Anna Nicole Smith -- Update

Many law school professors, myself included, have found the Anna Nicole Smith case a fascinating topic of class discussion, especially the terms of her (in my opinion) poorly drafted will.

The use of Anna's situation in the law school classroom has received national attention in Jessica Gresko, Anna Nicole Smith has become model study for law students, AP, March 9, 2007:

Now, one poorly drafted will and a court battle over her body later, law professors are finding her troubles can again serve as an example to students. Over the past month, professors say they have answered questions about court proceedings or used Smith to illustrate an issue in passing. Some have even distributed and discussed copies of her will. Students say it has been interesting and instructive to watch the case play out.

Here is a list of the law professors cited in this story:

• Susan French, University of California, Los Angeles
• Stephen Urice, University of Miami
• G. Eric Brunstad Jr., Yale
• Robert Sitkoff, New York University
• James Lindgren, Northwestern University 

In other ANS news,

Police investigating the death of Anna Nicole Smith said Friday they are seeking additional information in the case and may need a court order to obtain it. * * *

Broward County Medical Examiner Joshua Perper, whose ruling on the cause of Smith's death is pending, said Thursday a new piece of evidence that "might change some of my conclusions" needs to be obtained and evaluated. Perper said he is waiting a week or two to release his findings, until the evidence is available. * * *

Among the evidence Perper wants to evaluate is Smith's computer, according to Ron Ishoy, spokesman for the Broward County attorney.

See Susan Candiotti and Rich Phillips, Police seek new evidence in Anna Nicole Smith case, CNN.com, March 9, 2007.