Joe Ligon was 83 when he was released from prison in 2021 after serving nearly seven decades for crimes he committed as a 15-year-old in 1953. When he was freed, he made headlines for his record-breaking sentence and his profound transformation. Ligon’s release, which occurred after Pennsylvania authorities granted him freedom, has prompted a larger…
Since Donald Trump assumed the presidency for his second term, his administration has rapidly rolled out sweeping immigration policies that have significantly altered the landscape of U.S. immigration. These changes, many of which were enacted within the first few days of his return to office, reflect the administration’s continued focus on strict immigration enforcement and…
In February 2023, the United States Supreme Court heard Gonzalez v. Google, a pivotal case examining the extent of legal protections for internet platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA). This case centered on whether platforms like Google could be held liable for algorithmically recommending user-generated content that promotes terrorism. Background The…
In 1803, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Marbury v. Madison, established a crucial principle of American constitutional law: the power of judicial review. This case continues to shape the workings of the U.S. legal system today. To understand its importance, we must first look at the events that led up to the case, the…
In 1927, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in Buck v. Bell that has since remained one of the most controversial in American legal history. The case centered around Carrie Buck, a young woman from Virginia who was forcibly sterilized after being diagnosed with “feeblemindedness.” The Case of Carrie Buck Carrie Buck’s story…
The Case and Background In 1919, Abrams v. United States emerged as a seminal case on free speech, exploring the extent of government authority to limit dissent during wartime. Amidst World War I, five Russian immigrants in New York, including Jacob Abrams, were arrested under the 1917 Espionage Act. The group, anti-war activists who opposed…
Donald Trump made an extraordinary political comeback, reclaiming the presidency just four years after voters chose to end his first term. His victory ushers in a new era of American leadership, one that promises to reshape the nation’s future both domestically and internationally. At 78, Trump secured more than 270 Electoral College votes, surpassing the…
In the U.S., there are certain customs, practices, and traditions that reflect the solemnity and formality of the judicial process. These traditions vary by jurisdiction, court level, and individual judges, but some notable customs include: 1. Robes and Judicial Attire 2. Opening Court Sessions 3. Gavel 4. Portrait Ceremonies 5. Judicial Oaths 6. Retirement Traditions…