COMM 317: Thinking like a lawyer ... this isn't assigned, but it's important ... so let's stop for a minute and read it

On the Slate.com website, an "explainer" detailing why lawsuits contesting President Obama's status as a natural-born citizen always get thrown out of court. The money graf:

... If Obama stood his ground, and Congress stood by him, then the only way to legally remove him from office would be for someone to sue. Problem is, no one would have standing to bring such a lawsuit. To establish standing, a plaintiff must show that he has suffered an injury personal to him, that the defendant caused the injury, and that the court could provide a remedy. That turns out to be an impossible task.

A good rule of thumb: In order to sue somebody, you've got to be able to prove they cost you money. No money, no lawsuit.

But read the rest of the story. One of my goals for you this semester is to start learning how to think like a lawyer. Most people (including most editorial writers) can't. Let's change that.