Several United States Supreme Court cases will be decided in 2013 that could affect the way all Americans live and that could also have an effect on your religious liberty. Hear Attorney David Gibbs discuss these cases and other changes that could be coming to America in 2013 on Saturday's Law Talk Live program. Tune in on Saturday from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. CT.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

We have come to the end of the year 2012, and the world goes on despite the dire predictions made by some based on the Mayan calendar. Join us on Saturday for a review of the past year as we discuss the most important news for Christians to come out of the past twelve months. Do you agree these stories were the most important? Whether you agree or disagree, join in the discussion with Attorney David Gibbs on Law Talk Live

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Shhh!  Don’t tell the grinches!  But we just might be winning the War on Christmas.  Listen to Law Talk Live this week for some updates on successful legal and cultural battles in the Christmas wars. But while we keep Christmas legal in America, please remember in all you do at this time of year that Jesus is still the reason for this glorious season.

Tune in to Law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs shares about this important topic.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Public prayer has always been part of government and life in America. Ever since the first Continental Congress, legislative meetings have always opened in prayer. Benjamin Franklin supported a call for prayer when the Constitutional Convention became bogged down in controversy. When America became involved in World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt took to the airwaves himself to offer a prayer for the nation.

So why are some in America now trying to ban legislative and public prayers?

Listen to Law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs discusses public prayer in America.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

From the schools in your community to the many countries abroad, the United States is fighting in a war against drugs. But, is the United States fighting this war alone? Join us this Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. Central Time as Attorney David Gibbs discusses one of America’s greatest vulnerabilities—the war against drugs.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Did you know that many public school children in America are being taught that Thanksgiving commemorates the Pilgrims thanking the Indians for their help in learning to plant corn and survive in the New World? No mention of God at all! 

Yet days of prayer, fasting and thanksgiving to God were commonplace from the time Europeans first discovered this new land, even before the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving in 1621. Learn more surprising facts about the real history of Thanksgiving this Saturday on Law Talk Live with Attorney David Gibbs.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

November is National Adoption Awareness month. Agencies, parents and supportive organizations such as the Dave Thomas Foundation and others present messages to the media and the community about the availability and positive benefits of adoption.

Who are the adopting families in America? How did they begin the process and make the many decisions along the way? On this week’s Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs gives facts and figures as well as inspiration and encouragement to those considering adoption in America.  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Will life really be different after the 2012 election? What promises will be fulfilled, which will be dismissed? With a divided legislature, will any action be taken?

This week on Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs will discuss the results of the election and what we might expect to see happen in life and the law over the next few years.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

What does the Bible teach about marriage, the sanctity of life, religious freedom and the state of Israel? How can we live our lives as American citizens consistent with these teachings?

Next week we face a national election focused on budgets, wars and government regulation. This week on Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs encourages us to focus our hearts higher than the current news feed—to focus on the Word of God and its primacy in the important matters of life. Got questions?

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Pastor Smith has strong convictions in the areas of marriage, life and liberty. His heart longs to give his congregation an impassioned sermon about the relevant biblical teaching on the issue. Can he speak freely to his flock without fear of a complaint from the Internal Revenue Service?

IRS regulations provide that a church, a non-profit entity, may spend an "insubstantial part" of its time on lobbying activities. What does this mean? More importantly, does this tie the hands of the Christian preacher regarding the important moral issues of the day?

Listen to Law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs discusses the law of politics and the pulpit.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

You have to present an ID to transact business at your bank. Boarding an airplane is impossible without a photo ID. More than 30 states now require presentation of an ID to vote. It has been the topic of heated debate in our nation. Intended to prevent persons from impersonating a voter, these relatively new laws have been opposed by those who say these requirements disproportionately affect elderly, minority and low-income groups.

What do you think? Should you be required to identify yourself in order to cast your vote? Tune in this week as Attorney David Gibbs presents both sides of this contemporary controversy.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Data about a typical American is collected in more than 20 different ways during everyday activities, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis. This information is gathered by law enforcement and private companies.
One town in California has license plate readers (LPR) at each entry to the city, essentially tracking each car entering and leaving the city. Technology has given law enforcement capabilities that were unheard of ten years ago. Does this feel like an invasion of privacy? 

Listen to Law Talk Live as Attorney David Gibbs unpacks the important First- and Fourth-Amendment concerns of these new practices.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Jesus said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25: 40) Who are the least of our brethren? As a society, how are we “doing unto” them?

On this week’s Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs discusses law and the right-to-life for all individuals, from the unborn to the disabled. 

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Can a Christian business owner have a religious testimony? Given the proper safeguards, he is able to do so in an entirely legal manner both for customers and employees. A business owner may even provide a biblical ministry for their employees, so long as the owner follows the laws that protect non-Christian employees.
Are you a business owner, or do you work for a Christian business owner? Listen to Law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs explores this important area of the law.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

The second amendment to the United States Constitution provides for the “right of the people to keep and bear arms.” While seemingly a straightforward provision, this amendment has generated considerable controversy in modern America. Does the amendment refer only to state militias, or do private citizens also have a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms as individuals? Tune in to Law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs invites your comments and concerns about this Constitutional right.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Someone once said, “If you don't know your rights you don't have any.” The First Amendment to the United States Constitution embodies some of the most precious rights granted to us by our Creator. Its contents should be well known by all.

Yet, when asked to name the freedoms of the First Amendment, only 62% of Americans could name the freedom of speech, followed by 19% who could say the freedom of religion, 17% mention the freedom of press, then 14% say the right to assemble, and 3% named the right to petition. Thirty percent of Americans could not list any of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Listen in to Law Talk Live as Attorney David Gibbs discusses the fundamental five freedoms secured by the First Amendment.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Among the congregants of Anychurch in America there are two registered sex offenders. It has come to the attention of Pastor that these two are regular attenders.

What is the proper response? Can a pastor bar sex offenders from the congregation? If grace is extended and they are allowed to attend, what precautions must be taken?

Whether you attend a church or run a church, you don’t want to miss this week’s Law Talk Live when Attorney David Gibbs discussed the legal implications of sex offenders in the church. 

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Celeste wants to hold a Bible study over the lunch hour with her fellow employees. Jack hung a crucifix on the wall of his cubicle.

Are these expressions of faith protected in the workplace? This week on Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs focuses on religious expression in the workplace. No matter where you work, don't miss this one!

Host: David C. Gibbs III

In simpler times, many of us remember long Sunday morning services filled with great teaching and fellowship. After the service, the pastor would join a church-wide picnic, or meet a group for lunch. In the evening, he held prayer service and ended a satisfying Sunday serving the saints. Today, that same pastor might be facing an anxiety-filled Monday. He has to examine the new by-laws, review the church’s child abuse prevention policy, then meet with the board in the evening to try to decide whether to allow the recently-released sex offender to participate in the life of the church.  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

It is almost fall and a parent’s thoughts turn to the beginning of the new school year. Today there are more options than ever for educating your child.

Private school students represent approximately ten percent of all school-age children K–12. An estimated four percent of these students are homeschooled. By far, most parents choose the public schools. What is involved in each of these choices and how does a parent decide which to choose?

Listen in to Law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs discusses these back-to-school options for parents.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Some unfortunate family will get a 2 a.m. phone call informing them that their son is under arrest. Another person with a lapse in judgment might hear these words: “You have the right to remain silent….” What happens in the realm of criminal law in Illinois? You may never find yourself in this world, but chances are you have a friend or relative who will.

It is not like “Law and Order” where the pieces fall into place and the case is handled flawlessly. There are choices made by law enforcement and decisions made by the accused that impact its outcome at each step of the process.

This week on Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs will take listeners through the workings of the criminal law system in Illinois. Don’t miss this one!

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Do you have a legal question you are dying to ask, or a nagging legal curiosity that needs resolution? This week on Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs opens up the phone lines to let you, the listener, set the topics of the show. This week, you have open access to an experienced trial lawyer who has dealt with everything from personal injury to First Amendment issues in the courtroom. Join in this week's Legal Open Forum to have your voice heard!

Host: David C. Gibbs III

“I don’t have anything left. Why do I need an estate plan?”  

Many people feel this way. Indeed, many die with no direction left for the remaining family. Even without assets, an estate plan concerns itself with naming a guardian for your minor children, arranges for the distribution of your property and leaves specific direction for your last wishes and more. Do you want a stranger making these decisions? If not, then you need an estate plan. This week on Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs explains and simplifies the process of planning for the future of your family and loved ones.  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Who hasn’t heard the unmistakable squeal of tires and the noisy impact of a car crash? Maybe you’ve been involved in one, and have probably witnessed a few.

If you watch commercials on television, lawyers seeking to represent car accident victims abound. Sometimes unflatteringly referred to as “ambulance chasers” the ads present a poor picture of the role of lawyers in helping the injured. What is the proper Christian response to an injury? What role does the insurance company play and how should they be handled? Listen in to Law Talk Live as Attorney David Gibbs answers many of these questions and gives a Christian view of accidents, lawyers and injuries.  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Last week, Attorney David Gibbs began to unpack the most recent rulings from the United States Supreme Court. The Affordable Health Care Act was of greatest concern, but the high Court also issued rulings in several other areas, such as immigration, criminal law, campaign funding, employment law and first amendment issues.What were these rulings and how will they impact life in America?

In this episode of Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs gives an overview of these cases and invites a discussion of their significance.

Don’t miss the lively discussion of these critical decisions.  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

This week the United States Supreme Court issued its final rulings for the year on several significant issues, from health care to immigration to free speech. What were the rulings and what impact might they have on you and your family?  

In this episode of Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs gives the highlights of the high court’s decisions in these critical cases.  

Tune in this week to hear lively discussion on the impact of these rulings on life in America.  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

Do expanding laws intended to protect us lead to the loss of our freedom? What is the relationship between expanding laws and losing liberty?  

If you live in a city, you are probably photographed many times each day by security and police cameras. Americans in major U.S. cities are recorded between 170 to 200 times each day by bank, ATM, police, store, gas station and other security cameras.  Online privacy is becoming increasingly rare.  Children in schools and workers in the marketplace are subject to video surveillance.  If you travel, you know that there is no way to escape scrutiny. 

Often justified as a way to ensure safety, do these measures call for too much sacrifice of our privacy?  

On this week’s Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs discusses the balance between privacy and safety.  This discussion touches all of our lives.  Don’t miss it!  

Host: David C. Gibbs III

The 21^st century church faces legal and moral challenges.   Does Seminary training equip your pastor to deal with requests for same-sex marriages, sex offenders in the congregation, responsible selection of youth workers, or child abuse reporting?  Yet, these issues, and more, face the modern church in America.  

Listen to law Talk Live this week as Attorney David Gibbs, General Counsel for the Christian Law Association, tackles the top ten legal issues facing churches today.  Listen in – and call your Pastor to listen in as well.   

Host: David C. Gibbs III

We all remember learning about the three branches of government in school: the Legislative branch, the Executive branch and the Judicial branch. They each have their own functions and responsibilities.

If we studied civics, we learned that the job of the Legislature is to make laws and the Judiciary interprets them. The U.S. Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives) passes laws that govern the entire nation. Each state also has a Congress focusing on laws concerning the states.

One of the problems we see today in modern America is that the Judiciary has assumed a greater power than the Legislature. This has been magnified through Curt appointments that lead to the political ascendancy of one unelected faction or another. The men who drafted the Constitution viewed the Legislative branch as being far more important than the Judicial branch. In fact, as the original founders interpreted the Constitution, the Judiciary was expected to be the least important branch of government.

On this Law Talk Live, Attorney David Gibbs discusses the modern Legislature: What exactly does the legislature do and what is the proper balance between the Judicial and Legislative branches?  Call in with your opinion on this important balance of powers and how it impacts modern life in America.

Host: David C. Gibbs III

In the United States there are approximately 1.2 million lawyers (ABA).  

87,000 of them are in the State of Illinois, with at least 2,000 added each year (ISBA).

When we have a conflict with someone, our culture says, “Sue them!”  But is there another way?

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a broad term referring to resolving disputes by any method other than litigation.  In other words, it asks how differences can be resolved without going into court.

Is this a good solution?  Has it been effective?

Listen this week to Law Talk Live when Attorney David Gibbs discusses this cost-saving, sanity-saving way to resolve differences.

Host: David C. Gibbs III