The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report indicating that the Trenton Police Department in New Jersey has been engaging in systematic violations of constitutional rights, with a specific focus on misconduct that contravenes the Fourth Amendment. These breaches include excessive force as well as unlawful pedestrian stops, searches, and arrests. This report, made…
In what is becoming a growing concern for international human rights organizations, Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) have documented 133 executions in Iran over the course of just one month. The human rights body released these findings through its media platform, providing detailed accounts of the events that transpired between October 23 and November…
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a range of issues this term that touch upon significant aspects of constitutional law, including the nondelegation doctrine, rights surrounding abortion clinic protests, and the participation of transgender student athletes in sports. These discussions have the potential to impact federal and state policies, as well as the interpretation of…
In a move that has garnered significant backlash from civil rights groups, the US House of Representatives has passed the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. If enacted, this bill would provide the Treasury Secretary with the authority to designate certain nonprofits as “terrorist supporting organizations,” thereby enabling the revocation of their…
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has instated a policy restricting the use of gendered toilets in the House to individuals identified by their biological sex at birth. This decision has sparked significant debate, stirring anger among legislators and advocates while reigniting national discussion on transgender rights and societal inclusion. The…
DLA Piper has been recognized in the 2024 edition of Pro Bono Innovators by Bloomberg Law for its notable contributions to safeguarding voting rights and advancing legal education. The international law firm’s achievements include a significant redistricting victory for Navajo Nation voters in San Juan County, New Mexico, and the successful training of over 180…
Latham & Watkins has been recognized as a 2024 Pro Bono Innovator by Bloomberg Law for its significant contributions in two key legal matters. The firm’s efforts in preserving the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago as a National Park Service site are noteworthy. This site played a pivotal role in the…
The US Senate confirmed Amir Ali, a seasoned appellate litigator and civil rights lawyer, to a position on the federal trial court for the District of Columbia. The confirmation, which passed narrowly with a 50-49 vote, marks a significant moment for the legal community and for representation on the bench, as Ali will become the…
A recent ruling by a federal judge underscores the challenges faced by attorneys navigating disciplinary proceedings. The court determined that it is not appropriate for a federal body to intervene in a disciplinary proceeding involving a Florida attorney in the US Virgin Islands. This decision reflects a respect for the autonomy and jurisdiction of local…
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a civil rights investigation into the police shooting incident involving the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department in Illinois. This move comes after a letter was sent to the department, highlighting potential civil rights violations in the wake of the shooting of Sonya Massey on July 6. The DOJ’s…
Sonia Sotomayor, the Supreme Court’s most senior liberal justice, has clarified that she has no intentions to step down from her position. Amidst speculation and discourse around potential retirements within the high court, her decision indicates stability within the liberal cohort of the bench during a period marked by significant judicial turnover and evolving court…
The family of Malcolm X has recently brought forth claims that the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the CIA, the New York City Police Department, and other governmental agencies played a role in ignoring threats against Malcolm X, obstructing his attempts at self-protection, and concealing their involvement in his assassination in 1965. These accusations…
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has temporarily lifted a previous order that blocked the enforcement of a Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This decision adjusts the initial ruling from the US District Court for the Middle District Court of Louisiana, which had…
In a significant legal move, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has initiated legal proceedings against FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington. This lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that FEMA’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton involved civil rights violations, specifically targeting Floridians who support former President Donald Trump. The legal complaint…
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised concerns to the US Senate regarding the proposed Antisemitism Awareness Act, fearing that its passage could impinge on free speech protected under the First Amendment. The organization argued in a letter that the Act’s definition of antisemitism is too broad, potentially resulting in violations of free speech….
The daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X has initiated a civil lawsuit against the United States, the city of New York, and the estates of several former federal agents, alleging their involvement in concealing, condoning, and facilitating Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965. Details of the legal action were disclosed on Friday. The lawsuit, led…
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released a report exposing severe violations of constitutional rights at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. This report follows a civil rights investigation initiated in July 2023, uncovering a range of abuses that the incarcerated individuals face within the facility. These abuses include substantial failures in safeguarding…
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is strategically positioning itself in the legal landscape by requesting a Texas federal court to support its recent guidance concerning workplace protection against harassment for LGBTQ+ employees. The guidance in question, issued in April, has generated considerable debate due to challenges from entities like the State of Texas…
In a contentious legal development, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has decided to vacate an injunction, thereby allowing Indiana’s law banning gender-affirming care for minors to come into full effect. The divided ruling reflects ongoing national debates regarding the scope and legality of such legislation, especially when it intersects with…
In a significant legal development, former correctional officer Mark Holdren has pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation related to the death of an inmate, Quantez Burks, who tragically passed away less than 24 hours after his booking into a West Virginia jail. This plea represents the fifth admission of guilt from correctional staff…
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, recently condemned the Philippines for its handling of the case against Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a journalist facing charges of financing terrorism and possession of illegal firearms. Khan urged the Philippine authorities to ensure Cumpio receives a fair trial, emphasizing the need for…
In recent legal developments as highlighted by Above the Law, several significant cases and issues have emerged, impacting various entities and individuals across the globe. French publications have initiated legal proceedings against social media platform X, accusing the company of redistributing their content without financial compensation. This particular case raises concerns about the rights of…
Attorneys in the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights and environment divisions are intensifying their efforts to organize with the National Treasury Employees Union. This move comes as federal workers prepare for changes expected under President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. The push to unionize highlights the growing concern among federal employees regarding the potential shift…
An appeals ruling has clarified a notable distinction in legal recourse for workplace discrimination within educational institutions. The US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit decreed that school staff cannot rely on Title IX of the federal education law to pursue claims of employment discrimination. This decision confirms that Title IX does not offer…
Amnesty International has recognized Grigory Melkonyants, co-chair of the Russian election watchdog Golos (“Voice”), as a prisoner of conscience, highlighting the ongoing pressures faced by civil society in Russia. Melkonyants was arrested on August 17, 2023, prior to the federal and local elections and the 2024 presidential campaign. He faces charges of “organizing the activities…