Lab Leak Is Not a Conspiracy Theory, Anthony Fauci Concedes
The doctor's claims that he was open to either explanation is flatly contradicted by his literal words.
Civil Liberties
Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Reform Prosecutor Removed from Office by Ron DeSantis
"The First Amendment prevents DeSantis from identifying a reform prosecutor and then suspending him to garner political benefit," U.S. Circuit Judge Jill Pryor wrote.
William Penn Statue Reversal Shows Positive Power of Social Media
In an era when X (formerly Twitter) is blamed for all the ills of the world, here's a case where it did good.
Magatte Wade: The Real Reasons Why Africa Is Poor and Why It Matters
The author discusses how cryptocurrencies are helping people like her build the Africa—and the world—they want.
Supreme Court Oral Argument Indicates "Radical Agreement" that there is no "Legislative Exception" to the Takings Clause
That's the big takeaway from yesterday's oral argument in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado. But it's not clear whether the Court will resolve any additional issues, and if so how.
The Real Reasons Africa Is Poor—and Why It Matters
Author Magatte Wade discusses how cryptocurrencies are helping people like her build the Africa—and the world—they want.
Gavin Newsom Defies the Supreme Court's 'Very Bad Ruling' on the Right To Bear Arms
California made carry permits easier to obtain but nearly impossible to use.
Notre Dame Professor's Lawyers Argue: Student Newspaper's Mission to Defend Notre Dame's Catholic Character Means …
that it’s probably not “‘trying to advance the public exchange of ideas’ essential to a healthy democracy.”
Professor's Lawyers Argue: Private University Student Newspapers Are "Not Entitled to First Amendment Protection"
The lawyers also argue that the speech in the newspaper was “not made pursuant to its right of free speech, but to instead to advance the personal agendas of male faculty members at Notre Dame [and others].”
Florida Bill Would Make Allegations of Race Discrimination 'Defamation Per Se'
The state Senate bill, which is extremely similar to another House proposal, aims to scrap major First Amendment protections in defamation cases.
Guns, Germs, and Drugs Are Largely Responsible for the Decline in U.S. Life Expectancy
The Washington Post hectors Congress to make U.S. life expectancy a "political priority."
9th Circuit Temporarily Restores the Right To Bear Arms As It Mulls California's New Gun-Free Zones
The state's law, which a federal judge enjoined last month, prohibits firearms in most public places.
No Sealing for Defendant After Pro Se Plaintiffs' Sex Trafficking Allegations Were Dismissed
A good illustration of the strong policy of openness in American court cases, even when defendants argue that unfounded allegations in court records are intruding on their privacy and damaging their reputations.
May Court Suspend Father's Supervised Parenting Time Until Father Gives Password to Thumb Drives That Might (or Might Not) Contain Child Pornography?
The father had an earlier history of sexually assaulting children.
Video of Federalist Society "Seat at the Sitting" Panel on Upcoming Supreme Court Cases
The panel covered many cases and featured views many would not expect at a Fed Soc event.
How a Teen Locker Room Butt Slap Triggered a 2-Year Investigation
The story shows what can happen when those accused of misconduct are subjected to opaque investigations with little due process.
In 2024, Teens Will Get Pregnant in Driverless Cars
Plus: State officials attempt to ban Donald Trump from 2024 election ballots.
Judge Blocks Attempt To Dismiss Lawsuit Challenging Idaho Abortion Ban
A state judge ruled that a lawsuit seeking clarification on Idaho's vague abortion ban can move forward, despite dismissing some of the suit's claims.
News Website Publisher Gets Harassment Restraining Order Against Insistent Seeker of Coverage
The trial court found that "Decker continued contacting Siewert after she had asked him to stop five times" and "Decker's intent was to impose his will on Siewert to make her write about certain issues and to cover those issues in the way that he wanted them covered."
Federal Judge Questions 'Evolving Standards' Test for Cruel and Unusual Punishment
The Supreme Court judges Eighth Amendment cases with "evolving standards of decency." Some conservative jurists don't like it.
California's 'Repugnant' Restrictions on Public Gun Possession Just Took Effect
After a federal judge deemed the state's location-specific gun bans unconstitutional, the 9th Circuit stayed his injunction.
October 7: A Turning Point for Free Speech?
Restricting speech about the world's most pressing problems does not make them go away, nor does it settle any disputes.
Court Rejects Fan's Libel Claims Against L.A. Clippers Player Russell Westbrook and the Utah Jazz
Westbrook and the Jazz characterized the fan's insults to Westbrook as racist; in context, the court concluded, these were constitutionally protected statements of opinion.
Who Decides Whether Trump Can Run, and What Sort of Evidence Suffices?
Letting state officials determine whether a candidate has "engaged in insurrection" opens a huge can of worms.
In Which States Is an Employee Protected from Firing for Making and Posting Porn Videos Off-Duty?
Colorado, North Dakota, probably Montana, and maybe New York.
10 Stories That Drove Free-Range Parents Crazy in 2023
And some good news, after all.
Hong Kong Police Targeting Overseas Activists and Speech
Police have set bounties on 13 activists, some living in the U.S.
A Bad Year for Drag Queen Foes
New anti-drag laws were deemed unconstitutional in every state where they were challenged this year.
Can the Government Be More Effective?
William D. Eggers discusses what he's learned about making the government less intrusive.
'I Relied on Others,' 'Documents Were Filed in the Wrong Place,' and Other Memorable Excuses
The year's highlights in blame shifting.
