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…
Articles Posted in Commentary and Opinion
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…
Supreme Court to Hear Case That Could Expand the Use of DNA Evidence in Criminal Cases
“On Friday, October 4, the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in Gutierrez v. Saenz, a case regarding death-sentenced Texas prisoner Ruben Gutierrez’s ability to sue the state for DNA testing in support of his innocence claim. The Court had issued a stay to Mr. Gutierrez on July 16, just…
Does Informed Consent Alone Mitigate Responsibility: Considering Patient Harm Related to Artificial Intelligence
Surgeon and bioethicist Charles E. Brinkley is a contributor to VERDICT a service of Justia. In his August14, 2024 VERDICT posting , Does Informed Consent Alone Mitigate Responsibility: Considering Patient Harm Related to Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Brinkley “discusses the ethical implications and potential harms of using artificial intelligence (AI) in…
Revisiting Constitution Day: A Call for National Recognition and Reflection
Constitution Day is one of our most important holidays because it commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, our most foundational document, on September 17, 1787 by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. It is perplexing to note that the commemoration of such an important event in our…
BOLTS: State by State Guide to the 2024 Supreme Court Elections
BOLTS* “ The Texas supreme court closed out 2023 by blocking an abortion during a medical emergency, forcing a woman to flee the state. Just days before Christmas, Wisconsin justices struck down the state’s GOP-drawn gerrymanders. So far this year, Montana’s supreme court has stepped in to protect voting rights, while a decision in Alabama threatened in vitro fertilization…
AI Elections Accord: Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections
The AI Elections Accord is a voluntary agreement among leading technology companies to combat the deceptive use of AI in the 2024 elections. Recognizing the potential for AI to generate highly realistic but false content, known as deepfakes, the accord aims to protect the integrity of elections worldwide. The signatories…
Google’s Increasing Selectivity: Effects on Information Access and Diversity
On July 17, 2024, we noticed a posting from Wisblawg which stated in part that “In recent months web developers and SEO experts have noted significant changes in Google’s Indexing practices observing a shift toward more selective indexing of web content…” Having already received other indications over the past year…