Alabama Raked in $2.2 Million in Civil Asset Forfeiture in 2015
A new bill introduced by state lawmakers would require a criminal conviction for the government to keep someone's property.
Criminal Justice
Police Wrongdoing Cost New Jersey Taxpayers $42 Million in the Last 10 Years
In scores of secret settlements, local governments have sought to hide cops' crimes and brutality.
The Feds Are Just 'Safeguarding' Money Seized Through Asset Forfeiture and Civil Fines
U.S. prosecutors in Northern Georgia alone helped collect millions in asset forfeiture actions, civil and criminal fines last year.
We Have Opinions (from SCOTUS)
The Supreme Court issues three opinions, for a grand total of four so far this term.
Linguification
When (often plausible) claims about substance get recast as (unsound) claims about language.
Dallas Cash Bail System Leaves Poor Languishing In Jail, Lawsuit Says
"The county operates a wealth-based system of detention. Every day people are held in jail simply because they can't afford very small amounts of money."
Did unmasking reform clinch the deal for 702 reauthorization?
Episode 199 of the Cyberlaw Podcast
200. Will fitness tracking turn into an entirely new 702 intelligence program?
Episode 200 of the Cyberlaw Podcast
Inconceivable Rights: I Do Not Think That Word Means (Just) What You Think It Means
The infection of postmodernism apparently goes way back.
NYC Police Union to Limit 'Get Out of Jail Free' Cards
Some cops are livid, the New York Post reports.
Reminder: The Parts of the Federal Government Authorized to Shoot You Are Still Functioning
The federal "shutdown" doesn't lead to anarchy. It won't even lead to less government spending.
How "Rights" Are Like Superscript -1
Legal language, like mathematical language, often gives multiple definitions to similar terms.
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.
