The most remarkable aspect of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s fatal shooting on a New York street in early December wasn’t the crime itself—it was the reaction. Social media erupted, not with shock or mourning, but with outrage at the American health insurance system. Stories of family members denied coverage for…
Articles Posted in Commentary and Opinion
The Golden Years, How Americans Invented and Resisted Old Age: a Review
Chappell, James. The Golden Years, How Americans Invented and Resisted Old Age. Basic Books, 2024 (publication date November 19, 2024). James Chappell’s The Golden Years provides a compelling and incisive examination of the history of aging in America from the 19th century’s radical yet unrealized visions for reparative pensions to…
Preemptive Pardons: Constitutional Authority and Real World Implications
A preemptive pardon is an act of clemency issued by a head of state or government before charges are formally brought against an individual. Though relatively rare, this type of pardon can generate intense public and legal debate. To understand the complexities of preemptive pardons, it is necessary to examine…
Judicial Ethics on Trial: Exploring the Supreme Court’s New Ethics Code and Legislative Proposals
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the integrity of the U.S. Supreme Court has faced increasing scrutiny amid reports of unreported financial dealings and alleged ethical lapses by some of its justices. In response, the Court issued its first-ever formal ethics code on November 13, 2023, marking a historic shift toward greater…
The Potential Impact of Forced Chrome Divestiture on Legal Research in Law Libraries: Some Thoughts
The Justice Department’s potential move to compel Google to sell its Chrome browser could significantly reshape the digital landscape, with direct and indirect consequences for the ability of law libraries to utilize computer-assisted legal research (CALR) to serve patrons effectively. This essay explores how such a divestiture might affect CALR…
Testimony on How CBO Supports Congress
From Congressional Budget Office (CBO): CBO’s Budget Director, Philip Swagel, testified before the House Committee on the Budget, September 11, 2024. Summary of Testimony: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974—which established a new Congressional budget process, including creating the House and Senate Budget…
Gitlow v. New York: From Radical Manifesto to Enduring Legal Legacy
The following is a discussion of the book Gitlow v. New York: Every Idea an Incitement. In his study, Marc Lendler opens up the world of American radicalism, traces the origin of the incorporation doctrine, which was addressed for the first time in this case, and the ebb and flow…
ABA Election Resources Help Defend and Promote Democracy
A posting by American Bar Association President, William R. Ray. “Voting is a civic right and responsibility. Everyone eligible to vote should exercise that right. This is our opportunity to have a say in how our government operates. The American Bar Association encourages all to take advantage of this opportunity.…
Stay One Step Ahead: Suggested Measures to Outsmart Modern Scammers
In today’s digital world, scams come in many forms—some so convincing that even the savviest among us can fall victim. Scammers now use staged approaches, impersonating tech support agents, bank officials, and even loved ones to gain your trust. Understanding how these scams work and staying vigilant can save you…
The Digitalist Papers: Artifical Intelligence and Democracy in America, An Overview
Following the introduction of Chat GPT3.5 to the public on November 30, 2022, there have been growing concerns about how the emerging AI revolution can be utilized to reimagine and , if necessary, reinvent new technologies capable of preserving our democracy– as we enter another technological, economic, and political crossroads…