Two opinions of note Tuesday from the California Court of Appeal:
* Norman Hsu, a prominent Democratic fundraiser despite being a fugitive from justice, lost an appeal of his 17-year-old grand theft case. Hsu's original sentencing hearing was in 1992, but instead of appearing he fled to Asia. He returned in 2003 and became a heavyweight donor for Hillary Clinton, among others, then invoked his speedy trial rights when prosecutors finally came calling last year. Hsu also argued on appeal that his plea deal was invalid because the judge who approved it, San Mateo's Aram Severian, retired eight years ago. Not our problem, said First District Justices Ignazio Ruvalo, Timothy Reardon and Patricia Sepulveda. (Actual quote: "We do not think it is a sufficient reason to merit withdrawal of Hsu's no contest plea, that the judge who took his original plea retired from judicial service during the 15-year period during which Hsu absented himself from these proceedings.")
* Remember earlier this year when roommates.com made law on the Communications Decency Act? On Tuesday, the True.com dating service gave us new rules for standing in California civil rights cases, courtesy of the Fourth District, Division One. The Complex Litigator tells us why this is important, both for civil procedure and for policing sketchy online dating sites.
— Scott Graham
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