Wednesday, August 15th, 2012. From the national general practice law offices of Charles Jerome Ware, P.A.: Still working. Still committed. Still here to make a difference.
It appears the state of Maryland has developed two new addictions: Gambling and Pit Bulls.
The Maryland General Assembly earlier today passed a measure that has been signed by the Governor which dramatically expands gambling in the state. The new law will allow a new casino in Prince George's County as well as table games such as poker and roulette gambling halls.
I predict that soon every Maryland resident will live, or work, or go to school, or go to worship within walking distance of a gambling site. 'Gambling" has won in this recent special session.
However, pit bulls and their owners have lost. For now.
A measure that the lawmakers has hoped would address and resolve liability concerns raised by landlords and pit bull dog owners relating to Maryland Court of Appeals' ruling earlier this year on dog bites by pit bulls died in this session. The Maryland House and Senate could not reconcile differences between the two chambers before the end of the session. The failure to pass the measure (the bill) means the ruling of Maryland's highest court that pit bulls and mixed-breed pitbulls are "inherently dangerous" will stand. For now.
The court ruling at issue in the case of Tracey vs. Solesky (No. 53, Sept. Term 2012) declares that pit bulls as a breed are "inherently dangerous", and that the owner of a pit bull or a cross-bred pit dog that attacks humans is strictly liable for damages, as is any landlord in Maryland who rents to a pit bull owner.
[see, (1) Tweet (Twitter) of Attorney Charles Jerome Ware, Monday, May 7, 2012; (2) Attorney Charles Ware's Blog, 'Legal Update: Maryland High Court Rules Pit Bulls 'Inherently Dangerous'", Monday, May 7th, 2012; www.myfoxdc.com/story/2012-08-15/"Dog-bite liability bill fails in Md special session"; marylandreporter.com/08-15-2012; www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/2012/08/15/thinking-things-through-on-pit-bulls; www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/aug/14/md-general-assembly-oks-gambling-expansionbill]
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