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?
Criminal Justice
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.
Attorney General Expands Home Confinement for Some Federal Inmates Facing Coronavirus Threat
William Barr: "We want to make sure our institutions don't become petri dishes."
"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
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.
