Martha's Stock Tip

Martha was under tremendous pressure. She was a clerk at a law firm that specialized in securities regulation. The attorney Martha worked for had given her a file that contained vital information on the sale of stock for a very big and prosperous chain of businesses. It was information that could not be released for ten days. Martha was down to the last of her savings, and she was desperately in need of money for her car payment and phone bill. She needed money fast! She knew that she could easily act on this stock information and spend the last of her savings to make a huge profit. Should Martha purchase some of the company's stock based on this privileged information? (What is the definition of "privileged information"? )  Can Martha legally purchase the stock?  Are there laws that apply to such a situation?   After the analysis has been completed, if possible, provide the most likely outcome based on the law.  Whether you are able to reach a conclusion or not, be sure to explain your reasoning.

Who Pays the Bill

Jo was rushed to the hospital complaining of a severe headache. While the emergency room doctors examined Jo, her mother, Kathleen Martin completed the documentation the hospital administration required. The documents included the standard health questionnaire, the HIPAA notice, and release of insurance benefits directly to the hospital. The insurance document contained the following statement. "If insurance coverage is insufficient, denied altogether, or otherwise unavailable, the undersigned agrees to pay all charges not paid by the insurer." The doctors performed surgery on Jo to stabilize an aneurysm in her brain; however, she died several hours after the surgery was completed. The insurance company refused to pay $11,235.56 of the charges, and the hospital sued Kathleen Martin for the unpaid balance based on her signature on the insurance form. Kathleen Martin argues that she is not liable because she signed the document as an agent for her daughter, Jo.

What are the best legal arguments on behalf of Kathleen?  What are the best arguments to support the hospital's action against Kathleen? If there is no settlement before the court date arrives, explain the most expected outcome based on the law.