In the eighth episode of Ask the Lawyers, hosts Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy answer your legal questions, no matter how big, small, or complex.
Evan and Matt open with a timely discussion on whether your AI searches are confidential. They break down U.S. v. Heppner, a recent case in which Judge Rakoff ruled that a defendant’s AI inputs and results weren’t protected by attorney-client privilege or the work product doctrine, even after he shared them with his lawyers. They then tackle a series of everyday scenarios: whether “finders keepers” holds up when you find $10,000 in cash on the street, and whether your employer can fire you for refusing to return to the office.
The conversation continues with a look at what happens when a misaddressed package lands at your door, and why opening it can expose you to civil liability. Evan and Matt also clarify when you’re required to show a police officer your ID, before closing with a practical breakdown of oral contracts, the statute of frauds, and why a friend’s promise to pay you back later may not be legally enforceable.
Takeaway:
Everyday situations, from running an AI search to accepting an IOU, can carry legal consequences you may not expect. This episode shows that knowing where the law draws its lines, and seeking qualified legal guidance when it matters, can help protect your rights and avoid costly assumptions.
Have a question for Evan and Matt? Send it to [email protected], and they’ll answer it on a future episode