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…
Articles Posted in The Documents Corner
Jury Instructions and Charges in the New York Trial Courts: A Balancing Act
The recent high-profile trial of former president Donald Trump has reignited discussions on the role of jury instructions in shaping verdicts. This post is based in part on the following query we asked Gemini following the triaI: I need a broad discussion of jury instructions and charges to the jury…
The Evolution of AI in Law Libraries
Law libraries are undergoing a transformation fueled by Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI isn’t replacing librarians, it’s becoming a powerful tool that’s changing how legal research is conducted and how libraries serve their patrons. The history of artificial intelligence in law libraries is a fascinating journey marked by technological evolution,…
Report on the Investigation Into Unauthorized Classified Documents Discovered at Various Locations Related to President Joseph Biden
This posting includes an excerpt from the Report on the Investigation Into Unauthorized Removal, Retention, and Disclosure of Classified Documents Discovered at Locations Including the Penn Biden Center and the Delaware Private Residence of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. prepared for the Attorney General of the United States by Special Counsel Robert K.…
Ethical Standards for Election Administration: A Report from the American Law Institute (ALI)
Election administrators and their staff, spread throughout thousands of voting jurisdictions in the United States, perform a core service dedicated to maintaining and preserving our democracy. Their work has become significantly more difficult, as our contentious politics have clouded much of what they do with misunderstanding and distrust. These challenges…
A Gruesome Spectacle: Failed Execution Attempts In the United States
The death penalty remains a highly contested issue in the United States, with arguments raging on both sides. However, beyond the ethical and legal debates lies a lesser-known aspect: the phenomenon of failed executions. These attempts, often characterized by prolonged suffering and technical difficulties, raise serious concerns about the very…
Understanding Political Polarization in America
Introduction. The polarization of American politics has become a prominent and concerning trend in recent years. This post aims to explore the multifaceted factors contributing to the polarization of American politics, analyzing historical, social, economic, and institutional elements. By understanding the roots of this polarization, policymakers, scholars, and citizens can…
New Taskforce to Study the Interplay of AI and the courts of the Appellate Division, Second Department of the State of New York
Presiding Justice Hector D. LaSalle and the Justices of the Appellate Division, Second Department on January 11, 2024, announced the creation of a Task Force to study the interplay of artificial intelligence and the courts of the Appellate Division, Second Department. The Task Force will meet with experts in the field…
AI Predictions for 2024: A Glimpse into the Future
The year 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for Artificial Intelligence (AI), with advancements across various sectors and a growing focus on real-world applications. Here are some predictions taken from various sources including my own expressing a variety of opinions as to what we can expect in the near…
New York’s Economic and Budget Outlook: Post Pandemic Reckoning for the City and the State
A Report by James A. Parrott and George Sweeting, City of New York Affairs, The New School, January 11, 2024.* Posted by David Badertscher Overview: “The past four years not only brought unprecedented economic upheaval to New York City and state related to the pandemic and its aftermath, but also…