Monthly Archives: June 2018
Should Prisoners Have A Right To DNA Testing?
The story of Kevin Cooper—who is currently sitting on death row, and demanding DNA testing to prove his innocence—has captured news headlines of late, especially after Nicholas Kristof—a columnist for The New York Times—published an opinion column suggesting that Cooper was framed for the murder he stands convicted of. The case not only involves… Read More »
New York Man Accused Of Hate Crime For Rant On Train
One man’s alleged “rant” has led to a hate crime charges to be filed against him in New York in May, as well as one count of second-degree aggravated harassment. Cases like these are important to follow in order to understand where state law draws the line in terms of free speech and hate… Read More »
Recreational Marijuana And Sports Gambling Could Soon Become Legal In New York
On May 14th, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, opening up the possibility for states to pass laws allowing for the activity as they see fit. While New Jersey has already passed a law to allow for sports gambling, New York is also expected to in the next… Read More »
Administration’s Policy Of Separating Families & Children Violates Their Civil Rights
The current administration’s decision to separate families at the border (i.e. the “zero tolerance” policy) has garnered significant attention in the news, particularly in association with various civil rights concerns. Reports indicate that nearly 700 children were separated from their families between October and April, and another 638 just between May 6 and 19… Read More »
Breakdown Of Allegations Against New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman
Sexual assault and physical abuse allegations against New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman have been all over the news of late. As a result, Schneiderman ultimately decided to resign, noting that they would prevent his ability to continue to lead the New York office. Many remain shocked, particularly given that Schneiderman was a… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decides Whether Attorneys Can Override Criminal Defendants’ Wishes
On May 14th, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a very important case addressing the issue of whether a criminal defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to assistance of counsel is violated if their attorney concedes their guilt over their express objection. Ultimately, the majority determined that the client—not the attorney—is at the center of every criminal… Read More »
New Jersey Township Considers Making Sale Of Guns And Ammunition Illegal In Some Areas
One New Jersey Township–Piscataway–is considering passing an ordinance that would make it illegal to sell ammunition or firearms within 1,000 feet of “sensitive” locations, including bars, college campuses, daycare centers, medical facilities, parks, places of worship, schools, and similar locations. Local leaders have noted that it is part of an effort to take things… Read More »
Will Sexual Assault Cases Ever Be The Same After The #MeToo Movement?
The most recent trial against Bill Cosby for sexual assault has many speculating that trials like these are now forever changed since the onset of the #MeToo movement. Many are now commenting that changing cultural perspectives are now affecting courtroom procedures, such as admissibility of evidence. While the first jury to weigh whether Cosby… Read More »
