How "Rights" Are Like Superscript -1
Legal language, like mathematical language, often gives multiple definitions to similar terms.
Criminal Justice
Supreme Court Takes Up Internet Sales Tax Conundrum
Why I hope the Court leaves its "physical presence" rule for sales tax collection intact, or How I Learned to Love the Dormant Commerce Clause.
Split the Baby. Drink the Poison. Carry the Hot Iron. Swear on the Bible
How courts exploit superstition to uncover hidden truths
Peffer v. Stephens, on Probable Cause and Home Computer Searches
A computer search decision from a new Sixth Circuit judge, John Bush, has been generating some controversy. Let's take a look.
D.C. Prosecutors Dismiss 129 Inauguration Day Protest Cases
The government now says it will prosecute only those it can prove committed specific criminal acts.
The Gen X vs. Millennials War Over #MeToo
Ashleigh Banfield's fight with babe reporter Katie Way is the latest manifestation of an interesting generational divide.
Another Hate Crime at the University of Maryland Turns Out to Be a Hoax
Beware of easy narratives about "bias incidents." We usually don't know who's behind them-and when we find out, they often aren't who you expect.
The Originalist Case for Jury Nullification
Is there a place in our system for a jury to acquit because the jurors believe the underlying law is unconstitutional?
Tennessee Deputy Who Suffered Panic Attack After Firing At Unarmed Man Had Track Record of Lying and Incompetence at Previous Police Department
Deputy Justin M. Johnson should never have been given a badge and a gun.
Bill Introduced to Stop Civil Forfeiture Funding of DEA Marijuana Eradication Program
"DEA's use of proceeds acquired through civil asset forfeiture to expand marijuana enforcement makes the already unacceptable practice even worse."
Are We Headed for a Government Shutdown over DACA?
Matt Welch talks with Slate Capitol Hill reporter Jim Newell, as well as Michael Shermer and Erin Gloria Ryan, on SiriusXM Insight at 2 pm ET
4th Circuit Approves Imprisonment of Sex Offender Convicted of a Nonexistent Crime
Although his conviction was invalid, the appeals court says, his civil commitment as a "sexually dangerous person" remains legal.
Prosecute Former Spymaster James Clapper for Lying to Congress Now. Time is Running Out.
The former Director of National Intelligence lied under oath about warrantless NSA spying on American citizens.
L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy Accused of Selling Drugs, Offering Protection to Dealers
Arrested by the FBI, the deputy will be suspended without pay during the criminal case.
Senate Votes to Shut Down Rand Paul Filibuster Against Surveillance Act Renewal
Lawmakers will advance legislation that expands the power of the feds to snoop on American citizens.
NYC Police Union Argues Releasing Body Cam Footage Violates Cops' Civil Rights
Suing to prevent such releases.
Aziz Ansari and the Limits of 'He Should Know Better'
Sloppy seduction or sexual assault? If those are your terms, you're already missing the point.
NYPD Officers Investigated for Illegal Gun Searches
Officers could face charges for perjury, official misconduct
The Handmaid's Tale Author Margaret Atwood Accused of Crimes Against Feminism for Defending Due Process
Atwood: "In times of extremes, extremists win. Their ideology becomes a religion."
Kamala Harris: No Friend to Criminal Justice Reform
She didn't push for reform when she had the opportunity as district attorney and as attorney general.
U.S. Marshals Will Auction $52 Million of Bitcoin Seized Through Asset Forfeiture
More than 3,800 Bitcoin will be auctioned on January 22, including those taken from vendors on cryptomarkets like SilkRoad and AlphaBay.
New D.A. Larry Krasner Cleans House in Philadelphia
In his first days in office, the activist turned prosecutor has dismissed 31 career staff.
House Votes to Renew, Expand Authority to Snoop on Americans
Push by lawmakers for stricter warrant requirements fails.
The Phony Feminism of Kamala Harris
Harris only cares about other women's rights when those rights don't conflict with her career ambitions.
Trump Tweets Opposition to His Own Position on Federal Surveillance Laws
Hours later he walks it back.
Matt Taibbi on Misogyny, the Left vs. Free Speech, and the Killing of Eric Garner
"I'm just sort of accidental collateral damage to a larger thing that's going on."
Can the 'Automobile Exception' Run Over the Fourth Amendment?
Justices hear challenge to Virginia court's expansion of warrantless vehicle searches.
Darrell Issa Retiring from Seat He Barely Won Last Time
The congressman leaves with a mixed record.
Amash, Paul, and Others Trying to Stop Congress from Expanding Domestic Surveillance Powers
House to vote on a bill that would codify unwarranted searches of Americans' communications.
Kamala Harris Went to Bat for Dirty Prosecutors as California Attorney General
The newest member of the Senate Judiciary Committee has a record on criminal justice. Some of it's not pretty.
New Jersey Prisons Back Off Ban of The New Jim Crow, But Censorship Behind Bars Is Still Widespread
Texas alone bans 10,000 books, including The Color Purple and Where's Waldo?
Duped by State Detectives, Pennsylvania Police Chief Shows Up at Sheetz Gas Station for Sex With Underage Girl
Chief Michael Diebald was allegedly undeterred when the "girl" said she was in eighth grade-"everyone has to have a first time," he told her.
California Mulls Bail Reform
As the state legislature reconvenes, getting rid of cash bail will likely be on the table.
'The War on Pot…Has Affected Millions of Lives in This Country Negatively'
Sticking up for pharmacological freedom on Fox Business Network
What Is Hate Speech? We Asked College Students
Should the U.S. join other countries in regulating certain speech? Can people even agree on what 'hate speech' is?
New York Gov. Cuomo Proposes Positive Criminal Justice Reforms
Less pretrial jail, more forfeiture restrictions
Doctors Call for Decriminalization of Self-Induced Abortion
With abortion pills easily accessible online, the issue could be a big one in coming years.
Philly Cop Fatally Shoots Unarmed Man Sitting on Sidewalk After Chase, Crash
It's the officer's second shooting in ten months.
The Fourth Amendment, the Exclusionary Rule, and Illegal Government Searches
Why illegally obtained evidence is generally inadmissible in court.
Stop Pretending Sober Drivers Are Stoned
States with legal pot should not define DUI based on a "mythical link" between THC blood levels and impairment.
