How Nebraska killed the death penalty
Nebraska repeals the death penalty in a landmark override vote by the state legislature. ...[Continue Reading]
Legislation
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.” ...[Continue Reading]
Elonis v. United States: SCOTUS Determines Mental State is Necessary to Distinguish the Bad Acts From the Innocent
In another 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States chooses to withhold First Amendment analysis in this true threats case, but instead held that 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) requires a defendant intend to communicate a threat to be guilty of communicating threats via interstate commerce. ...[Continue Reading]
GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL—the biggest score in sports history
FIFA leadership indicted for largest corruption bust ever in sports history ...[Continue Reading]
North Carolina House Bill 774: Restoring Proper Justice or Resuming Retrogressive Punishment?
Despite many states’ efforts to place moratoriums on the death penalty, North Carolina lawmakers take a step toward resuming executions for the first time in nine years by passing House Bill 774, dubbed the “Restoring Proper Justice Act.” ...[Continue Reading]
State Senate Targets Sunday Hunting Ban
Bills introduced by both the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives would allow hunting on Sundays, with some restrictions. ...[Continue Reading]
Digital revolution in the classroom—What protections are there for student privacy?
Two congressmen are proposing a bill to place limits on how education technology companies can use information about students. ...[Continue Reading]
“To Ensure Fair Sale of Dorothea Dix Property”
Almost five years after the Dorothea Dix Hospital property was first put up for sale, a purchase agreement between the State of North Carolina and the City of Raleigh has yet to be finalized. ...[Continue Reading]
Bills Before North Carolina Senate Seek to Clarify Muddled Contempt Laws
Confusion in case law has led the North Carolina House of Representatives to draft HB 284 and HB 79, clarifying the law pertaining to violations of civil no-contact orders. ...[Continue Reading]
In the best interest of the child?
The Children In Families First Act (CHIFF) fails to adequately adhere to existing international law or protect the interests of unparented children abroad. ...[Continue Reading]
House of Commons Approves Exception to Ban on Human Genetic Modification
If the House of Lords votes in favor of the law, the UK will be the first country to allow the creation of a “three-parent baby.” ...[Continue Reading]
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. ...[Continue Reading]
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. ...[Continue Reading]
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. ...[Continue Reading]
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: The Evolution of Enforcement
After a slow start, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has become one of the biggest sources of fines collected by the U.S. Department of Justice. ...[Continue Reading]
