section 5 of the act provides an appeal or application other than mention in Order XXI of the code of civil procedure, may be admitted after the prescribed period in this act as per the discretion of the court if the party satisfied the court by the sufficient cause of delay for not making such application within time frame. It is also noted that this section is applied only on the appeals and applications or not to the suits. 

 

Sufficient cause for Condonation of Delay 

What constitutes sufficient cause has not specifically as hard and fast rule. The court is required to look into all the facts of the case. The question has to be decided on the facts and circumstances existing in particular case. No doubt it is a discretionary power of the court but such discretion will be exercised on sound judicial principle or not mere fancy or whims of the court. No court shall exercise its power in arbitrary manner not can act in vague manner. Sufficient cause may be determined by reference to the circumstances of the case such as:

(I) whether the cause which withheld him for filling the appeal within the time was beyond the control of the party; 

(ii) Whether the party exercised sufficient care and diligence in filling the appeal;

(iii) Whether his intention was bonafide. 



Following are some examples of “sufficient cause”

1.    Mistake of counsel: A legal adviser’s mistake is a bona fide is a sufficient cause. 

2.    Mistake of Clerk of an advocate: if the clerk of an advocate commits a mistake, it may be condoned if it bona fide on the technical ground. 

3.    Illness: A mere plea on illness itself, unless the effect of itself was such that in circumstances it would afford reasonable excuse for the delay in the presenting in appeal, such illness must be in serious in nature.

4.    Imprisonment: imprisonment in a criminal jail is may be considered as sufficient cause and the time spent in jail may be condoned. 

5.    Mistake or ignorance of law: ignorance of the law is not a sufficient cause. But it cannot be laid down as general position that ignorance of law cannot be regarded as sufficient cause. It may be laid down when such mistake is bona fide one, it can be considered as sufficient cause in this section ex. A wrong advice given by legal advisor. 

6.    Minority: if it is a factor to be taken into account when considering circumstances which justify the application for the extension of time should be more liberally constructed in favor of minors other than litigants. When the guardian’s failure to appeal was due to his strong personal motive for not appealing which was opposed to the interest of the minor. It was held that it was a sufficient cause for extending time. 

7.    Other grounds: Although government as such is not entitled to any special consideration under section 5; the time taken by the state government to communicate with the legal advisor of the central government may, in certain circumstances will be excused. 

In Ram Nath Sao v. Gobardhan Sao, AIR 2002 SC 1201 it was held by the Supreme Court that the expression “sufficient cause” within the meaning of section 5 should receive a liberal construction so as to the advance substantial justice when no negligence or gross negligence or lack of bona Fidel is imputable as a party. What is “sufficient cause” is depends on the facts or circumstances of each case. There cannot be straightjacket formula for accepting or rejecting explanation furnished for the delay. 



In the case of State of Jammu and Kashmir v/s Ghulam Rasool Rather The expression "sufficient cause" in section 5 of the Limitation Act should receive a liberal construction so on advance substantial justice. Rules of limitation aren't meant to destroy the rights of the parties. They are meant to ascertain that parties don't resort to deliberate tactics, but seek their remedy promptly. While considering a case for condonation of delay, the court should remember that in every case of delay there are often some lapses on the part of the litigant concerned. That alone isn't sufficient to show down his plea and shut the door against him. If the reason doesn't smack of mala fides or it's not put-forth as a part of a dilatory strategy the court must show utmost consideration to the suitor. But when there's reasonable ground to think that the delay was occasioned by the party deliberately to realize time, then the court should lean on acceptance of the reason. The discretion exercised within the matter of condonation of delay should be proper and judicious.



The law of Limitation and Condonation of Delay are two effective implementations within the quick disposal of cases and effective litigation. On the one hand if the law of limitation keeps a check on the pulling of cases and prescribes a period of time within which the suit are usually filed in time available within which the person can get the remedy conveniently. The law of Condonation of Delay keeps the principle of natural justice alive and also states the very fact that different people may need different problems and therefore the same sentence or a singular rule might not apply to all or any of them within the same way. Thus it's essential to listen to them and choose accordingly whether or not they slot in the standards of the judgement or whether or not they deserve a second chance. 



 

Computation of the period of Limitation 

Part III of the Limitation Act, 1963 deals with the computation of the period of the limitation. The rules of computation a period of limitation are not intended by the legislature to apply only to period of limitation prescribed by  the schedule but apply also to periods of limitation provided for by other enactments; Durag v. Pancham, AIR 1969 AII 403 (FB). The computation periods exclude the day on which such period is to be reckoned. In case any appeal or application for review or revision has been filed on the day in which the judgment is pronounced shall be excluded from the computation period and also the time period taken to get copy of the judgment or order shall also be excluded. Thus time period   starts from the day in which the order of the judgment is received. The limitation of filling of an appeal before the court commences from the date of judgment and not the date of decree is signed: Basavarajappa v. M.S. Channabasappa (1991) 2 CCC 20 (Karn).

 

Conclusion 
The principal of Limitation Act,1963 is based on the maxim interest republic ut sitis finis litium; which means the interest of the state should requires that there should be end of litigation to stop what may have acquired in equality and justice by long enjoyment or what may are lost by the party’s own inaction or negligence. The rule of limitation does not mean to destroy the rights of the public. It only purpose is the plaintiff does not delay unnecessarily or seeks remedy within the time frame stipulated by legislature. The right of the person continues to exist even after the remedy barred by legislature. A debtor may pay a debt even after a time barred debt and does not claim back on the limitation barred plea. 

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