Law And Government News

The latest law and government stories, summarized by AI

More Law And Government Stories

Judge Questions Border Patrol and ICE Tactics During Chicago Protest Lawsuit

Originally Published 2 months ago — by Chicago Sun-Times

Featured image for Judge Questions Border Patrol and ICE Tactics During Chicago Protest Lawsuit
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

A U.S. District Judge has limited the deposition of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino in a lawsuit concerning the treatment of protesters during immigration enforcement in Chicago, focusing on how law enforcement enforces laws and potential constitutional rights violations, amid ongoing investigations into the use of force and riot control measures.

Appeals Court Ruling Maintains Federal Control of Oregon National Guard Amid Deployment Disputes

Originally Published 3 months ago — by OregonLive.com

Featured image for Appeals Court Ruling Maintains Federal Control of Oregon National Guard Amid Deployment Disputes
Source: OregonLive.com

An appellate court has temporarily blocked the deployment of Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, ruling they can remain under federal control but cannot be deployed to the city, as they prepare to hear arguments on whether to grant a full stay.

How a Corporation Avoided Trump's Justice Department

Originally Published 4 months ago — by Business Insider

Featured image for How a Corporation Avoided Trump's Justice Department
Source: Business Insider

During Trump's presidency, only two companies received declination letters from the DOJ, indicating they would not be prosecuted, with USRA being a notable case for its proactive cooperation and internal handling of employee misconduct involving illegal software sales to China.

California seeks court order to block military support for immigration raids

Originally Published 7 months ago — by Politico

Featured image for California seeks court order to block military support for immigration raids
Source: Politico

California is urgently requesting a federal judge to block the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines supporting immigration raids in Los Angeles, arguing that such support would violate legal limits on military involvement in law enforcement and could lead to confrontations with residents. The state is also suing to prevent the federal government from deploying troops for arrest missions, emphasizing that their support should be limited to protecting federal facilities.

"Norwegian Mass Murderer Sues State Again Over Human Rights Claims"

Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press

Featured image for "Norwegian Mass Murderer Sues State Again Over Human Rights Claims"
Source: The Associated Press

Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian mass murderer responsible for the deaths of 77 people in 2011, is suing the Norwegian state for a second time, alleging human rights breaches due to his solitary confinement conditions. Despite being held in a well-equipped prison complex, Breivik's lawyer argues that his isolation from the outside world and restrictions on communication violate his rights. Previous legal attempts were overturned, and his 2022 parole request was denied due to a lack of rehabilitation. The trial will take place without a livestream to prevent Breivik from gaining publicity.

"Jan. 6 Rioters Seek Delays as Supreme Court Reviews Capitol Case Outcomes"

Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Hill

Featured image for "Jan. 6 Rioters Seek Delays as Supreme Court Reviews Capitol Case Outcomes"
Source: The Hill

Dozens of January 6 defendants are seeking to delay their trials and sentencing until the Supreme Court rules on the legitimacy of the obstruction charge used against them. The charge, stemming from a statute enacted post-Enron, is being challenged in the case Fischer v. United States. If the Supreme Court finds the application of the law unconstitutional, it could affect the outcomes of hundreds of cases, including those already sentenced. The Justice Department argues that trials should proceed, but some judges have granted pauses, indicating the high court's decision could significantly impact the legal landscape for January 6 rioters.

Supreme Court Upholds Idaho's Strict Abortion Ban Amidst Controversy

Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Daily Beast

Featured image for Supreme Court Upholds Idaho's Strict Abortion Ban Amidst Controversy
Source: The Daily Beast

The Supreme Court has permitted Idaho to enforce its near-total abortion ban while agreeing to hear an appeal in April. This decision allows the state to penalize doctors who perform abortions in emergency situations, despite opposition from the Justice Department. The law, which was enacted in 2020, came into effect following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and had some provisions previously halted by a federal judge. Now, Idaho can enforce the law in its entirety until the Supreme Court further examines its compatibility with federal law.

"Three Years Post-Jan. 6: The Capitol Riot's Legal Quagmire and Lingering Controversies"

Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press

Featured image for "Three Years Post-Jan. 6: The Capitol Riot's Legal Quagmire and Lingering Controversies"
Source: The Associated Press

The Associated Press review of court records reveals that Capitol riot defendants who plead guilty receive shorter sentences than those who go to trial, highlighting a broader issue in the U.S. criminal justice system known as the "trial tax." The data shows that those who plead guilty to felonies related to the January 6 attack average sentences about two years shorter than those convicted at trial. This trend is consistent across both felony and misdemeanor cases. Advocates for reform argue that the plea bargaining process can be coercive and may unfairly penalize those who exercise their right to a trial. The article also discusses specific cases, including that of the Proud Boys leaders and anti-vaccine figure Dr. Simone Gold, to illustrate the disparities in sentencing outcomes between plea deals and trials.