Public Interest Law
Focusing on local, state, and national topics in areas of public concern, including education, public policy, and constitutional matters.
Checks and balances for the medical profession
Michigan oncologist sentenced to forty-five years in prison for defrauding hundreds of cancer patients [...]
“A nation of second chances”: President Obama commutes 46 sentences
In his push to overhaul the nation’s criminal justice system, President Obama commuted the sentences of 46 inmates who are currently incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses, making him the president who has commuted the most sentences in more than 40 years. [...]
Re-thinking the use of solitary confinement
A federal appeals court decides that an inmate in solitary confinement may sue based on a procedural due process claim [...]
Supreme Court OK’s new lethal injection drug
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court holds that midazolam is a sufficient lethal injection substitute, and consequently does not violate the Eighth Amendment. [...]
Sweet Briar’s (Almost) Sweet Ending
The college will stay open for now, but could be subject to future lawsuits [...]
California’s new vaccine law creates more problems than it cures
California passed legislation that eliminates the personal belief exemption from vaccination. [...]
#LoveWins: So what happens now?
After a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in favor of gay marriage nationwide, where will the focus be for the LGBTQ movement? [...]
UPDATE: JONAH found guilty of consumer fraud
A New Jersey jury found the JONAH gay conversion therapy efforts illegal under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. [...]
24-hour waiting periods: an “undue burden” or a minor inconvenience?
Civil rights groups across Florida have filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction in response to a new law that will impose a 24-hour waiting period on women seeking abortions after they receive “informed consent.” [...]
When serving our country lands you in jail— Army veteran’s cry for help ignored
Congress’s lack of funding for Veteran Affairs offices across the country is causing veterans to lash out when denied treatment for PTSD [...]
A win for religious rights—North Carolina magistrates can opt-out of marrying same-sex couples
North Carolina legislature overrides Governor Pat McCrory’s veto of the anti-gay religious freedom bill [...]
EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc.: SCOTUS rules for motive over knowledge
UPDATE: In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States holds that Title VII does not require an employer to have actual knowledge of a potential or current employee’s religious practice. [...]
To close or not to close? That is the Supreme Court’s question for Mississippi
SCOTUS to weigh in on Mississippi’s targeted regulations meant to shut down abortion clinics. [...]
Men can lactate too: breastfeeding mom loses discrimination case
No discrimination where breastfeeding mother feels forced out of her job [...]