Where can sex offenders live?
The Supreme Court of California has struck down a blanket ban on sex offenders living near schools, which effectively barred them from living in large cities. [...]
Legislative and Policy
Highlighting state and national legislative news, focusing on some of the most important policy issues of the day.
Statutory Construction of Four Key Words to Decide the Fate of the Affordable Care Act
What does it mean for a health insurance exchange to be "established by the state?" [...]
States elect to stay executions following controversy over lethal injections
States such as Pennsylvania and Florida have recently elected to halt executions over concerns about the drugs used in lethal injections, but not without opposition from lawmakers. [...]
Teeth Whitening Case a Win for Non-Dentists
The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a Fourth Circuit case allowing business owners to offer teeth whitening services without a dentistry license. [...]
Gay conversion therapy and the implications of Ferguson v. JONAH
Are state bans on services claiming to “cure” homosexuality through religious therapy constitutional? [...]
Affordable Care Act Subsidies Under Attack
If the Supreme Court rules against the ACA's subsidies in King v. Burwell, many Americans could lose their health insurance. [...]
Despite controversy over lethal injections, some states refuse to halt executions
Even in the face of the botched execution of Clayton Lockett and Attorney General Holder’s support of a moratorium on the death penalty, some states continue setting execution dates. [...]
Self-Defense By Firearm Is Justified, As Long As You’re Not A Felon
The North Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that self-defense is not a justification for possession of a firearm by a felon under the North Carolina Felony Firearms Act. [...]
U.S. Supreme Court Prepares To Hear Another Challenge to the Affordable Care Act
Tension in statutory language is evident between the Affordable Care Act and the Internal Revenue Service Regulations. [...]
Holder calls for moratorium on executions until Supreme Court decides Oklahoma case
Attorney General Eric Holder recently stated that he believes all executions should be halted until the Supreme Court hears a pending Oklahoma case arising out of an inmate’s botched execution. [...]
President Obama formally requests congressional permission to fight ISIL
The Obama Administration is seeking congressional approval of an order allowing the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the terrorist group ISIL. [...]
States divided on allowing exemptions for vaccination requirements
While legislators in New York are pushing to create a philosophical exemption to vaccination requirements, legislators in other states are moving to narrow similar personal belief exemptions. [...]
States disagree on abortion access laws
While sixteen states enacted additional restrictions on abortion in 2014, seventeen states increased access to contraceptives and abortion services. [...]
Judges find constitutional flaws in NC abortion law
The law compelling doctors to describe ultrasound images to patients unconstitutionally infringed upon their free speech rights. [...]
Forced ultrasound provision in NC abortion law struck down
Women seeking abortions will no longer be required to undergo an ultrasounds, but other restrictions will remain in place. [...]
