Magnuson Lowell Blog
Each week we post a blog about relevant legal issues. Glance through our various topics to learn more about a particular legal situation.
These articles are for limited informational purposes only and are not, nor are they intended to be, legal advice. You should not rely on this information for your case and should consult with an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
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- Options for Dealing with Real Estate in Your Washington State Divorce
- Mandatory Arbitration - A Great Choice for Small Car Accidents
- Does it Matter that I was Hurt Before My Car Accident?
- Parenting Limitations under RCW 26.09.191 in Washington State
- Navigating Child Custody: A Guide for Parents in Divorce
- Determining Child Support in Washington State
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) Time Matters for a DUI
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) Field Sobriety Tests - What Not to Do
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) - The (Redmond/Criminal Defense) - The Ability to Remain Silent
- Battling Father Time: Crafting Your Legacy with Precision
- Tips for Talking to Your Family About Your Estate Plan
- How to Choose Your Personal Representative for your Will
- Little Known Washington Driving Laws
- What`s the Deal with Prenuptial Agreements?
- What Happens If I`m Bit by a Dog in Washington?
- What Kinds of Evidence are Best for Parenting Disputes?
- Divorce Timelines in Washington State
- Co-Parenting 101: Tips for Co-Parenting During a Divorce
- Why Expediency is Important After Your Car Accident
- Understanding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in Washington State
- It only takes 3 seconds...
- Gotta love our court system!
- (Redmond/Crazy Lawsuit) The Walking Dead: or Not!
- (Redmond/Crazy Lawsuit) Here Comes Football - and Litigation
- What is a Contingency Fee?
- Happy New Year 2024!
- Pedestrian & Bicyclist Accidents
- Top 10 Tips You Need To Know Before Getting On A Motorcycle
- Top 10 Tips Riders Need To Know Before Getting On A Motorcycle
- In a Car Collision...Now What?
A Win for Nerdy Linguists Everywhere!
For decades', linguists and professional comma users everywhere have been stuck in a fearsome debate. The serial comma - more commonly known as the Oxford comma - is an obligation to some; yet, it remains irrelevant to others. The main, but not sole, use of an Oxford comma is while listing three or more items in a sentence. It forces a comma between the conjunction (i.e. the words and, or, and but) and the final listed item. For a good (yet confusing) example look no further than the parenthesized clause above. The Oxford comma is the second comma between the word 'or' and 'and'.
This debate has finally played itself out in a Crazy Case in court. Employees had sued the Oakhurst Dairy regarding their qualifications for overtime pay. Maine law confirms that certain employees do not qualify for overtime pay, including those involved in: "The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of: (1) Agricultural produce; (2) Meat and fish products; and (3) Perishable foods."
Lawmakers in Maine did not adhere to the Oxford comma, which led to the court ruling in favor of five delivery drivers in this Crazy Case. Was overtime pay excluded to those involved in packing for both shipment and di stribution; or excluded for packing for shipment and those who distribute the packages? The court found that without the Oxford comma (i.e. "packing for shipment, or distribution") the clause was ambiguous and should be construed in favor of the employees. If you want to make sure your t's are crossed, i's are dotted, and commas are properly used, call Magnuson Lowell today.
