A Toxic Mix of Overcharging And Punitive Bail
An extraordinary example shines light on coercive factors that incentivize plea deals
Virginia’s Weird Politics
The Commonwealth is much more diverse than national election returns might indicate.
SCOTUS Declines Qualified Immunity Challenge
Federal police officers continue to be immune from lawsuits.
Tire Chalking And The Fourth Amendment
A Federal Appeals Court recently found that chalking the tires of a car parked in a public place is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. It’s not at all clear that this decision is correct.
Chicago Police Officer Sentenced To Seven Years In Murder Of Laquan McDonald
A Chicago police officer convicted of second-degree murder has been sentenced to seven years in prison, but could be out in as little as three-and-a-half.
Chicago Cop Convicted Of Second-Degree Murder In 2014 Shooting
Nearly four years after the fact, a Chicago Police Officer has been found guilty of murder in the shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.
Supreme Court: Police Can Make ‘Reasonable’ Mistakes Of Law In Executing A Traffic Stop
The Supreme Court says that police who have a “reasonable” misunderstanding of the law can still pull you over.
Supreme Court: Public Workers Protected From Retaliation When Testifying Truthfully
The First Amendment protects government employees who testify truthfully.
Supreme Court Thinking About Whether People Can Be Fired For Telling Truth Under Oath
A bizarre case in Alabama highlights a more bizarre judicial precedent.
Police Take Over Private Home, Giving Rise To Possible Third Amendment Violation
A case from Nevada provides another example of police abuse, and a possible claim arising under the long-forgotten Third Amendment.
