Following the conclusion of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced it was resuming operations on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The 43-day shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, had a significant impact on federal agencies, including those responsible for intellectual property (IP) protection. The ITC, which plays…
France’s National Assembly has moved to suspend a contentious pension reform law until post-2027 presidential elections, signaling notable political dynamics within the country. The decision came through a vote on an amendment to France’s 2026 social security budget, passing by a margin of 255 to 146, with 104 abstentions. This development highlights the confluence of…
In a move that underscores the continuing influence of the Trump administration in shaping the judiciary, former President Donald Trump has nominated a former aide to Senator Ted Cruz for a federal judgeship in Texas. This proposed appointment highlights the strategic selections often seen during his presidency, focusing on individuals with strong conservative credentials. A…
On the fifth anniversary of the fatal shooting of Inocêncio de Matos during a protest in Luanda, Angola, Amnesty International has renewed its call for justice. Inocêncio de Matos was killed in 2020 at a demonstration advocating for municipal elections promised by President João Lourenço. Vongai Chikwanda, Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa…
The recent ruling by a federal judge has put a spotlight on the need for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Congress to establish clearer regulations surrounding event contracts. This decision, centered on a case involving the Kalshi exchange, underscores the complexities in regulating prediction markets, which have grown increasingly popular. Renato Mariotti, a…
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States is observing Veterans Day, resulting in the closure of the Supreme Court Building and the suspension of oral arguments. This article provides an overview of notable recent legal developments and upcoming cases on the court’s docket, according to insights from SCOTUSblog. On Monday, the Supreme Court announced…
The United States Supreme Court is set to address a significant question concerning mail-in voting that could alter practices across numerous states. At the heart of the matter is Watson v. Republican National Committee, a case challenging a Mississippi statute which allows mail-in ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if received within five…
As President Donald Trump embarks on his new term, scrutiny surrounding his judicial appointments has intensified. Observers note that the majority of his nominees exhibit credentials reminiscent of his initial term, featuring strong ties to the Federalist Society and prestigious clerkships with Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices. This pattern underscores a continuation of Trump’s strategy to…
The intricate dance between Big Tech and former President Trump has raised significant concerns over its potential impacts on the broader economy. As major technology companies navigate political landscapes to maintain favorable positions, these relationships might lead to unintended economic consequences. This sentiment resonates with the viewpoint of Daniel Farber, a Berkeley Law professor, who…
The recent amendments to Kenya’s cybercrime law have raised significant concerns among human rights organizations and digital rights advocates, who fear the changes could suppress freedom of expression. As reported by Human Rights Watch, the changes, approved in mid-October and detailed in early November, increase penalties for certain offenses and enhance government powers to investigate…
A rift among Republican senators has resulted in a delay for the confirmation votes on judicial picks made during the Trump administration. The internal disagreements within the GOP have put a temporary halt on progressing these nominations through the usual Senate processes. This discord highlights a nuanced struggle within the party that could reshape the…
The debate over executive powers in taxation has once again come to the fore with the cases of Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, recently argued at the Supreme Court. Centered around tariffs imposed during the Trump administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), these cases address the vexing…
In an election marked by unprecedented spending and heightened political engagement, Pennsylvania voters have decisively retained three Democratic justices on the state’s Supreme Court. Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht will continue their tenures, ensuring the court’s 5-2 Democratic majority through the 2028 presidential election. Historically, judicial retention elections in Pennsylvania have attracted…
American Airlines has found itself amidst a legal controversy concerning the management of its 401(k) retirement plan—specifically, a row over the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment options. This situation has taken a significant turn as attorneys representing plan participants are seeking up to $8 million in legal fees following a settlement that…
As the U.S. Supreme Court gears up for its next session, one case on its docket is drawing significant attention among legal experts and professionals alike: Watson v. Republican National Committee. The heart of this case lies in the interpretation of “election day,” as defined by federal statutes, and whether state laws permitting ballots to…
The NAACP’s Virginia Chapter recently filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Board of Elections, citing unlawful practices that reportedly hinder the voting rights of college students. According to the complaint, unduly burdensome requirements such as providing a dorm name or room number are being imposed, despite these details having no bearing on a student’s voting…
The efficacy of amicus briefs, often referred to as “friend of the court” submissions, is an ongoing debate within the legal community, particularly when it comes to their impact in Supreme Court cases. This debate was recently spotlighted in the tariffs cases, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, which were scheduled…
Amnesty International has raised significant concerns regarding the Tanzanian government’s response to post-election unrest, highlighting the suppression of dissent and the use of excessive force by security forces. Following the October 29 elections, efforts to restrict information have been evident, with the government shutting down internet access and electric power to control the narrative of…
The Supreme Court’s initial oral arguments of the session, encapsulated by Adam Feldman’s analysis on SCOTUSblog, reveal an inclination towards focusing on procedural clarity and functionality rather than establishing expansive new legal doctrines. Unlike the emergency docket decisions characterized by brevity and lack of detailed vetting, the oral arguments presented an opportunity to observe the…
As New Jersey’s gubernatorial race heats up, the legal community is playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape. Contributions from attorneys have surpassed the $900,000 mark, with financial support tilted in favor of the Democratic candidate. Campaign finance records reveal that the Democrat holds a noteworthy lead over the Republican contender in terms…
On November 5, the United States Supreme Court will convene to hear oral arguments in two pivotal cases that probe the extent of presidential authority to impose wide-ranging tariffs, a power exercised by former President Donald Trump during his administration. The implications of this hearing extend beyond economics, offering a crucial examination of presidential power…
The upcoming retention election for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is marked by a notable interplay of partisanship, substantial advertising efforts, and significant financial contributions. This election is drawing increased attention from both political analysts and legal experts due to its potential implications on the judicial landscape. According to expert opinions, these dynamics are shaping the…
The process of appointing federal judges in Texas has reached a critical phase, as the state’s senators have forwarded their recommendations to the White House. This move is part of the delicate and often intricate procedure of judicial nominations, which plays a significant role in shaping the judiciary. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have…
Amidst the busy docket of ongoing and upcoming Supreme Court activities, attention is currently fixed on the impending oral arguments concerning President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, slated for November 5. SCOTUSblog will complement the proceedings with a live blog, while Amy from the Advisory Opinions podcast will join a live broadcast post-arguments. These events promise…
The political landscape in Georgia is undergoing a significant shift as the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party announced its intention to file a constitutional lawsuit aimed at banning three major opposition parties. The parties targeted include the United National Movement, the Coalition for Change, and the Lelo Party. According to Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of…