The hottest Judiciary Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How Western Judges Became Chinese State Puppets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 55 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary International Law Human Rights Totalitarianism Legal system
  1. Some Western judges are working in Hong Kong's highest court, but it's seen as supporting China's strict government instead of promoting justice.
  2. Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court member, criticized how the law is misused to silence dissent against the Chinese Communist Party.
  3. After seeing how the legal system operates in Hong Kong, Sumption decided he no longer wanted to be involved with it.

Label Makers

Doomberg • 6000 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Judiciary Environmental
  1. Some lawmakers want to put warning labels on gas pumps about air pollution and climate change, similar to cigarette warnings. This shows an effort to inform the public about the impacts of fossil fuels.
  2. California's Proposition 65 has led to thousands of lawsuits over product warnings, causing businesses to spend a lot of money just to avoid legal trouble. Many labels are now on products to prevent lawsuits rather than to inform consumers.
  3. The legal system's power can sometimes hurt businesses and stifle innovation. There's a feeling that it might be time to make changes to help businesses grow better.

Military Purges and Complacent Judges

Can We Still Govern? • 248 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Military Public Policy
  1. The federal government is not too big; in fact, federal employment has declined over the years. Most government jobs support national security and public services that people rely on every day.
  2. Recent actions by the Trump administration have created a toxic work environment for federal employees, leading to fears and insecurity about job stability. This drastic change may hurt the public service we depend on.
  3. Judges need to pay more attention to the ongoing political changes and their impacts on federal jobs. They must act quickly to protect employees from unjust firings and make sure the legal system remains fair.

Judicial Notice (10.27.24): Money Talks

Original Jurisdiction • 319 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Elections Legal Government Legislation
  1. Susman Godfrey won a huge $1.6 billion verdict for a client, which means they could earn a massive fee. This proves their strength in handling big cases.
  2. Kobre & Kim also had a big win, securing a $605 million jury verdict in a trade secrets case. This shows that some law firms are doing really well right now.
  3. There are talks about potential attorney general candidates for a future Trump administration, indicating shifts in political and legal roles ahead.

Salman Rushdie Faces His Alleged Attacker

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Crime Free speech Cultural Conflict Media
  1. Salman Rushdie was attacked on stage and suffered serious injuries, including being stabbed 15 times. This attack left him with partial use of his left hand and loss of vision in his right eye.
  2. During the trial, Rushdie detailed his experience and shared the painful reality of his injuries with the jury. He displayed his glasses to show the effects of the attack on his eye.
  3. The key question in the trial is whether his attacker acted alone or as part of a larger agenda connected to Iran. This raises important discussions about the motivations behind such violent actions.
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Judicial Notice (10.20.24): Blast Off

Original Jurisdiction • 399 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Election Legal News Political strategy Public Policy
  1. Mike Davis is gaining attention as a key figure in the Republican party, especially concerning Trump's potential future judicial nominations. He emphasizes the need for bolder and more conservative nominees.
  2. Judge Frederic Block recently granted compassionate release to a man who had been serving multiple life sentences since 1997. This decision came after a reconsideration of the harshness of the original sentence and the defendant's rehabilitation.
  3. A recent ruling upheld a curfew implemented during the protests following a controversial police shooting. The court decided the curfew was valid as it aimed to protect public safety while respecting First Amendment rights.

Judicial Notice (10.13.24): October Surprises

Original Jurisdiction • 459 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Elections Campaigns Civil Rights
  1. Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma's Republican Attorney General, is pushing for a retrial in a controversial death penalty case, which has created division among state officials.
  2. The Supreme Court is looking into a key case about 'ghost guns,' with arguments taking place this week, indicating the court's interest in regulating new gun technologies.
  3. Judge Stephen Higginson from the Fifth Circuit is becoming known for his support of DACA, standing out amidst contrasting views on immigration policy within his court.

Who Will Buy TikTok From China? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Judiciary Tech Policy Media influence Criminal Justice
  1. There is a legal case challenging Biden's transgender prison policy. A woman is arguing that sharing spaces with transgender inmates makes her feel unsafe.
  2. With a potential ban on TikTok approaching, there are talks about who might buy the platform, including possible buyers like Trump or Elon Musk.
  3. In Los Angeles, wildfires have caused many people to flee their homes, and volunteers are working hard to provide support and shelter for those affected.

Biden’s Transgender Prison Policy Goes to Trial

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1590 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Gender Rights Policy Judiciary
  1. Rhonda Fleming, a prisoner, argues that sharing facilities with transgender women violates her privacy rights. She has been in prison for Medicare fraud and feels unsafe with male inmates.
  2. She has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons focusing on this issue. This case is the first of its kind to go to trial, making it significant.
  3. Fleming's lawsuit highlights ongoing debates about transgender policies in prisons and their impact on inmates' rights and safety. The trial could set important precedents for similar cases in the future.

Terror in New Orleans. Plus . . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Gun Violence Foreign Policy Addiction Judiciary
  1. A truck attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day killed at least 15 people, raising concerns about the threat of terrorism in the U.S. that resembles recent attacks in Europe.
  2. RFK Jr. suggests using 'tough love' and community support to tackle addiction issues but there are mixed opinions on whether this approach is effective or could limit access to helpful medications.
  3. There is a growing debate within the Trump administration about how to handle Iran, with different factions pushing for either aggressive action or a more isolationist approach.

One Voice

Steady • 27772 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Trump Courts Presidency Judiciary
  1. A federal appeals court rejected Donald Trump's immunity claim for alleged crimes regarding the 2020 election.
  2. The court panel comprised of judges from both Democratic and Republican parties unanimously ruled against Trump.
  3. Trump has a tight deadline to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court as his legal strategies face challenges.

Judicial Notice (10.06.24): Changing Of The Guard

Original Jurisdiction • 339 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Government Elections Law enforcement
  1. Gurbir Grewal, the former director of the SEC's Enforcement Division, had a successful tenure, overseeing many enforcement actions that brought back billions to investors. He is now joining Milbank law firm.
  2. Dorothy Roberts from Penn Law received a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as a 'genius grant,' for her work on racial issues in social services. This grant will provide her with $800,000 over five years.
  3. Former Brooklyn DA Eugene Gold, known for prosecuting the 'Son of Sam' killer, passed away at age 100. His work in the criminal justice system left a lasting impact.

Only the State Forgives

News from Uncibal • 278 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Human Rights Judiciary State power
  1. The modern state has taken on the role of providing forgiveness and redemption, much like the medieval church did. This change is so complete that many people don't realize it's happened.
  2. There are complex cases, like that of a young man involved in a violent crime, where the state considers human rights and mental health before making decisions on punishment and deportation.
  3. The situation reflects a deeper political theology, showing how state decisions can influence personal lives and highlight the tension between justice and compassion.

The Fakers

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Free speech Judiciary Political Commentary Social media
  1. SCOTUSblog has shifted from being neutral to more activist, particularly after controversial decisions like Dobbs. This change has disappointed some readers who valued its previous objectivity.
  2. There's a belief that angry reactions from people, especially on social media, are revealing their true, more extreme selves. This behavior sometimes leads to violent responses.
  3. The idea of 'free markets' is highlighted; when one platform leaves, another may fill the gap, showing that alternatives exist and can thrive based on demand.

Sunday Strip: DOGEing the Dems

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Funding Policy Activism
  1. The judiciary plays a crucial role in supporting the government and its actions, as highlighted by thinkers like Murray Rothbard.
  2. There are ongoing challenges in balancing governmental power and the role it plays in society, often causing tensions.
  3. The idea of saving the government contrasts with the obstacles posed by its own system and regulations.

February 9, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Constitution Legislation Judiciary Political parties
  1. The Second Amendment is seen by some as essential for protecting all rights, but the right to vote for lawmakers is really the foundation of our freedoms.
  2. Despite having the power to change laws, some leaders are choosing to make decisions without involving Congress, which undermines democratic processes.
  3. There's a growing concern that certain individuals, like Elon Musk and political leaders, are trying to consolidate power for their own interests, which could harm public services and protections for citizens.

The MAGA Carta

Diane Francis • 979 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Legal Government Judiciary Elections
  1. The Magna Carta was the first document to say that the king isn't above the law. This idea is important for keeping leaders in check.
  2. The U.S. Constitution builds on this idea by creating guidelines for how power should be shared and controlled among the government.
  3. There is concern about a Supreme Court case that could give a president legal immunity while in office, which goes against the principle that no one is above the law.

Hunter’s Pardon

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political Ethics Public Policy Government
  1. Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
  2. The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
  3. Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

Rwanda: This is what happens next

Striking 13 • 3014 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Asylum Judiciary Legislation Supreme Court
  1. The government in Rwanda is attempting to implement controversial policies, but they are facing significant challenges and obstacles at every step.
  2. The plan for dealing with asylum seekers is chaotic and unrealistic, resulting in confusion and uncertainty for all parties involved, including potential legal consequences.
  3. There are complex legal, constitutional, and parliamentary hurdles that the government needs to overcome in order to push through their proposed legislation, indicating a tough road ahead if they intend to proceed.

Who gets to be a person?

Men Yell at Me • 523 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Gender Issues Immigration Judiciary Political Activism
  1. New laws and orders can change who is seen as a person in society. Pregnant people, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants may have their rights challenged.
  2. Silence about cruelty can allow it to continue. People often suffer from the actions of those close to them rather than strangers.
  3. Those who were involved in harmful acts may feel empowered after being pardoned. This can create fear for the loved ones affected by their actions.

How Trump Will Use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798

JoeWrote • 51 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Political strategy Authoritarianism Judiciary
  1. The Alien Enemies Act from 1798 allows the President to remove non-citizens from countries the U.S. is at war with. This means even legal immigrants could be sent away without a trial.
  2. Trump might use the idea of a 'national emergency' to frame immigrants as threats, leading to more aggressive deportation policies against various groups, even those who are legally present.
  3. Resistance to Trump's plans should focus on the larger issues of racism and anti-immigrant sentiments in America, not just oppose him as an individual leader.

The Donald Trumped

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political History Governance
  1. Donald Trump was ordered to pay $355 million for lying to financial institutions, highlighting that even powerful people can face consequences for their actions.
  2. New York's strict financial laws help maintain its reputation as a leading financial center, protecting investors from fraud.
  3. Trump compared his legal troubles to the struggles faced by political prisoners, while there are concerns he may be under foreign influence regarding his debts.

January 23, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Judiciary Political parties
  1. President Trump recently defended his pardons for January 6 rioters, but many judges and reports reveal the violence at the Capitol was severe, with numerous officers injured. This has raised concerns about the legitimacy of these pardons.
  2. Trump's pardons seem to encourage January 6 rioters to pursue political positions, showcasing how loyalty to Trump may be used as a badge of honor in upcoming elections.
  3. There are ongoing legal challenges against Trump's executive orders, including attempts to end birthright citizenship. Many judges and states are pushing back against policies they view as unconstitutional.

It begins

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1677 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Judiciary Government Indictment
  1. In United States v. Trump, Judge Cannon's order in the Southern District of Florida raises concerns about her administration of the case, despite government arguments against her recusal.
  2. The Justice Department's motion for a 'Garcia hearing' in the Southern District of Florida raises issues of potential conflicts of interest for one of Trump's co-defendants and the need for protecting the defendant's rights to unconflicted counsel.
  3. Judge Cannon's actions in denying the Justice Department's motion to seal and requesting briefing on grand jury proceedings in a seemingly inconsistent manner, prompting questions about her decisions and the case's future direction.

That's Not How Recusal Works, That's Not How Any Of This Works!

The Popehat Report • 4350 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Judiciary Government
  1. Recusal law may not work how you expect, it has specific criteria for judges to disqualify themselves.
  2. Federal courts interpret recusal statutes narrowly, focusing on objective criteria rather than subjective views.
  3. Motions to recuse judges are rarely granted based on their conduct in a case; usually require evidence of bias from an extrajudicial source.

How We Voted in 2016 Contributed to UnitedHealth's Acquisition of Change Healthcare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Healthcare Regulation Judiciary Corporate
  1. The 2016 election had lasting effects on healthcare, influencing how major companies like UnitedHealth operate and acquire others. Our votes in elections can impact our everyday lives, including healthcare costs and data security.
  2. UnitedHealth acquired Change Healthcare despite government pushback, which raised concerns about competition and data security. The deal was approved partly because of a judge who favored business interests over regulatory caution.
  3. Big corporations, like UnitedHealth, are becoming more powerful, controlling more parts of the healthcare system. This trend can lead to increased costs and reduced patient protections, making it crucial to pay attention to political choices that affect healthcare regulations.

How to Fix the US Supreme Court

The Garden of Forking Paths • 1552 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Reform Bipartisanship Democrats Republicans
  1. The US Supreme Court is highly politicized with lifetime appointments causing a imbalance of power.
  2. By looking at models from small island nations, like Comoros and Fiji, we can find ways to reform the US Supreme Court using consociationalism and centripetalism.
  3. Proposed solutions for Supreme Court reform include changing the judicial selection process to be nonpartisan and considering power-sharing models like in New Jersey or requiring a supermajority vote for confirmations.

The Courts and the Will of the People

Fisted by Foucault • 123 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Democracy Political theory Constitutional Law
  1. The judiciary holds significant power in government as it can strike down laws, which can complicate the legislative process. This means popular reforms can be blocked by court decisions.
  2. Western democracies are designed with checks and balances, but political divisions often create gridlock, preventing necessary changes. This gridlock can last for years, leaving citizens frustrated.
  3. The influence of those who control the judiciary can overshadow the elected legislative body. This raises concerns about who really has the power in a democracy.

Chevron and the professional Republicans

Gray Mirror • 99 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Political parties Judiciary Regulation Government
  1. Being a Republican lawyer can be beneficial for your career, especially since they get many more chances for jobs in the judicial field. It's unusual compared to most other professions, where being a Democrat might be preferred.
  2. Big legal changes are happening that could limit the power of federal agencies. The recent Supreme Court decisions make it easier for Republican lawyers to challenge those agencies' authority.
  3. There's a strange cycle where more regulations lead to more demand for Republican lawyers, and without those lawyers, those agencies might do even crazier things. It's a messy but important part of how the system works.

Trump's Immunity Argument on Appeal

SHERO • 589 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Presidency Investigation Judiciary
  1. A panel of federal appellate court judges signaled rejection of Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution for charges related to the 2020 election overturn.
  2. The court discussed potential rulings that could dismiss Trump's appeal, which may impact the future of the case and the Supreme Court's involvement.
  3. Trump's attorney argued for presidential immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in office, presenting concerns about accountability and separation of powers.

January 12, 2025

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Party Politics Judiciary
  1. North Carolina's recent elections show a divide: while Trump won the presidency, Democrats gained important state offices. This has led to ongoing political struggles.
  2. Republican lawmakers are accused of changing laws to limit the new Democratic governor's power, which raises concerns about fairness and democracy in the state.
  3. Gerrymandering has long affected North Carolina's representation, with maps being drawn to favor one party, making it tough for the majority's voice to be heard.

Trump in the Dock

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 805 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Media influence Political Campaigns Judiciary Government Ethics
  1. Fewer people protested than expected at Trump's arraignment, potentially due to deterrence from aggressive prosecution of insurrectionists.
  2. Trump's dwindling support is reflected in his fundraising challenges, which could impact his future campaigns.
  3. Judge Cannon's actions in the Mar-a-Lago documents trial could significantly influence the outcome, with potential for a change in venue.

Viewing the courts

A Lawyer Writes • 353 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Transparency Media
  1. Lady chief justice emphasizes the importance of high-quality reporting for the public's understanding of the judiciary.
  2. Efforts are being made to enhance broadcasting of court proceedings in England and Wales, including televising sentencing remarks.
  3. Transparency in the courts is seen as a fundamental part of the process in allowing proper access to justice.

The Supreme Court just rejected Donziger's appeal. What's next?

Krystal Kyle & Friends • 648 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Environment
  1. Liberal Supreme Court justices rejected Steven Donziger's appeal related to a case against Chevron.
  2. Conservative justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh dissented explaining that the district court overstepped their authority.
  3. A discussion will be held with Steven Donziger to explore the injustice as perceived by the liberal justices.