By: Ken Jensen In Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, 207 L. Ed. 2d 679 (2020), the U.S. Supreme Court held that if a state offers an educational choice program, it cannot bar a religious schools based solely on their religious character. Over fifteen years ago, the Court had held that the Establishment Clause did … Continue reading Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue: The Supreme Court leaves more Questions than Answers in State Educational Choice Programs
State
Qualified Immunity—The Ultimate Circular Legal Doctrine
By: Katie Wotherspoon In the wake of numerous murders of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, a nationwide debate exploded regarding structural racism and police accountability—the legal doctrine of qualified immunity in particular, amassed much of the scrutiny. The killings not only sparked national outrage they were also met with vehement protests in … Continue reading Qualified Immunity—The Ultimate Circular Legal Doctrine
California: The Digital Divide and Approaches to Securing Telecommunications During Crisis
By: Joseph Woodson California’s Digital Divide From day to day transactions to disaster preparedness, our modern society increasingly relies on internet access.[1] In 2017, 74% of households in California had broadband subscriptions, while 90% of households in California reported using the internet in some lesser form (such as mobile service, friendly hotspots, antiquated dial-up connections, … Continue reading California: The Digital Divide and Approaches to Securing Telecommunications During Crisis
Post-Truth: A New Future? Not Yet.
By: Robert Bryson The concept of “Post-Truth” was perfectly encapsulated in the first episode of the Colbert Report during the inaugural segment of “The Word,” wherein Stephen Colbert famously declared: “Face it, folks, we are a divided nation … divided between those who think with their head and those who know with their heart … … Continue reading Post-Truth: A New Future? Not Yet.
Shots Fired: Lack of Funding for Gun Violence Research
By: Nicole Nazari “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. “For nearly 200 years of our nation’s history, the Second Amendment was understood to provide a right to bear arms if it was for a legitimate … Continue reading Shots Fired: Lack of Funding for Gun Violence Research
The Opioid Epidemic: “Legal Genocide”
By: Bria Burgamy Over the past two decades, prescription opioids have wreaked havoc in the United States – despite evidence that the drugs’ manufacturers knew the drugs had potential to do just that. The opioid crisis has claimed more than 200,000 American lives since becoming commonly prescribed in the late 1990s. At the center of … Continue reading The Opioid Epidemic: “Legal Genocide”
PIAC Gun Control Series: Possible Legislative Actions
By: Ridgeway Woulfe Thus far in our Gun Control Series, we have discussed why there is a need for gun control solutions and we have discussed who can provide these solutions. Now we address what gun control legislation could actually look like. These methods are not guaranteed to withstand Constitutional challenges. Banned Gun Types One … Continue reading PIAC Gun Control Series: Possible Legislative Actions
California Ends Cash Money Bail System: Ends a Pay-to-Play System of Justice
By: Robert Bryson In the United States, bail refers to a system wherein a suspect is conditionally released from custody upon the surrender of payment of money or pledge of property to the court. The funds are then refunded when the suspect returns to court for their trial. If the suspect fails to return, the … Continue reading California Ends Cash Money Bail System: Ends a Pay-to-Play System of Justice
PIAC Gun Control Series: Who can Create Gun Control Regulations
By: Ridgeway Woulfe We’ve addressed the need for a change in how America approaches gun violence. We’ve addressed some options for reducing gun violence. Now, we address WHO can take these steps. America has placed the most attention upon the federal government. Indeed, the federal government has the best ability to take the needed steps … Continue reading PIAC Gun Control Series: Who can Create Gun Control Regulations
PIAC’s Supreme Court Review: Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis
By: Ken Jensen “[A]s matter of law the answer is clear. In the Federal Arbitration Act, Congress has instructed federal courts to enforce arbitration agreements according to their terms—including terms providing for individualized proceedings.” Epic Sys. Corp. v. Lewis, 138 S. Ct. 1612, 1619 (2018) The Supreme Court thus continued to enforce arbitration agreements consistent … Continue reading PIAC’s Supreme Court Review: Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis
Public Interest Advocacy Collaborative 