#legal

Editorial Staff Updated 2 days ago

A Comparative Look at the Supreme Court of India

This piece delves into the Supreme Court of India, examining its role and significance while drawing comparisons with other supreme courts globally.

Court allows Steve Bannon to move forward on dismissal of criminal charges against him

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court on Monday morning added one new case, involving challenges to veterans’ benefit laws, to its docket for the 2026-27 term. The justices also sent the case of […] The post Court allows Steve Bannon to mov

An actual alternative to originalism

Strategic angle: Justice, Democracy, and Law is a recurring series by Edward B. Foley that focuses on election law and the relationship of law and democracy. “Original public meaning” has become the […] The post An actual alternative to

What really happens on the emergency docket

Strategic angle: By now, readers of SCOTUSblog are quite familiar with the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, where parties come to the court seeking emergency orders, oftentimes without full briefing and oral argument. […] The post What

Myths and Facts About Section 702 Backdoor Searches: A Reply to George Croner

Strategic angle: A rebuttal to George Croner’s critique of the Brennan Center’s “Myths and Facts” on FISA Section 702 backdoor searches and why RISAA falls short. The post Myths and Facts About Section 702 Backdoor Searches: A Reply to G

SCOTUStoday for Monday, April 6

Strategic angle: On this day in 1938, the Supreme Court heard argument in United States v. Carolene Products, on a law that prohibited interstate shipping of filled milk, an alternative to traditional […] The post SCOTUStoday for Monday,

The Anti-Stonewalling Playbook: How Congress Can Plan Now to Counter Executive Branch Obstruction Next Term

Strategic angle: Former Justice Department official provides steps Congress can take to prepare an oversight agenda now for the next congressional term. The post The Anti-Stonewalling Playbook: How Congress Can Plan Now to Counter Execut

When War Crimes Rhetoric Becomes Battlefield Reality: The Slippery Slope to Total War on Iran

Strategic angle: Former JAGs warn that threats to strike Iran’s power plants would violate the law of war and endanger U.S. service members’ legal and moral obligations. The post When War Crimes Rhetoric Becomes Battlefield Reality: The

Early Edition: April 6, 2026

Strategic angle: Signup to receive the Early Edition in your inbox here. A curated guide to major news and developments over the weekend. Here’s today’s news: IRAN WAR Saturday Israel attacked Iran’s largest petrochemical complex on Satu

Money

Briefing: Murder Suspect Waives Preliminary Hearing

Strategic angle: The suspect in a high-profile murder case has chosen to waive their preliminary hearing, raising questions about the legal strategy.

Editorial Staff 14 days ago

Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions

Strategic angle: A public resource tracking all the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions. The post Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions appeared first on Just Securit

Editorial Staff 14 days ago

Collection: Iran, Israel and the United States at War (2025-2026 Operations)

Strategic angle: Experts analyze the US-Israel Iran military conflicts - covering nuclear diplomacy; strategic, security, and regional implications; and domestic and international law. The post Collection: Iran, Israel and the United Sta

Editorial Staff 15 days ago

How Good is Our Intelligence on Iran?

Strategic angle: Former senior CIA and head of Interfor Academy assess the potential intelligence failures in U.S. preparation for Iran war. The post How Good is Our Intelligence on Iran? appeared first on Just Security.

Editorial Staff 15 days ago

Digest of Recent Articles on Just Security (Mar. 30-Apr. 3, 2026)

Strategic angle: U.S.-Israel-Iran War • Lebanon • Israel / Death Penalty • Russia-Ukraine War • Series: Syria in Transition • Department of Homeland Security • Emerging Technologies • FISA Section 702 • United States / Arctic • Gender an

Briefing: The FAA’s “Temporary” Flight Restriction for Drones is a Blatant Attempt to Criminalize Filming ICE

Strategic angle: Legal intern Raj Gambhir argues that the Trump administration's flight restriction undermines First Amendment rights.

Briefing: Supreme Court issues statement that Justice Alito was hospitalized approximately two weeks ago

Strategic angle: Justice Samuel Alito was hospitalized on March 20 out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of his security detail.

Briefing: Tech Nonprofits to Feds: Don’t Weaponize Procurement to Undermine AI Trust and Safety

Strategic angle: Concerns rise over government procurement practices impacting AI ethics and safety.

Briefing: What oral argument told us in the birthright citizenship case

Strategic angle: Insights from the Supreme Court's oral arguments on birthright citizenship.

Briefing: Double Shot of Privacy's Defender in D.C.

Strategic angle: Join EFF's Executive Director Cindy Cohn as she navigates the privacy battles that have shaped the internet.

Briefing: The inscrutable Chief Justice John Roberts

Strategic angle: Chief Justice John Roberts addresses personal attacks in rare public remarks.

Global Governance of Emerging Technologies: Counterterrorism Challenges at the United Nations Security Council

Strategic angle: How the UN Security Council governs emerging technologies amid rising terrorist threats, balancing innovation, security, and human rights. The post Global Governance of Emerging Technologies: Counterterrorism Challenges

The Unconstitutionality of the Trump Administration’s New Executive Order on Elections

Strategic angle: The Trump administration's executive order on mail-in voting is unconstitutional. States and Congress—not the President—have authority to regulate federal elections. The post The Unconstitutionality of the Trump Administ

Briefing: SCOTUStoday for Friday, April 3

Strategic angle: Comedian John Mulaney appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” earlier this week and gave a shoutout to SCOTUSblog as he described being a “Supreme Court argument nerd.”

Weakening Speech Protections Will Punish All of Us—Not Just Meta

Strategic angle: Recently, a California Superior Court jury found that Meta and YouTube harmed a user through some of the features they offered. And a New Mexico jury concluded that Meta deceived young users into thinking its platforms w

Briefing: A Baseless Copyright Claim Against a Web Host—and Why It Failed

Strategic angle: Copyright law is supposed to encourage creativity. Too often, it’s used to extract payouts from others.

Print Blocking is Anti-Consumer - Permission to Print Part 1

Strategic angle: This is the first post in a series on 3D print blocking, for the next entry check out Print Blocking Won't Work - Permission to Print Part 2 When legislators give companies an excuse to write untouchable code, it’s a dis

Briefing: Court appears sympathetic to death-row inmate’s attempt to challenge racial discrimination in jury selection

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court shows support for a Mississippi man contesting racial bias in jury selection.

Google and Amazon: Acknowledged Risks, and Ignored Responsibilities

Strategic angle: In late 2024, we urged Google and Amazon to honor their human rights commitments, to be more transparent with the public, and to take meaningful action to address the risks posed by Project Nimbus, their cloud computing

Briefing: SCOTUStoday for Thursday, April 2

Strategic angle: A historic day at the Supreme Court as President Trump attends oral arguments.

EFF’s Submission to the UN OHCHR on Protection of Human Rights Defenders in the Digital Age

Strategic angle: Governments around the world are adopting new laws and policies aimed at addressing online harms, including laws intended to curb cybercrime and disinformation, and ostensibly protect user safety. While these efforts are

Editorial Staff 18 days ago

Briefing: Advisory Opinions broadcast: President Donald Trump and Birthright Citizenship

Strategic angle: Oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara have concluded, but the discussion continues.

Editorial Staff 19 days ago

Briefing: Veterans benefits: a consensus candidate for cert

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court's upcoming conference may address key veterans benefits issues.

Editorial Staff 19 days ago

Briefing: Justices Debate Ability of Federal Courts to Confirm Arbitration Awards

Strategic angle: Yesterday’s argument in Jules v Andre Balazs Properties revealed uncertainty among justices regarding federal jurisdiction over arbitration awards.

Editorial Staff Updated 20 days ago

US District Judge blocks government ban on Anthropic AI

A federal judge has ruled against the government's attempt to impose a ban on Anthropic AI, allowing the company to continue its operations.

Editorial Staff 20 days ago

Briefing: Supreme Court refuses to hear case of Louisiana man sentenced to life imprisonment, “Tiger King” appeal

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court's decision leaves a life sentence intact for a Louisiana man involved in the 'Tiger King' saga.

Editorial Staff 20 days ago

Briefing: The dissent that questioned certain jury trials

Strategic angle: Exploring the impact of Supreme Court dissents on the legal landscape.

Editorial Staff 22 days ago

Briefing: Nexstar-Tegna deal on ice after judge issues temporary restraining order

Strategic angle: A temporary restraining order has halted the Nexstar-Tegna deal, raising questions about its future.

Briefing: US Tech Companies Must be Accountable in US Courts for Facilitating Persecution and Torture Abroad, EFF Urges US Supreme Court

Strategic angle: Cisco Systems Case Has Major Implications for Global Human Rights

Briefing: Announcement of opinions for Tuesday, March 31

Strategic angle: Live blogging as the court potentially releases opinions in argued cases.

Briefing: Birthright citizenship: Hintopoulos, Harlan II, and “Joltin Joe” – mid-century elements of American greatness worth remembering on the eve of Barbara

Strategic angle: Exploring the reflections of mid-20th century American leaders on citizenship and national identity.

Editorial Staff Updated 23 days ago

Money

Pentagon ban of Anthropic faces judge; Claude AI maker seeks injunction

The Defense Department designated Anthropic as a risk to U.S. national security, marking a first for an American company.

Briefing: Deposed Venezuelan president Maduro makes second NYC court appearance

Strategic angle: A New York federal judge has refused to dismiss the case against Maduro and his wife over their inability to afford legal fees.

Briefing: Court to hear argument on claim of racial discrimination in jury selection

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court will hear oral argument on Tuesday in Pitchford v. Cain, a case involving allegations of racial discrimination in jury selection.

Editorial Staff 24 days ago

Briefing: Order Granting Preliminary Injunction – Anthropic vs. U.S. Department of War

Strategic angle: A significant legal ruling impacting AI development and government regulations.

Editorial Staff 24 days ago

Briefing: When the Supreme Court let a president get away with redefining birthright citizenship

Strategic angle: The president finds the long-settled meaning of the citizenship clause to be an intolerable obstacle to his agenda.

Editorial Staff 24 days ago

Briefing: Justices debate arbitration exemption for “last-mile” drivers

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court examines the implications of arbitration agreements for delivery drivers in a pivotal case.

Editorial Staff 25 days ago

Briefing: Birthright citizenship: more on Pete Patterson’s claims

Strategic angle: Attorney Pete Patterson’s latest post on birthright citizenship repeats significant errors and introduces new misconceptions.

Editorial Staff 25 days ago

Briefing: Justices to hear argument on whether a crime’s “contemplated effects” can expand venue beyond where offense was committed

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court will hear oral argument on Monday in Abouammo v. United States regarding venue expansion in criminal cases.

Editorial Staff 26 days ago

Briefing: The 14th Amendment does not codify English principles of subjectship: A brief reply to the Amar brothers

Strategic angle: A response to the Amar brothers' interpretation of the 14th Amendment regarding citizenship rights.

Editorial Staff 26 days ago

Briefing: Court appears likely to side with Trump administration on rights of asylum seekers

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court seems poised to uphold the federal government's policy on asylum seekers.

Editorial Staff 26 days ago

Briefing: Anthropic v. US Department of War: What to know about AI court battle

Strategic angle: A detailed overview of the ongoing legal battle between Anthropic and the US Department of War regarding artificial intelligence regulations.

Editorial Staff 27 days ago

Briefing: Birthright citizenship: reading the text and sidestepping the parent trap

Strategic angle: Exploring the implications of birthright citizenship and legal interpretations.

Editorial Staff 27 days ago

Briefing: Court appears ready to overturn state law allowing for late-arriving mail-in ballots

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court is poised to make a significant ruling on Mississippi's mail-in ballot law.

Editorial Staff Updated 29 days ago

Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase

A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion.

Editorial Staff 30 days ago

Briefing: Congress Is Dropping the Ball with a Clean Extension of FISA

Strategic angle: Two years ago, Congress passed the 'Reforming Intelligence and Securing America' Act (RISAA) that included nominal reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

Briefing: Oral Argument Live Blog for Wednesday, April 1

Strategic angle: Join us as we live blog the court's hearing on the constitutionality of Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship.

Briefing: Justices to consider arbitration exemption for “last-mile” drivers

Strategic angle: Flowers Foods v. Brock brings the justices another in a lengthening line of cases about the exemptions from the Federal Arbitration Act.

Briefing: Does the Supreme Court have a strong “unitary” judicial power?

Strategic angle: Exploring the intersections between the Supreme Court and criminal law.

Briefing: Vatican declares partial mistrial in cardinal's fraud case

Strategic angle: A Vatican appeals court has overturned the conviction of Cardinal Angelo Becciu in a significant fraud case.

Briefing: The Supreme Court of Canada

Strategic angle: An exploration of the Supreme Court of Canada and its comparisons with other supreme courts globally.

Briefing: The biggest names on the briefs

Strategic angle: Empirical SCOTUS is a recurring series by Adam Feldman that looks at Supreme Court data, primarily in the form of opinions and oral arguments, to provide insights into the justices’ decision making.

Briefing: Bonus Podcast Episode: Privacy’s Defender - Cindy Cohn with Cory Doctorow

Strategic angle: A conversation on privacy and internet rights featuring EFF's Cindy Cohn and Cory Doctorow.

Briefing: Birthright Citizenship: A Response to Pete Patterson

Strategic angle: Exploring the implications of birthright citizenship through a constitutional lens.

Briefing: A 95th birthday tribute to legendary SCOTUSblog reporter Lyle Denniston

Strategic angle: The inimitable Lyle Denniston, who served as the primary reporter for SCOTUSblog from 2004 until 2016, celebrates his 95th birthday today.

Briefing: The Foilies 2026

Strategic angle: Recognizing the Worst in Government Transparency

Briefing: Announcement of opinions for Friday, March 20

Strategic angle: Live blogging as the court potentially releases opinions in argued cases.

Briefing: EFF Launches New Fight to Free the Law

Strategic angle: EFF is filing against the Consumer Product Safety Council to ensure public access to governing laws.

Briefing: Does legislative history have a judicial future?

Strategic angle: An analysis of the court’s approach to legislative history in judicial decisions.

Briefing: Birthright Citizenship: Originalism 101

Strategic angle: Exploring the complexities of originalism in the context of birthright citizenship at the Supreme Court.

Briefing: Rep. Finke Was Right: Age-Gating Isn’t About Kids, It’s About Control

Strategic angle: Rep. Leigh Finke's testimony against HF1434 highlights the implications of internet age-gating.

Briefing: An interview with Jerry Goldman, founder of the Oyez Project

Strategic angle: Exploring the impact of the Oyez Project on Supreme Court understanding.

Briefing: Trump administration urges Supreme Court to allow it to revoke protected status for Haitian nationals

Strategic angle: The Trump administration seeks to pause a federal ruling that protects Haitian nationals from deportation.

Briefing: The 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause does not codify English principles of subjectship

Strategic angle: An analysis of the implications of President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship.

Briefing: The First Amendment’s application to public university students: an explainer

Strategic angle: Free speech on university campuses is a perennially hot topic, especially in light of recent protests.

Briefing: Copyright Bullying vs. Religious Freedom

Strategic angle: The government should not assist religious institutions in suppressing inquiries about faith through copyright claims.

Editorial Staff Updated about 1 month ago

National Book Tour for Cindy Cohn’s Memoir, ‘Privacy’s Defender’

MIT Press Publishes EFF Executive Director’s Book As She Prepares to Depart Organization After 25 Years

Briefing: Court agrees to hear case on environmental laws, does not act on several Second Amendment challenges

Strategic angle: The Supreme Court added a technical dispute over federal environmental laws to its docket for the upcoming term.

Briefing: Justice Department Advocates for New Interpretation of Birthright Citizenship

Strategic angle: In a pivotal case, the Justice Department calls for a modern approach to an age-old legal principle regarding citizenship at birth.

editorial-bot Updated about 1 month ago

This startup claims it can stop lightning and prevent catastrophic wildfires

Amidst a severe heat wave, a new technology aims to mitigate lightning strikes and reduce wildfire risks.

Briefing: US Court of Appeals: TOS may be updated by email, use can imply consent

Strategic angle: A recent ruling clarifies that terms of service can be modified via email, and user engagement may indicate agreement.

Strategic view: The emergency docket’s critics have it backwards

Strategic implications in focus: Exploring the reasoning behind the emergency docket and its implications on constitutional decisions.

Court Security Under Scrutiny Amid Dobbs Leak Speculations

Justice Thomas' virtual attendance at a legal conference reignites scrutiny over court security and the unresolved Dobbs leak, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

Strategic view: SCOTUStoday for Friday, March 6

Strategic implications in focus: On this day in 1857, the Supreme Court released its opinion in Dred Scott v.