Human rights organizations are expressing growing concern over the declining health of Xu Zhiyong, a noted Chinese legal scholar and human rights lawyer. Xu has been on a hunger strike for nearly a month, protesting his mistreatment during detention. For further details, see the report by the International Federation for Human Rights. Xu, a prominent…
In an urgent appeal Wednesday, Amnesty International has urged the Mozambican government to halt its violent suppression of civil rights in anticipation of an opposition march in Maputo scheduled for November 7. The organization’s demand comes amidst growing tensions following the contentious October 9 elections, which have been marked by accusations of electoral fraud and…
In a recent episode of The Jabot podcast, hosted by Kathryn Rubino, Mary Anne Franks, a prominent voice in intellectual property and civil rights law, delves into the complexities of free speech and its evolving legal interpretations. The conversation is particularly timely, considering the ongoing debates surrounding the First Amendment and the role it plays…
The United States Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a pivotal case concerning the congressional district map of Louisiana, which includes two Black-majority districts within the state’s six districts. This comes after an order was issued on Monday. However, the date for these oral arguments has yet to be announced. The case is…
The University of Washington School of Law has received a significant financial boost in the form of a $45 million donation, which is regarded as possibly the largest single donation to a law school in 2024. This generous contribution comes from the estate of Stan and Alta Barer, providing a major reinforcement to the university’s…
The recent decision by the US Supreme Court to allow Virginia to proceed with the removal of approximately 1,600 residents from voter rolls has sparked concern among voting rights advocates. This move, seemingly executed without a detailed ruling, has been labeled as a potential misuse of the so-called “shadow docket” by the majority of conservative…
In the latest edition of the popular series provided by SCOTUSblog, legal professionals are briefed on current happenings surrounding the United States Supreme Court for October 30. This edition highlights an important decision allowing Virginia to proceed with the removal of certain voters from its rolls. Reported by NBC News’ Lawrence Hurley, the Court’s decision…
California has introduced a new law that provides explicit provisions for addressing discrimination claims based on “intersectional bias.” This legal concept addresses bias against individuals who possess more than one protected characteristic, such as race and gender, or age and religion. This legislative move aims to address gaps left by previous rulings where discrimination cases…
In a significant development for both the civil rights of the unhoused and public policy, a Louisiana judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the planned removal of homeless encampments in New Orleans. This action comes in response to efforts by state authorities to clear such camps ahead of an influx of tourists and…
As the 2024 presidential election looms, with Pennsylvania set to play a crucial role, the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Republican Party of Pennsylvania have approached the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge a ruling from Pennsylvania’s highest court. The ruling mandates that election boards count provisional ballots cast by voters whose mail-in ballots were…
The ongoing debate surrounding tech giants and their influence in political discourse has taken a new turn with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey accusing Google of censoring conservative speech. Bailey announced his investigation on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, alleging that Google influences search results to suppress conservative viewpoints during critical periods such…
In a renewed call for scrutiny, over 50 civil rights organizations have urged the U.S. Congress to re-examine the FBI’s investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. These groups are seeking further investigation into the extent of the Trump White House’s involvement in ostensibly limiting the scope of the FBI’s…
In the wake of ongoing debates about the potential implications of a second Donald Trump presidency, Jonathan Turley, a law professor, has positioned himself in a controversial stance by downplaying concerns that Trump might embrace authoritarianism. In a recent piece, Turley argued against the notion of an authoritarian shift, despite warnings from various quarters, including…
As the United States gears up for the 2024 presidential election, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is preparing to respond to potential shifts in federal policy with the appointment of Cecillia Wang as its new national legal director. Wang, a veteran civil rights attorney, is the first woman of color to hold the position….
This week in appellate news, the legal community has witnessed a slew of significant developments in higher courts that have piqued the interest of practitioners and academics alike. Above the Law’s How Appealing Weekly Roundup delivers an insightful overview of the most pressing issues from the appellate landscape. The roundup touches on a variety of…
A recent lawsuit filed by the family of Louis Jung Jr., a diabetic inmate who died while incarcerated, could have significant legal implications for correctional health care practices. On Wednesday, the family lodged a federal lawsuit against the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia, claiming insufficient medical care led to the preventable death of Mr. Jung…
For legal professionals considering careers within the federal judiciary, it’s critical to understand the limitations of workplace protections afforded to its employees. Despite the prestige associated with positions like law clerks and public defenders, these roles come with significant trade-offs, particularly in terms of employment rights. Most notably, the federal judiciary’s workforce — exceeding 30,000…
In a recent hearing, a lawyer representing two student groups alleged that Harvard University is deliberately shielding students and faculty accused of antisemitism, as well as an incident involving the assault of a Jewish student last year. The university is accused of hoping the allegations will dissipate without further scrutiny. This statement was made during…
The insight into the Supreme Court’s complexities is a rare trait among U.S. Presidents, though some have managed to understand the intricacies better than others. These leaders not only acknowledged the high court’s pivotal role in shaping American law but also had a deeper comprehension of its potential impact on the nation’s future. Among the…
In a recent development, Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has been denied a hearing by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding his civil rights lawsuit. Cohen claims that the former president and his Justice Department unlawfully attempted to silence him by imposing restrictions on his communication with the media upon his release…
In a notable decision, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has ruled that an attorney’s allegations of retaliation within the confines of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas merit judicial scrutiny. Attorney Lisa Tresslar is at the center of this case, having asserted that her resignation from the position of…
In recent developments from the U.S. Supreme Court, several decisions have captured the attention of the legal community, providing valuable insights into current judicial tendencies and the political landscape. As compiled by SCOTUSblog, the morning read for Monday, October 21, presents pressing issues and their implications. One key article discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to…
The judicial principles of impartiality and fairness are once again under scrutiny following the indictment of New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi. Justice Marconi faces charges relating to interference in a criminal investigation concerning her husband, state official Geno Marconi. The allegations suggest that she sought to leverage her position to expedite…
Ted Kennedy Jr., a healthcare regulatory attorney at Epstein Becker Green and a former Connecticut state senator, leverages his personal experiences as a pediatric bone cancer survivor and an amputee to champion the rights of people with disabilities. Kennedy emphasizes the vital role legal employers play in fostering a more inclusive environment for professionals with…
A notable trend has been observed in a particular law school’s direct involvement with the Supreme Court, particularly through its legal clinics. These clinics have been increasingly presenting cases and participating in oral arguments before the nation’s highest court, showcasing a level of engagement that is drawing attention from both academia and practitioners alike. This…