Criminal Justice
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
Michigan County Prosecutor Charged With Embezzling Asset Forfeiture Funds
And he's far from the first prosecutor to be caught with his hand in the asset forfeiture cookie jar.
The Feds Are Opposing Efforts To Release Maryland Inmates Into Home Confinement Because of Coronavirus
A Maryland defense attorney says the Bureau of Prisons is ignoring a judge's order to release his client into home confinement because of coronavirus concerns.
New York City Jails Now Have at Least 75 Confirmed Coronavirus Infections
Another 300 low-level offenders set to be released, but the city’s jails house more than 5,000.
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.
Is Wearing a Face Mask in Public To Ward Off COVID-19 a Crime?
It depends on the state where you live.
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.
Advocates and Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration to Release Elderly Inmates Vulnerable to Coronavirus
"They were not sentenced to death, and they should be released immediately."
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."
Colorado Officially Repeals the Death Penalty, Commutes Sentences of Death Row Inmates
The reactions to the governor's actions were mixed.
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.
Coronavirus Fears Mount in D.C. Jail After Quarantines
Lawyers, inmates' families, and correctional officers worry the jail is ill-prepared to handle an outbreak.
Allen v. Cooper is an excellent opinion for teaching Sovereign Immunity
Justice Kagan pithily summarized Boerne, Florida Prepaid, and Kimel
The Prison Coronavirus Disaster Everybody Warned About Is Unfolding in New York City
Jail officials urge more and faster releases as the virus spreads between staff and inmates.
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.”
Is Learning in Corona-time Like Learning in Wartime?
C.S. Lewis' famous sermon may still be appropriate
Grading in the Time of Coronavirus
For most law schools, switching to across-the-board pass/fail grading would be a mistake.
Unicorns, Coronavirus, and Emergencies
"The world is facing a real emergency. Plaintiff is not."
It's Time for the Commission on Civil Rights to Stop Using Words Like "Racism," "Xenophobia," "Hate," and "Hateful" So Indiscriminately
A Statement by Two Commissioners.
Short Circuit: A Roundup of Recent Federal Court Decisions
Jaguar habitat, CIA black sites, and deadly insurance benefits.
