The hottest Law Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Does the State of Israel Have a Case Against The New York Times?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 542 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering legal action against The New York Times for an article about starvation in Gaza. He believes the article falsely defames Israel.
  2. Some legal experts think Israel could win a defamation case due to the seriousness of the claims in the article.
  3. However, under U.S. law, countries cannot actually sue for libel, so Israel's chances of winning such a case are very slim.

Trump, the Troops, and the Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. The Posse Comitatus Act limits the use of U.S. military troops for enforcing laws on home soil, which many believe Trump violated by deploying National Guard troops in response to protests.
  2. A federal judge recently ruled that Trump's deployment of the National Guard was illegal, but this decision is currently on hold as it is being appealed.
  3. The ongoing debate highlights the legal complexities and differing opinions on the military's role in domestic issues, especially during times of civil unrest.

One Embryo. Three Parents. The Future Is Already Here. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 588 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. A new medical technique allows an embryo to be created using one man's sperm and two women's eggs. This raises big questions about what it means to be human and the future of genetic manipulation.
  2. There are concerns about the distribution of $100 million raised for LA fire victims, as people are now wondering where that money actually went.
  3. Engaging with AI, like chatting with a chatbot, can highlight what makes us unique as humans and the need to offer what machines can't.

In praise of robotic judging

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. In judicial decision-making, applying precedent like a robot can lead to simple and predictable case resolutions.
  2. Civil asset forfeiture cases can be complex, leading to unfair outcomes for innocent owners, with issues such as timing, burden of proof, and lack of initial judicial oversight.
  3. While some judges have specific judicial philosophies, there is an argument for mindlessly applying precedent to simplify and predict case outcomes, potentially reducing division and making the judicial process less dependent on individual justices.

Biden’s Transgender Prison Policy Goes to Trial

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1590 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  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.
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The January 6 Pardons and the Rule of Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1534 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Donald Trump has pardoned many people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those who assaulted police. This move has raised questions about the fairness of justice for violent actions.
  2. Some Republican leaders believe that only peaceful protesters should be pardoned, indicating a divide in opinions about accountability for violence.
  3. The mass pardoning contrasts with previous statements from officials who suggested a more selective approach to granting pardons for the events of that day.

Was Jeffrey Epstein a "convicted pedophile"?

Michael Tracey • 108 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Epstein’s only criminal conviction in 2008 was for state prostitution charges, including procuring one person under 18, and plea records show that the underage instance involved a single victim and consensual intercourse on the eve of her 18th birthday.
  2. Media and politicians have repeatedly labeled Epstein a “pedophile” and portrayed a broader pedophilia crisis, but that label is often used without closely examining the underlying legal facts.
  3. Because public discussion frequently ignores the narrow legal record and due process, many people and institutions have been broadly stigmatized for mere association with Epstein, fueling moral panic and partisan attacks.

Post Office scandal: what next?

A Lawyer Writes • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Law
  1. Police and politicians are calling for actions regarding the Post Office scandal, but major steps are unlikely until a public inquiry is completed.
  2. The justice secretary is exploring ways to exonerate sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted during the Horizon IT scandal.
  3. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is offering help to individuals affected by the faulty convictions, encouraging them to seek justice.

Cities Panic Over Having to Release Mass Surveillance Recordings

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 175 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Flock cameras do more than just read license plates; they capture detailed information about vehicles and even people. This technology raises privacy concerns because it records everything in sight.
  2. A recent court ruling declared that data from Flock cameras is public, causing cities to panic and deactivate them. Officials are worried about the implications of revealing this surveillance data.
  3. While the public may be monitored by these cameras, officials and the wealthy often want to keep their own activities hidden. This creates a troubling double standard in surveillance practices.

The Weaponization Czar

Thinking about... • 683 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Ed Martin has been appointed as the 'weaponization czar' to use the law against Americans, which is seen as a move towards authoritarianism. His role focuses on intimidating and punishing people who haven't committed any crimes.
  2. Martin has connections with Russian propaganda outlets and has aligned his views with those of Trump, creating a troubling overlap between American politics and Russian interests. This connection shows how dangerous authoritarian practices can spread.
  3. The appointment of someone like Martin raises concerns about the growing influence of foreign propaganda in U.S. politics and highlights the need to recognize the reality of such connections in understanding current political events.

Is the Supreme Court seriously going to disqualify Trump? (Redux)

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Chances of the Supreme Court disqualifying Trump are low but improving, now estimated at around 20%.
  2. The conventional wisdom leans towards the Supreme Court reversing the Colorado Supreme Court's decision, considering factors like democratic norms and legal arguments.
  3. There is a small chance, about 15%, that the Supreme Court might affirm the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Trump, based on the quality of legal reasoning in the case.

A Crusading Clerisy

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Marxism is not a religion, but post-Enlightenment progressivism ('Wokery') can be considered as one.
  2. The growth of the human-and-cultural capital class, along with technological evolution, has led to a shift towards jobs less grounded in physical reality, especially in entertainment, media, and education.
  3. Post-Enlightenment Progressivism (

Thoughts Upon A Journey

Glenn’s Substack • 943 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🚌 Education Law
  1. The author reflects on taking a break after the semester
  2. The author mentions grading exams for Constitutional Law and Law of Outer Space
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial

The Biden Administration’s Prosecution of Dr. Eithan Haim

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1446 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Law
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim is facing serious legal trouble for speaking out about gender transition treatments being offered to minors at Texas Children's Hospital. He believes these treatments are unethical and harmful.
  2. Haim feels that delaying puberty in children with gender dysphoria is making them sick and is against his medical ethics.
  3. Many of Haim's fellow doctors also have concerns but are afraid to speak up due to the pressure and potential consequences they might face in their careers.

On Disney v. DeSantis

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1038 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Florida's actions against Disney in response to their criticism of new laws may violate Disney's constitutional rights, including the First Amendment and the Contracts Clause.
  2. The specific laws enacted by Florida to target Disney and revoke their contracts could be considered unconstitutional under the Contracts Clause, regardless of the stated intentions of the lawmakers.
  3. The legal battle between Disney and Florida showcases the complexities of constitutional law and the potential implications of using legislation to retaliate against private entities for exercising their rights.

A Useful Typology for the Trump Indictments

Drezner’s World • 884 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. The severity of the charges against Trump determines the likelihood of prosecutors having smoking-gun evidence.
  2. Trump has only faced less severe indictments so far; the upcoming charges could be worse for him.
  3. Trump's behavior suggests he generates incriminating evidence due to his personality traits.

Do you need permission from the government to do independent research?

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1015 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. You don't always need government approval to do research on people. Many people believe IRB approval is required for all human research, but that's not true.
  2. The rules about what kind of research needs approval are complicated and can vary by state or institution. It's not always clear where the lines are drawn.
  3. Many journals require IRB approval to publish research, which can make it harder for independent researchers to share their findings without going through the process.

Following in Lester’s footsteps

A Lawyer Writes • 471 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🚌 Education Law
  1. Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC left a legacy that inspired young lawyers to use law for social change.
  2. Established fellowships at Bard College to support early-career lawyers in pursuing projects abroad.
  3. Fellowships provide $25,000 stipend for projects lasting at least three months outside the applicant's country.

Decapitation Strike

Thinking about... • 1339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Trump's appointments seem surprising, but they might be part of a bigger plan to weaken the U.S. government. It's important to look beyond the shock and see the real dangers these choices pose.
  2. Five key areas are critical for a healthy society: health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. If Trump's appointments go through, they could cause serious harm in these areas, leading to chaos.
  3. Citizens need to unite, regardless of political beliefs, to stand against these harmful appointments. It's a time for common action to protect the future of the country.

Canadian Patriot Podcast with Randy Hillier: The Un-constitutionality of Emergencies Act

Matt Ehret's Insights • 412 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Former MP Randy Hillier discusses the unconstitutionality of the Emergencies Act in a recent Canadian Patriot Podcast.
  2. The Federal Court ruling on Jan 26 declared the Trudeau-Freeland Emergencies Act as unconstitutional, impacting Canadians and sparking discussions on a COVID crimes inquiry.
  3. Resources provided for becoming an informed organizer on related topics like history, documentaries, and critical analysis.

‘No Wonder He’s Smiling. He’s Gotten Away with It So Many Times.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1228 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. A man named Brandon Simosa, linked to a violent gang, robbed a prosecutor at her home in New York City. This incident highlights increasing crime and fear in urban areas.
  2. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, has been criticized for reducing penalties and not prosecuting many crimes, which some believe contributes to repeat offenses.
  3. Many people in New York are worried about rising crime rates, especially when those who commit serious crimes are not held accountable. They feel the justice system isn't working as it should.

Perverted Incentives

Holly’s Newsletter • 1587 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Proposed Florida law for death penalty for child sex crimes may have unintended consequences like removing incentives for perpetrators to keep victims alive.
  2. Trauma reactions to child sexual abuse are complex and reporting may be deterred due to consequences for families and communities.
  3. Suggests life without parole as fitting punishment for these crimes, highlighting the need to consider the complexity and unintended outcomes of changing laws around child sexual abuse.

Trump Uses Legal Threats to Push Federal Reserve Member To Resign

Can We Still Govern? • 230 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Using legal threats to push out opponents is a sign of authoritarianism. It makes people question whether the law is being applied fairly.
  2. The way Trump is trying to push Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook to resign shows how he uses intimidation. This attack is not about Cook's qualifications but about controlling power.
  3. There seems to be a focus on attacking certain officials while ignoring similar actions from Trump supporters. This creates a double standard and makes it harder for those in positions of power to feel safe.

Anarcho-tyranny in the UK

Wrong Side of History • 360 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Confidence in British justice is very low right now. Many people feel the system is unfair and inconsistent.
  2. There's a common joke that British court cases often involve serious criminals getting light sentences while minor offenses lead to harsh punishments. This makes the justice system look ridiculous.
  3. Britain's reputation has changed over time. It was once seen as a leader in justice and freedom, but now some view it as a cautionary tale of mismanaged law and order.

Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law

The Upheaval • 1044 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Law
  1. New reproductive technologies may change how we think about family and personhood. Instead of being linked to parents, children could be viewed as products that the state owns.
  2. The focus on individualism in family law can weaken the importance of natural family bonds. This shift may lead to the law treating relationships as just contracts rather than meaningful connections.
  3. The idea of family could be fundamentally altered, making children feel like they belong nowhere. This change can rob them of their history and sense of belonging, leading to a troubling loss of identity.

Weekend Listening: The Right Way to Fight Illiberalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2119 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. There is a spreading concern about the moral decline within American universities due to instances of antisemitism and ideological indoctrination.
  2. Many states are reevaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses through legislation and policy changes.
  3. There is a debate about the nature of DEI ideology, with some viewing it as an illiberal force prioritizing identity over ideas, while others argue about its Marxist influences and impact on societal values.

What’s contempt of court?

A Lawyer Writes • 491 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. Publishing material that could prejudice a trial could be contempt of court
  2. Contempt of court is more likely if writing about a trial in progress
  3. Contempt of court can involve deliberate interference with the administration of justice

Call Me Karen (Barbara)

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. A jury let violent attackers from Antifa off without punishment, raising concerns about the legal system's integrity. It highlights a troubling trend where justice seems compromised.
  2. The government has intruded into everyday life, notably with the ban on incandescent light bulbs and hefty fines for selling them. This serves as a warning about increasing government control.
  3. The term 'Karen' has been used to label reasonable women negatively, but there is a call to redefine this and celebrate reasonable women like 'Barbara'. It's about recognizing and valuing assertive, concerned voices in society.

Who Were the ‘We the People’ Back in 1787?: Race, Law, & Original Constitutional Sin

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. The concept of 'We the People' in the U.S. Constitution originally referred mainly to white citizens, with racial exclusion being a key part of that history.
  2. Some legal arguments today echo past ideas about racial citizenship, questioning who is included in the legal definitions set by the Constitution.
  3. There's ongoing debate about the historical voting rights of free Black men during the time of the Constitution's ratification, showing complexities in understanding who had a voice back then.

AI rights and human harms

imperfect offerings • 219 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Law
  1. AI industry co-opts the term 'learning' to justify its innovations and obscure responsibilities
  2. There is a call for an AI rights movement, drawing parallels with animal rights that may oversimplify complex ethical issues
  3. Human rights are at risk when powerful corporations prioritize their interests over accountability and regulation in the development and deployment of AI technology

The Law of Trump - Part II

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. The First Amendment is being challenged by the unique case of Trump's statements, requiring the creation of new laws governing his speech.
  2. The court faces challenges in determining the risks justifying a gag order and in assessing the evidence and mental state of Trump's statements.
  3. Trump's political speech blurs the line between protected speech and intimidating behavior, posing challenges for traditional legal analysis.

Judicial Notice (02.03.24): Musk’s Money Troubles

Original Jurisdiction • 219 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📰 News Law
  1. Elon Musk's $56 billion pay package was ruined by lawyers, led by Greg Varallo, Jeroen van Kwawegen, and David Tejtel.
  2. Litigation boutiques like Lehotsky Keller Cohn are achieving significant wins in cases like FedEx's punitive damages.
  3. ChatGPT's suggestion of non-existent legal cases highlights the need for caution when using AI in legal research.

A Trust Issue.

News Items • 373 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
💼 Business Law
  1. John Ellis discusses corruption in America's courts and the pursuit of reform.
  2. Jay Alix alleges McKinsey consulting firm has been breaking the law in bankruptcy courts.
  3. Consider subscribing to News Items for more insightful content on legal issues.

Notes From A Trial

The Popehat Report • 2558 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law
  1. The author is in San Diego for a trial, balancing work and enjoying the city.
  2. The author is recording episodes for Serious Trouble during the trial.
  3. The author is updating a classic post about censorship tropes in First Amendment discussions.

Porn Is Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Law
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing laws that require age verification on porn sites, but porn will likely continue to exist regardless of the outcome.
  2. Many states have introduced laws to prevent minors from accessing pornography, citing concerns about the impact on youth.
  3. Despite these regulations, the history of porn shows it's always been around and is easily accessible online, making these laws largely ineffective.