The state's finances are such a mess that in late 2007 Governor Corzine proposed the political "Hail Mary" of mortgaging New Jersey's toll roads in return for a guaranteed revenue stream.

WSJ: New Jersey's Flat Tax Debate

But late last month U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven overturned his most important conviction that of delivering cocaine and in so doing took a giant step in re-asserting one of the fundamental (but often under-recognized) principles assuring the liberty of Americans: the notion that the criminal justice system can punish us only if it can be proven that we knowingly and hence intentionally committed a crime.

FORBES: "How a Floridian busted for cocaine possession may save future white collar defendants"

St Mary's Lighthouse and the cottage, near Whitley Bay, were built in the late 19th Century and have been owned by the same family ever since.

BBC: Whitley Bay's St Mary's Lighthouse cottage goes on sale

The site, where Queen Mary's Hospital was located, is less than 100m (328ft) away from a hilltop where late Bronze Age remains were discovered in the early 20th Century.

BBC: Human and animal remains at the site