PARSIPPANY — Davey is a 11/2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever mix in the care of Wise Animal Rescue. He was abandoned in a Taco Bell parking lot by individuals who were seen speeding away. Currently in foster care, Davey gets along well with the dog in his temporary home, but he hasn’t been tested with cats. Davey,…
Retriever mix abandoned in Taco Bell parking lot
Rabbi Gold continues Temple Beth Am’s Third Friday Speaker Series
PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am’s popular Third Friday speaker series continues with Rabbi Neal Gold, a leader in the Association of Reform Zionists of America (AZRA).
Rabbi Gold will share his valuable insights as a scholar, teacher and social activist in discussing the “Head, Heart and Hands: The Integrated Jewish Soul.”
His teaching is inspired by of the beauty of Jewish texts and uses the text and tradition as a means of transforming the world. This event will be held on Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear him speak. The program is free and open to the public. Rabbi Gold currently serves as program and content director of ARZA, dedicated to strengthening the reform movement in Israel and strengthening Zionism within the US Reform community. Rabbi Gold has lived, worked and taught in Israel and for over 18 years has served congregations in New Jersey and Massachusetts. In 2016, he became the first in-house scholar-in-residence for Jewish Family Service of Metrowest.
Mount Olive Man Receives Additional Charges pimping out teenagers
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations John Speirs, Chief of Police Stephen Beecher of the Mount Olive Police Department, and Chief of Police Jeffrey Almer of the Washington Township Police Department announce additional charges against Michael Keenan of Mount Olive who was arrested for Human Trafficking.
On December 8, 2016, Keenan, 23, was arrested and charged with one count of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8(a)3, a crime of the first degree, one count of Promoting Prostitution, in violation of N.J.S 2C:34-1b(3), a crime of the first degree, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)1, a crime of the third degree.
Keenan had previously been charged with Human Trafficking and Promoting Prostitution on November 23, 2016 for acts involving a 17 year old female. During the course of that investigation, detectives learned of an additional 17 year old victim. The second victim reported that Mr. Keenan drove her to hotels in the Township of Mount Olive to engage in prostitution and would then collect a portion of the proceeds for himself.
Bail was set for Mr. Keenan by the Honorable Catherine Enright at $250,000 with a no 10% option.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Washington Township Police Department, Mount Olive Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their joint efforts regarding this investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective/Supervisor Marshall Wang of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Gary Huffman charged with Insurance Fraud
PARSIPPANY — Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of Gary E. Huffman, 42, 1100 Parsippany Boulevard on charges of Insurance Fraud and Theft by Deception. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
On March 30 the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that Huffman had been working for an electrical company while receiving worker’s compensation insurance payments from an injury he sustained while working for a different employer.
An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit revealed that Huffman was injured in April 2015.
He had filed for temporary disability and worker’s compensation benefits and began receiving the insurance payments shortly thereafter.
In August 2015, Huffman began working for the new company and received cash payments for the work. The worker’s compensation payments only ended when it was determined that HUFFMAN was working in violation of his disability status.
As a result of the investigation, Huffman was charged on December 8, 2016 with one count of Insurance Fraud, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4-6a, a third degree crime, and one count of Theft by Deception, N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-4, a third degree crime. Huffman is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a first appearance on Wednesday, December 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Road rage turns into robbery and arrest
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, December 5 at 8:51 p.m. The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a fight in progress in the parking lot of 1004 Tabor Road.
Upon arrival of responding Officers, they spoke to the 27 year old male victim, who advised them that he was involved in a road rage type incident while driving on Route 80 with another vehicle.
The victim alleged that the vehicle then followed him into the parking lot 1004 Tabor Road where the driver, later identified as Corey Condon, 30, Wayne, began yelling at him and then began striking him in the head with his fist.
During the assault the victim’s sweatshirt, which contained personal items, came off, which was then allegedly taken by Mr. Condon as he fled the scene in his vehicle.
The victim refused any medical attention.
Patrol Officer J. Hughes spoke to Parsippany Municipal Judge Scala who authorized the issuance of a warrant for Mr. Condon’s arrest for Robbery. On Thursday, December 8, Mr. Condon responded to Parsippany Police Headquarters and turned himself in.
He was placed under arrest, processed, and released on $5,000.00 bail with no 10% option pending his court date.
One car crash on North Beverwyck Road knocks down utility pole
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Janardan Lamichhane, 46, Parsippany, was traveling north on North Beverwyck Road and veered off the road, onto the curb and crashed into a utility pole. The pole was broken in half causing electrical wires to fall onto the roadway.
Mr. Lamichhane stated that while he was traveling he believed to have seen a dark shadow in the road which caused him to veer off the roadway.
He was driving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata, which was towed from the scene by Corrigliano Towing. This accident occurred on Wednesday, December 7 at 9:55 p.m.
Jersey Central Power and Light was called to replace the pole.
Mr. Lamichhane was charged with careless driving.
DWI arrest on North Beverwyck Road
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling in the area of North Beverwyck Road and Vail Road, Patrol Officers J. Williams and S. Baker observed a 2006 Volkswagen Passat fail to maintain its lane and drift across the lane markings onto the shoulder of the roadway. This incident occurred at 1:26 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22.
The Officers then initiated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle on Rockaway Place.
The Officers made contact with the driver, Edreece Saleh, 23, Parsippany.
After a brief investigation, Mr. Saleh was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters.
While at Police Headquarters he was processed, and issued the following summonses: Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. Mr. Saleh was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a sober adult pending his court date.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fox Hill Road Closed today for construction
PARSIPPANY — Fox Hill Road will be CLOSED between Watts Avenue and Country Lane until 4:00 p.m. today. The road will be impassable due to road construction. You will not be able to get from Route 46 (in Mountain Lakes) to Route 53 via Fox Hill Road or Route 53 to Route 46 (in Mountain Lakes) via Fox Hill Road during the closure.
Liberty Office Suites Announces New Shared Office and Coworking Space
PARSIPPANY — Business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers now have more options to rent office space in New Jersey with the opening of Liberty Office Suites’ new Parsippany location.
Liberty Office Suites’ Parsippany center, located on the third floor of 181 New Road, is expected to open in mid-January 2017. At around 15,000 square feet, the location will be home to 40 private offices, four conference rooms, and one large training room.
“For years, clients have enjoyed the benefits of coming to work at Liberty Office Suites’ Montville location, with all the advantages of a well-appointed office space without the high cost,” says Ron Soussa of Liberty Office Suites. “Now we can make even more clients happy with the addition of our new office space in Parsippany, New Jersey.”
What sets Liberty Office Suites apart are the additional amenities provided to clients. This includes valet dry cleaning service, food delivery prepared by Kettlebell Kitchen, and sheltered parking.
“We’re also bringing something new to the Parsippany location,” continues Soussa. “One new feature will be larger, furnished suites – with phone and WiFi – capable of accommodating teams of up to 25 people in a true co-working environment.”
An intangible benefit of renting shared office space are the connections made with other people. Through connections made at Liberty Office Suites, people have been able to cultivate friendships and professional relationships that can last a lifetime.
“Our team will do our very best to cultivate the same atmosphere at our Parsippany location that you can find at our Montville location,” says Soussa. “Clients keep coming back to Liberty Office Suites because of the family atmosphere that exists, with spur of the moment gatherings, access to the kitchen for coffee, or a chat with an office neighbor all helping to facilitate valuable connections.”
Clients of Liberty Office Suites’ Montville location will be able to make an easy transition to the new Parsippany location, if they find that address to be more convenient.
If you would like to know more about office space for rent in New Jersey at our new Parsippany location, call (973) 265-2900.
PHS is accepting Hall of Fame nominations
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. The PHS Hall of Fame recognizes and honors PHS graduates and staff members who have distinguished themselves during their time at PHS and/or in their careers in their fields of work or service. Recognition will be given but not limited to accomplishment in the fields of: Music, School Services, Fine Arts, Medicine, Business, Journalism, Politics, Athletics, Education, Science, Armed Forces, Community Service.
The person being nominated must have graduated from PHS at least ten years ago (2007 or earlier). In the case of a staff member, the nominee must have been a member of the professional staff (including non-teacher coaches and activity advisors), who has retired or left the employ of Parsippany High School at least three years ago (prior to 2014).
The person being nominated DOES NOT have to be a college graduate. Posthumous nominations WILL BE accepted. As many as ten nominees may be inducted in any given year.
Nominees selected for induction into the PHS Hall of Fame will be honored at an annual ceremony held in the winter and at a home basketball game (date to be determined). Each inductee will receive an engraved memento and will be recognized on a perpetual plaque in the main hall of Parsippany High School. Nominations may be submitted by any Parsippany High School graduate or by a relative, friend, or co-worker of the person being nominated. The committee evaluates each nominee on three criteria:
1. Recognized excellence in one’s field/profession
2. Service and dedication to Parsippany High School
3. Contributions to professional/civic organizations and/or publications, presentations, and recognition
Nomination forms can be found on the PHS website by clicking here. Be sure to include all requested information. Reasons for nomination and written description may be submitted on separate sheets of paper (not to exceed three sheets and must be stapled to the nomination form). Parsippany High School Hall of Fame 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
All forms are due by January 6, 2017 c/o Dr. Mulroony.
Million Dollar Search Terms Disclosed: Political Retaliation?
PARSIPPANY — Another incident like Bridgegate? This time it may be in Parsippany. Parsippany Focus has obtained a tort claim notice filed by retired Police Captain James Carifi through an open public records request (OPRA). This tort claim notice was filed on September 30, 2016.
The tort claim notice lists specific “Client Supplied Keywords” Township attorney John Inglesino and Mayor James Barberio developed and provided to Aurora Information & Security hired to investigate Captain Carifi.
Aurora Information & Security was hired by Mayor James Barberio, without the consent of the Township Council. According to the local finance laws, when municipalities hire for professional services, Council approval is required. Township Council members were not told of Aurora’s hiring until five months later, days after Mayor Barberio defeated Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. in a hotly contested primary for mayor. (Refer to attached email requesting minutes and resolutions of hiring of Aurora.)
Ironically, the hiring of Aurora was authorized by Mayor Barberio the day after Paul Carifi Jr. announced his candidacy for Mayor on Monday, January 14, 2013 and the two days after the Sunday night meeting at Townhall where Council President Louis Valori had accused Barberio and Inglesino of bribing him with a job offer. (See Consent to Hire Technical Security Consultant for Litigation Purposes).
According to the tort claim filed, the 29 “Client Supplied Keywords” are as follows: James Carifi, Paul Carifi, Election, Contribution, Funds, ELEC (Which stands for Election Law Enforcement Commission), Clerk, Yancy Wazirmas, Jasmine Lim, Elesha Johnson, Board of Elections, Poll, Republican Party, Ballot, Absentee Ballot, Board of Education, Township Council, Mayor, James Barberio, Louis Valori, Robert Peluso, Brian Stanton, Vincent Ferrara, Michael dePierro, Jonathan Nelson, James Vigilante, Robert Colangelo, Daniel Margotta and Bentley. (Click here to see the tort claim document search terms)
(Editors Note: Republicans Robert Peluso and Louis Valori announced they were running for a Council seat shortly thereafter. Brian Stanton, was the Township Council President at the time. Michael dePierro and Vincent Ferrara were Councilmen. Jonathan Nelson, a Democrat, was planning on running for Mayor against the Republican candidate. James Vigilante, now deceased, a former Councilman ran unsuccessfully for Morris County Clerk.)
If that’s not startling enough, in a shocking revelation Aurora then provides an additional four “Suggested Keyword Searches” they would like to search on Captain Carifi’s computer, which Barberio and Inglesino ultimately approved. Those four search terms were as follows: Carifi, Campaign, Paul and “campaign and mayor.” This all took place just a few months before the primary election between Paul Carifi Jr. and James Barberio in 2013. (Click here to see Aurora Suggested Keyword Search.)
Parsippany Focus previously reported that Aurora Information Security & Risk was recently found liable for fraud by the Second District Court of appeals of New York in addition to being suspended by the State of New Jersey. While they were suspended, they were not allowed to do business with any municipality while suspended, however Mayor Barberio and John Inglesino continued to work with and pay Aurora during this suspension time. The suspension time for Aurora Information Security & Risk as listed by the State of New Jersey was from January 16, 2014 to May 13, 2015. (For Aurora suspension click here)
For the past three years, Mayor Barberio and Mr. Inglesino had stated and maintained the position at council meetings and prepared statements that Parsippany residents were at risk because Captain Carifi copied and deleted information from Parsippany Police Department computers. However, as the search terms are now uncovered, one cannot escape the correlation to Bridgegate. According to the tort claimed filed, No police information or police documents were listed in the search terms as being searched for.
Even more alarming is Aurora’s actual document provided to Mayor Barberio and Mr. Inglesino requesting “Legal Approval” to search “Personal Email Addresses”. Although it is unknown as to whose email addresses Inglesino and Barberio were searching as there are no listed email addresses on Aurora’s document, it does state “Do any specific email accounts come to mind?” The document also indicates that Aurora searched Captain Carifi’s “Web credit card transaction receipts”.
Furthermore, the tort claim notice goes on to identify one of Aurora’s invoices paid by the Township of Parsippany, included a billing entry documenting that Aurora was tasked by Mayor Barberio and Township attorney Inglesino with searching Captain Carifi’s home computer for any political activities.
Requests for comments from Jonathan Nelson, Robert Peluso, Yancy Wazirmas and Elesha Johnson went unanswered.
“Mr. Carifi and my office are limited from commenting freely about his disputes with Parsippany due to a variety of constraints, including confidentiality orders entered for the benefit of the Township in two of the three pending lawsuits. That said, we are anxious to air publicly the facts of this case at the upcoming trial, and believe that the Citizens of Parsippany could be shocked and dismayed by what they learn,” said Christopher Deininger, Partner, Bubb, Grogan & Cocca, representing James Carifi.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Philipps was asked if he participated in the development of the political search terms to be searched for on Captain Carifi’s Parsippany Police computers, but never responded.
Because it has been estimated that the Township has spent over 3.5 million dollars in taxpayer money against Captain Carifi, and that there are so many additional surprising documented facts that are contrary to what Inglesino and Mayor Barberio have portrayed in public within the tort claims notice, Parsippany Focus has decided to title its succeeding articles about this case as Parsippany Gate.
The tort claim notice is a requirement to inform the Township of a potential lawsuit.
Owner of Diagnostic Testing Facility Sued for Submitting False Claims
PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany man and his diagnostic testing company are being sued by the government for knowingly submitting false claims to Medicare for thousands of diagnostic testing services he did not render, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Vijay Patel, 59, of Parsippany, owner and operator of Mobile Diagnostic Testing of NJ LLC of Parsippany, pleaded guilty December 15, 2014, to a criminal information charging him with health care fraud related to this conduct. Today’s civil complaint alleges Vijay Patel violated the False Claims Act.
According to the complaint Patel had an associate who was a cardiologist and also a participant in the Medicare program. From around 2009 through 2012, the cardiologist’s Medicare contractor had placed him on so-called “pre-payment review,” which was initiated to ensure that the doctor was submitting claims within established rules and regulations, and which required him to submit documentation, including medical records, to support the services being billed to Medicare. Under pre-payment review, claims for reimbursement that did not have the documentation necessary to support the services being billed are rejected by the Medicare contractor.
From August 2011 through December 2012, Patel and the cardiologist defrauded Medicare by submitting claims to Medicare for diagnostic testing services that the doctor had performed in December 2010 through September 2012, enabling him to evade Medicare’s pre-payment review. Patel submitted the cardiologist’s claims through his company and his brother’s company, Biosound Medical Services Inc. (Biosound), as if Mobile Diagnostic and Biosound had performed the services instead of the doctor. Once Patel received the Medicare reimbursement money paid to the two companies for diagnostic testing services the cardiologist had performed, Patel transferred a portion of the payment to the doctor and kept a substantial portion for himself.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert, New York Region, with the investigation leading to the filing of today’s complaint.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole F. Mastropieri and Bernard J. Cooney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark.
U.S. Attorney Fishman reorganized the health care fraud practice at the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office shortly after taking office, including creating a stand-alone Health Care and Government Fraud Unit to handle both criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud offenses. Since 2010, the office has recovered more than $1.32 billion in health care fraud and government fraud settlements, judgments, fines, restitution and forfeiture under the False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other statutes.
The case is captioned United States v. Vijay Patel, et al. (D.N.J.). Click here to read a copy of the complaint.
Parsippany resident turns 103
PARSIPPANY — Veronica “Ronnie” Minaieskas turned 103 years old in Parsippany, on November 27. Council Vice President Robert Peluso and on behalf of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and our Community, wished her a Happy Birthday with flowers and a card. Council Vice President Robert Peluso birthday is November 27.
Veronica grew up in Kearny and her brother, Peter Velevas, was a Councilman in Kearny for over 30 years. She currently lives at Care One, 300 Madzabrook Road, Parsippany. Her daughter Lori Concillieri is a resident of Lake Parsippany.
Sluggish start to 2nd round of New Jersey bear hunt; Parsippany resident responds
The second and final stage of New Jersey’s 2016 black bear hunt got off to a slow start Monday. Two months after 562 bears were killed over six days, the state’s five weigh stations were reporting very little activity, state Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Robert Geist said. Segment B of New Jersey’s bear hunt coincides…
Parsippany Police Held Their Annual Departmental Awards
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department held their annual Departmental Awards and Inspection where Chief of Police Paul Philipps conducts a uniform and equipment inspection.
Following the inspection Philipps presented multiple awards and commendations to the officers which were earned throughout the year.
This year he issued a total of 69 awards and commendations, of which 18 were Lifesaving Awards along with two Civilian Service Awards for contributing to a lifesaving.
The Lifesaving award is issued when an officer or civilian dispatcher directly contributes to the successful revival of a victim by way of CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, or by giving instructions to the caller on how to properly perform CPR on a victim.
The two Civilian Service Awards that were given out this year were to David Hess, who has been a member of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department for over 45 years. Mr. Hess successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a patron at a local restaurant who began to choke on a piece of steak. His quick actions led to the successful dislodging of the piece of food and allowed the victim to breath freely once again.
The second person who received the Civilian Service Award was Jennifer Sawyer, who successfully performed CPR and used an AED on a patron at LA Fitness that was in cardiac arrest. Her quick actions led to the successful revival of the victim.
District 5 holds annual Pancake Breakfast
PARSIPPANY — It’s that time of year again! Santa stopped by District 5 firehouse on Sunday, December 4 to greet the children and to listen to their long lists of items they want Sant to bring on Christmas Day. Everyone got to enjoy their Annual Pancake breakfast, consisting of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, orange juice, coffee and tea.
Santa arrives in Parsippany in time to light the Tree at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived in Parsippany-Troy Hills just in time to light the tree at Town Hall on Sunday, December 4.
Santa arrived with a police escort sitting on a fire truck from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 just in time to help Mayor James Barberio light the Christmas tree at Town Hall.
Immediately following the tree lighting Santa met with children, and wanted to know what each child wanted him to bring to their home on Christmas eve. The children also received candy canes and a special gift from Santa.
Refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies were served to all the children compliments of Houlihans and Shop Rite of Parsippany.
Have you been good girls and boys? Do you want to know what Santa Claus has in store for you for Christmas? Do you want to know when Santa and his sleigh will be getting to your house?
We can’t answer the first two questions. Only you can answer the first one. Only Santa can answer the second one.
But thanks to the wonders of the NORAD we can give you an idea where Santa is on Christmas Eve. Children can track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by clicking here.
Sons of Italy delivered bags of food for Thanksgiving
PARSIPPANY — The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 delivered 21 fully cooked Turkey Dinners to local families, and also purchased $1,000 in Shop Rite Gift Cards for other families and local food pantries.
The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is an affiliated member of the Order of the Sons of Italy In America Association.
The Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families and awards many scholarships to outstanding men and women.
Officers include President: Joe Jannarone Jr.; First Vice President: Louis Amato; Second Vice President: Joe Plescia; Treasurer: Robert Iracane; Recording Secretary: Adam Gragnani and Seargent at Arms: Sean Clark.
For more information click here.
Parsippany resident charged with Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia
PARSIPPANY — After being pulled over for making an unsafe lane change on Route 80 in Fairfield, Brian Halpin, 34, Parsippany, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia on Monday, November 28.
In addition to the criminal charges, the Fairfield Police Department charged Halpin with having a suspended license, being an unlicensed driver, making an unsafe lane change and for possessing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in a motor vehicle.
According to Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna, the Fairfield Police Department recently began a Route 80 initiative to try and assist with greater enforcement and interdiction efforts on the interstate. Fairfield Officers Jeffrey Dean and Diego Ocampo were patrolling Route 80 on Monday afternoon when they observed a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, later found to be operated by Halpin, making what they considered an unsafe lane change.
“Many drug users and traffickers take the interstate as a faster means of getting to some of the cities located to our east, including New York City to purchase narcotics that will later be used or distributed in our community or in communities west of Fairfield,” said Manna. “When staffing permits, our officers will be on the interstate so that those involved in illegal drug use or distribution will not just contend with being apprehended by state troopers but with our officers as well” said the chief.
Subsequent to investigation during the course of this particular stop, the responding officers stated that they recovered suspected heroin as well as a hypodermic syringe. According to police, Halpin was arrested without incident and his vehicle impounded.
Halpin was released on his own recognizance pending Superior Court action.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.