Crime
Coronavirus Daily Death Rates by Country
Very high in Italy and Spain, followed by France, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, followed by Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Austria, the U.S., and Germany.
DHS Adds Workers for Gunmakers, Gun Retailers, and Shooting Ranges to "Essential Critical Infrastructure" List
This is an advisory list, but I expect will have some influence on some local governments.
Possible Zoom Video Conversation, With All of You Invited to Watch and Submit Questions via Chat?
I'm toying with doing that with a couple of colleagues -- any suggestions on how to make it work?
Texas Cities and Counties Can't Close Gun Stores as Part of Coronavirus Closures
So opines the Texas AG, interpreting Texas state statutes (and not needing to consider the Second Amendment).
Short Circuit: A Roundup of Recent Federal Court Decisions
A cold prison, a suspicious suicide, and federal advisory committees.
"Senator, I Have Worked with Professors at the University of Pennsylvania," I Say
"I know professors at the University of Pennsylvania. Professors at the University of Pennsylvania are friends of mine. Senator, you're no University of Pennsylvania Professor."
Federal Lawsuit in N.J. Challenges Total Closure of Gun Stores
"At the same time these Defendants" "entirely closed off any and all means for law-abiding private citizens to obtain firearms in New Jersey," "the State has permitted the retailers of many other products—including alcohol, marijuana, and office supplies—to continue distributing goods to the public."
Covid-19, the Evil Genius, and How to Think about Societal Risks
How much risk of loss of life people are willing to accept likely depends on how one asks the question
Coronavirus Deaths: 6th Day of ~700/Day in Italy, 3rd Day of ~600 in Spain, 3rd Day of ~210 in France, 2nd Day of ~235 in U.S.
(All numbers are plus or minus about 15%.)
Justice Department Filing Against Treating Male-to-Female Transgender Athletes as Women
"Far from being required by Title IX, CIAC's transgender policy is in tension with 'the core of Title IX's purpose'—namely, ensuring that women have an '[e]qual opportunity to participate' in educational programs and activities at covered institutions."
"From Now On, Reusable Bags Are Prohibited and All Regulations on Plastic Bag Bans Are Lifted"
Says Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, presumably for the duration of the pandemic emergency.
End the coronavirus lockdown for those who've recovered
They're a crucial resource in this crisis
Law students quietly agree with my post on pass/fail grading
"I have to admit that I am concerned about my reputation among my peers"
First World Problem, Resolved: Hilton to Extend 2020 Status Till 2021
I suspect other travel loyalty programs will follow suit
Ring's Expanding Public-Private Panopticon Doesn't Actually Stop Crime
Despite broad claims from the company, available police reports don't support the idea that filming everything in front of people's doors stops much crime.
Federal Court: Now Is Not the Best Time to Ask Courts to Resolve "Minor Differences"
"The court will turn its attention back to this case and others of similar magnitude in due but likely distant course. In the interim, the parties may wish to set aside their minor differences over implementing a reasonable settlement agreement in deference to the public interest in permitting the court system to function without unnecessary distraction."
Gave Blood Today
There's apparently a blood shortage, because many blood drives have been canceled, so I thought now was an especially good time.
Sign up for Free Access to "Introduction to Constitutional Law" 11-Hour Video Library
Wolters Kluwer has generously made our entire video library free until May 31 to assist with distance learning
Ninth Circuit Does Oral Argument by Videoconferencing
Seems to have gone well, and I've heard good reports about another case, too.
Law Professors quietly agree with my post on pass/fail grading
"I was just steamrolled by my faculty on this — almost everyone but me joined the copy HARVARD-STANFORD train."
Due Process and the Criminal Law: A Few Thoughts on Kahler v. Kansas
An important Supreme Court decision on how much criminal law doctrine is constitutionally required.
Allen v. Cooper is an excellent opinion for teaching Sovereign Immunity
Justice Kagan pithily summarized Boerne, Florida Prepaid, and Kimel
PA Governor: Marshmallow Peeps are "Life-Sustaining," production can continue during COVID-19 Emergency
Designating candy as "life-sustaining," but not constitutionally-protected firearms, is irrational
Law schools should not abandon standard grading policies for all students
Only those students with demonstrated hardships should receive a pass/fail option
Divided PA Supreme Court: Governor can shut down firearms dealers during Coronavirus emergency
Dissent for three Justices: "This amounts to an absolute and indefinite prohibition upon the acquisition of firearms by the citizens of this Commonwealth—a result in clear tension with the Second Amendment..."
"It Is Their Care in All the Ages to Take the Buffet and Cushion the Shock."
“It is their care that the gear engages; it is their care that the switches lock. / Raise ye the stone or cleave the wood to make a path more fair or flat; / Lo, it is black already with the blood some Son of Martha spilled for that.”
