Military

International Civil Liberties Organizations Rally Against US Efforts to Undermine the International Criminal Court

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCLO) recently issued a statement defending the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to new actions by the United States aiming to incapacitate the court. Describing the ICC, established under the Rome Statute, as an essential independent judicial entity responsible for holding individuals accountable for serious crimes like…

Read More

Argentina and UK Clash Over Alleged Illegal Approach to Falkland Islands Amid FIFA Controversy

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Argentina has filed a formal protest against the United Kingdom, accusing the HMS Medway of making an illegal approach to the Falkland Islands through what Argentina asserts is its territorial sea. This announcement, made by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno on X, formerly known as Twitter, follows Argentina’s national football team’s controversial display during their FIFA…

Read More

Federal Circuit Overturns $12.7 Million Copyright Award Against Government in Health Records Software Case

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The Federal Circuit has vacated a $12.7 million copyright award previously granted against the U.S. government, concerning unauthorized copies of software intended for a military health records project. This decision, delivered on Thursday, underscores significant procedural concerns during the trial phase. The core of the ruling centers around the trial judge’s reliance on the project’s…

Read More

James Bair Joins Crowell & Moring as Head of Congressional Investigations, Strengthening Legislative Oversight Expertise

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Crowell & Moring has appointed James Bair, formerly Google’s Regulatory Affairs Counsel for Global Legislative Oversight, as a partner and Head of Congressional Investigations within its White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement practice in Washington, D.C. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-google-counsel-for-global-legislative-oversight-james-bair-joins-crowell–moring-as-head-of-congressional-investigations-302826506.html?utm_source=openai)) Bair brings over a decade of experience in congressional oversight, having served in various capacities including in-house counsel at…

Read More

Supreme Court’s Term Ends with Landmark Rulings: Limits on Presidential Powers and Enhanced Privacy Protections

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As the Supreme Court’s term concludes, legal professionals have navigated a series of significant rulings and unexpected outcomes. The term notably featured a surprising concurring opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas in Mullin v. Doe. Thomas argued that the equal protection clause does not extend to the federal government, challenging longstanding assumptions in cases such as…

Read More

Massachusetts Engineer Convicted for Violating U.S. Sanctions on Iran Through Technology Transfer

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant ruling that underscores the U.S. government’s strict enforcement of sanctions on Iran, a Massachusetts engineer was found guilty on Monday of violating these sanctions. The engineer, employed by a semiconductor company, was convicted of sharing navigation technology with an Iranian business associate, technology that holds potential military applications as reported by Law360….

Read More

Pentagon Leadership Departures Spark Concerns Over Military Stability and Legal Oversight

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The recent departure of the Joint Chiefs Counsel amidst a broader trend of military leadership exits raises significant questions regarding stability and leadership within the Pentagon. This trend is part of what some are calling a military exodus, which may have substantial implications for both military operations and the legal frameworks that guide them. For…

Read More

UN Investigation Highlights Critical Human Rights Concerns for Syrian Detainees and Calls for Global Action

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The United Nations’ inquiry into Syria has underscored an urgent call for global action to address the enduring human rights crisis involving detainees. Even following the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, thousands remain missing, with the international community urged to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law for these individuals. As highlighted during a…

Read More

AI Governance Directive: Legal Departments Grapple with Compliance and Ethics in Wake of Trump’s Executive Order

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The recent executive order issued by former President Donald Trump focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) governance has brought the matter to the forefront of legal departments across major corporations. As AI technologies continue to advance rapidly, the implications of this directive are being scrutinized by general counsels tasked with navigating legal compliance and risk management….

Read More

Calls for Thailand to Investigate Alleged Military Hazing Intensify Amidst Human Rights Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Human Rights Watch has called upon Thai authorities to initiate criminal investigations into allegations of severe hazing practices within military barracks. Junior conscripts have reportedly endured cruel and degrading treatment, a tradition often justified as a method to toughen recruits. The alleged abuses, however, result in enduring trauma and fear of retaliation among victims. Elaine…

Read More

FAA Considers Lifting Ban on Supersonic Flights Over U.S., Eyeing Quieter Horizons

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new regulation that could end the long-standing ban on commercial supersonic flights over the United States. Initially imposed in 1973, this ban followed a series of US military tests that caused significant disruption over urban areas like Oklahoma City and Chicago. Now, a potential reversal could…

Read More

Supreme Court to Review Key Cases on Assault Weapon Bans, Impacting National Gun Laws

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear two pivotal cases challenging the legality of assault weapon bans, a decision that could significantly influence firearm regulations nationwide. The cases, Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, will be consolidated for argument in the upcoming fall session. Both cases center on whether certain semiautomatic rifles,…

Read More

Supreme Court to Review Legality of Semiautomatic Rifle Bans in Key Second Amendment Cases

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The U.S. Supreme Court has taken steps to address significant issues concerning the Second Amendment, as the justices recently granted certiorari in cases questioning the constitutionality of bans on semiautomatic rifles, including the widely debated AR-15. This move comes shortly after the court’s decision to invalidate a Hawaii statute that prohibited concealed-carry license holders from…

Read More

John Bolton Pleads Guilty to Retaining Classified Documents, Faces Potential Five-Year Sentence

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant development, former US national security advisor John Bolton has admitted guilt to a felony charge of unlawfully retaining classified national security information. This marked a critical moment in the Justice Department’s efforts on cases involving perceived political adversaries of former President Donald Trump. Bolton’s agreement to plead guilty came as he acknowledged…

Read More

Amnesty International Calls on DR Congo to Halt Support for Armed Group Amid Human Rights Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Amnesty International has called on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to cease its reported support for the Collective of Movements for Change-People’s Defence Forces (CMC-FDP). The rights group suggests that the CMC-FDP, an armed faction allegedly backed by the Congolese army, has been involved in abuses that could qualify as war crimes. Amnesty’s…

Read More

Uganda Faces Scrutiny Over Deportation of Kenyan Lawyer Amid Legal Rights Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Amnesty International has raised concerns over the detention and deportation of Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan human rights lawyer, by Ugandan authorities. Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, condemned the actions as a violation of the East Africa Community Treaty, describing them as a deliberate attempt to hinder transparency in court…

Read More

Quinn Emanuel Challenges Fee Allocation in 3M Earplug Settlement Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP has raised objections to a special master’s recommendation concerning the distribution of common benefit fees in the $6 billion settlement that concluded multidistrict litigation involving 3M’s allegedly defective combat earplugs. The firm argues that the suggested allocation undervalues the comprehensive scope and significant impact of their contributions. The firm’s…

Read More

Myanmar’s Escalating Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as International Aid Diminishes, UN Report Warns

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Myanmar’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating amid a worrying decline in international aid, according to a recent report from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR). Five years into a conflict characterized by severe human rights violations, reductions in foreign funding threaten the community-based protection mechanisms that have become critical lifelines for civilians. The report highlights the…

Read More