Understanding the Law

Explaining court cases, statutes, and executive actions across the country, providing valuable analysis of the facts and legal impact on the public.

Legal Backlash to the #MeToo Movement: A Rise in Defamation Lawsuits Against Survivors

March 12, 2024

As evidenced by the cases mentioned above, defamation lawsuits wield a significant amount of power against victims.  Although the First Amendment protects a wide variety of speech, including truthful statements from victims who choose to share their stories, these lawsuits are extremely effective.  Facing a lawsuit, or even the mere threat of legal action can instill profound fear in victims. ...[Continue Reading]

Shedding Light on the Supreme Court’s Shadow Docket

April 2, 2021

The Supreme Court of the United States as an institution is often praised for its transparency and articulate reasoning that serves as a lodestar for judges, scholars, and law students.  When opinions are handed down, they are closely studied for legal arguments that eventually make their way back ...[Continue Reading]

Insurrection at the Capitol Revives Debate Over Statute Outlawing Domestic Terrorism

January 19, 2021

Currently, there is no federal law or crime that directly addresses and outlaws “domestic terrorism.” Thus, domestic terrorism is not a chargeable criminal offense. Despite the fact that lawmakers, experts, and the media have identified the reprehensible events of January 6th as domestic terrorism, prosecutors cannot actually charge the rioters specifically with domestic terrorism. ...[Continue Reading]
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