Texas, home of some of the worst criminal justice transgressions, passed a bill requiring prosecutors to share more information more quickly with defense attorneys. The vast majority of prosecutorial misconduct occurs in state courts. Hopefully other states see the light.
The Supreme Court is expected to hand down decisions on two far-reaching cases involving the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act. These key laws guard basic and important protections against infringements on the right to vote.
Lawmakers in Madison are considering a bill that would limit the ability of trial judges to block unconstitutional state laws, putting citizens at risk of irreparable harm from constitutional violations.
In the wake of the horrific Boston Marathon bombings, certain lawmakers were quick to call for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to be treated as an “enemy combatant." But the idea of deeming Tsarnaev an enemy combatant is not simply without legal basis or practical advantage. It is also dangerous.
The sequester is taking a considerable toll on the courts, the one branch of government not responsible for it. Jurists need to speak out about what the sequester means to the rule of law and to the ability of the courts to dispense justice.
After recent scandals, we need bold action from our state leaders. But reform could be sidetracked by a plan to get rid of "fusion" voting, which limits voter options and has nothing to do with recent events. Instead, Albany leaders must focus on campaign finance reform to empower voters.
Campaign finance reform opponents are complaining about a new proposed rule to require disclosure of corporate political spending. But having the courage of your convictions is as American as Wall Street itself — and one way or another soon could be the law of the land.
In response to a recent New York Times editorial on delays in Bronx courts, Thomas Giovanni urges legislators to invest in public defenders, reclassify petty offenses and to end mass incarceration in a letter to the editor.
Although no system can stop individuals from behaving badly, public financing combined with strong enforcement, disclosure, and reasonable contribution limits can change Albany's "show me the money" culture.
The Senate's dubious vote on gun background checks is a failure from our elected officials, but also from the media, which help Senate obstructionists by trying to appear "objective."
In Texas, a Bold Step Toward Justice
Texas, home of some of the worst criminal justice transgressions, passed a bill requiring prosecutors to share more information more quickly with defense attorneys. The vast majority of prosecutorial misconduct occurs in state courts. Hopefully other states see the light.
U.S. Supreme Court Examines Voting Rights in Two Cases
The Supreme Court is expected to hand down decisions on two far-reaching cases involving the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act. These key laws guard basic and important protections against infringements on the right to vote.
Wisconsin Lawmakers Should Not Attack Judiciary
Lawmakers in Madison are considering a bill that would limit the ability of trial judges to block unconstitutional state laws, putting citizens at risk of irreparable harm from constitutional violations.
Martial Flaw: Why Tsarnaev Is Not an Enemy Combatant
In the wake of the horrific Boston Marathon bombings, certain lawmakers were quick to call for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to be treated as an “enemy combatant." But the idea of deeming Tsarnaev an enemy combatant is not simply without legal basis or practical advantage. It is also dangerous.
Getting the Justice Systems We Deserve
The sequester is taking a considerable toll on the courts, the one branch of government not responsible for it. Jurists need to speak out about what the sequester means to the rule of law and to the ability of the courts to dispense justice.
Why New York Needs Healthy Small Parties
After recent scandals, we need bold action from our state leaders. But reform could be sidetracked by a plan to get rid of "fusion" voting, which limits voter options and has nothing to do with recent events. Instead, Albany leaders must focus on campaign finance reform to empower voters.
Bringing Corporate Political Spending to Light
Campaign finance reform opponents are complaining about a new proposed rule to require disclosure of corporate political spending. But having the courage of your convictions is as American as Wall Street itself — and one way or another soon could be the law of the land.
Letter to the Editor: Broken Justice in the Bronx
In response to a recent New York Times editorial on delays in Bronx courts, Thomas Giovanni urges legislators to invest in public defenders, reclassify petty offenses and to end mass incarceration in a letter to the editor.
Campaign Reform Would Curb Albany Corruption
Although no system can stop individuals from behaving badly, public financing combined with strong enforcement, disclosure, and reasonable contribution limits can change Albany's "show me the money" culture.
On Filibuster, It’s Past Time to End ‘False Equivalence’
The Senate's dubious vote on gun background checks is a failure from our elected officials, but also from the media, which help Senate obstructionists by trying to appear "objective."
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