The hottest Legal Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Does it matter that the DC pipe bombs were inoperable?

The Reactionary • 54 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. A qualified explosives expert concluded the pipe devices lacked proper explosive filler and functional fuzing, so they were unlikely to detonate.
  2. Whether the devices were operable doesn’t change the criminal case, because federal law covers transporting explosives and criminal attempts even if the devices fail or aren’t fully functional.
  3. The expert report was submitted to argue for pretrial release, but the defendant’s admissions and purchase/assembly evidence — plus the presumption for detention — make release unlikely unless new exculpatory evidence (like entrapment) emerges.

After Musk’s Lawsuit, No More Illusions About OpenAI

Big Technology • 4753 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Legal
  1. Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI revealed that the company's open promise was more of a ploy for recruitment than a true dedication to open-source.
  2. OpenAI's deal with Microsoft has created a situation where it must balance being close to AGI for profits while keeping its research proprietary, as Musk's lawsuit claims AGI has been reached.
  3. Musk's case against OpenAI showcases his concerns about Google's AI advancements and his efforts to shape the narrative around his relationship with OpenAI.

Trump Lasts Three Minutes

SHERO • 707 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Donald Trump testified in his own defense in a defamation trial brought by E. Jean Carroll.
  2. The judge imposed restrictions on Trump's testimony, preventing him from denying the previous jury determination.
  3. Trump briefly testified, maintained his previous statements, and left the stand.

It's on, baby!

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 698 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. The Constitution does not require states to include currently ineligible candidates on the ballot, even if they may become eligible in the future.
  2. Allowing ineligible candidates on the ballot can lead to confusion for voters and cause controversy if an ineligible candidate wins the election.
  3. Interpreting the Constitution requires sticking to the text rather than overly creative lawyering to avoid confusion and promote understanding among citizens.

Transcript: Ryan Alford

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 589 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Canada's Federal Court ruled that the government's invocation of the Emergencies Act during the trucker protests was illegal and unreasonable.
  2. The government's rationale for invoking the Emergencies Act was questioned, as it was found to exceed the government's statutory authority and violate the constitution.
  3. Media's role in amplifying misinformation and uncritically accepting the government's narrative during the protests was criticized by the court and civil liberties advocates.
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Does Biglaw Have A Liberal Bent?

Original Jurisdiction • 719 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. A 2015 study found that lawyers in Biglaw are more liberal than those at smaller firms.
  2. New research analyzed Supreme Court amicus briefs to assess ideological leanings of large law firms.
  3. In controversial cases like abortion and LGBTQ rights, Biglaw firms overwhelmingly supported liberal positions.

Hunter Biden And The Fog Of War

The Popehat Report • 6158 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. The urge to comment immediately on events before having all the facts is prevalent in the age of social media.
  2. The failure to define the scope of non-prosecution promises in agreements led to the derailment of Hunter Biden's plea deal.
  3. The set of agreements in Hunter Biden's case were vaguely drafted, raising concerns about clarity and potential future issues.

They're always guilty ... or are they?

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. The case of Diaz v. United States appears simple on the surface but is actually filled with complex disagreements about legal and philosophical issues.
  2. Interpreting legal rules like Rule 704(b) involves considering historical context, policy concerns, and the balance between being too persuasive or not persuasive enough.
  3. Judges have a lot of discretion in interpreting laws, which can lead to differing outcomes based on methodological approaches, making consistency and the role of AI in judging potential areas for improvement.

Mifepristone and the rule of law, part III

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1377 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit partially granted the FDA's motion regarding mifepristone, subjecting it to pre-2016 regulatory requirements.
  2. The Fifth Circuit's decision was criticized for its analysis of standing, with concerns raised about statistical certainty and the potential harm to doctors.
  3. The court's reasoning on timeliness and exhaustion was questioned, with issues seen as less relevant due to the stay on the 2000 approval of mifepristone. The argument that the FDA violated the Administrative Procedure Act was also discussed.

Trump's Immunity Argument on Appeal

SHERO • 589 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  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.

6 Video Clips Of Judge Pauline Newman

Original Jurisdiction • 619 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Legal
  1. Judge Pauline Newman is 96 years old and defending herself against allegations of cognitive decline.
  2. She shared video clips of herself to showcase her cognitive ability and vitality.
  3. Despite efforts to remove her from the bench, Judge Newman is determined to continue serving.

TGIF: Every Sperm Is Sacred

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3528 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. President Biden faced criticisms regarding his communication style and response to questions, showcasing potential weaknesses in his public image.
  2. Donald Trump is engaging in unique marketing strategies by selling high-priced branded sneakers, stirring up reactions from the opposition party.
  3. Trump's legal issues, particularly a civil fraud trial in New York, demonstrate the complex intersection of legitimate legal concerns and potentially politically motivated prosecutions.

Fees planned for employment claims

A Lawyer Writes • 491 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legal
  1. Ministry of Justice planned fees for employment claims but faced a defeat in court due to access to justice issues.
  2. The decision to charge claimants fees for bringing claims before employment tribunals was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court.
  3. The government had to repeal the unlawful fees order and make arrangements to refund all fees that had been paid.

In Memoriam: Professor Charles Fried (1935-2024)

Original Jurisdiction • 559 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Professor Charles Fried was known for his open-mindedness and willingness to change his views over time.
  2. He had a distinguished academic career, including serving as U.S. solicitor general and a justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
  3. His ability to reconsider his opinions, embrace civil discourse, and inspire others to be open-minded is a valuable lesson for public life.

Genesis Wins Court Ruling to Sell Tranche of GBTC Shares

Bitcoin Magazine Pro • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💰 Finance Legal
  1. Genesis won a court ruling to sell millions of GBTC shares, aiming to reimburse creditors and stabilize Bitcoin's price.
  2. A large sale of GBTC triggered a market decline for both GBTC and Bitcoin in the past, causing concerns within the Bitcoin community.
  3. Despite legal disputes and setbacks, Genesis is moving forward with plans to sell GBTC to settle debts, potentially impacting Bitcoin's valuation.

Further Thoughts on Tornetta (and a bit about Veracini)

lawrence’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💰 Finance Legal
  1. Attorneys' fees in legal cases can be substantial, with requests reaching billions of dollars, setting new records
  2. Tesla may face implications in its stock price due to potential sale of awarded shares, creating a significant influence on the market
  3. The _Tornetta_ decision could result in a significant earnings windfall and raises questions about the fundamental duty of a board of directors in improving shareholder value

Do DOJ Docs Show Epstein Death Notice A Day Early?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 18 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📰 News Legal
  1. A DOJ press release about Jeffrey Epstein’s death is dated August 9, 2019 even though he was reported found dead early on August 10.
  2. The most likely explanations are mundane: the statement could have been drafted in advance or a clerical/automated timestamp error occurred, and a date mismatch alone doesn’t prove prior knowledge.
  3. A simple clarification of how release dates are assigned (draft date vs. publication date) would likely reduce speculation, since small bureaucratic inconsistencies fuel mistrust in high‑profile cases.

It ain't over 'til it's over

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. The judge's ruling allowing intervention in the mifepristone case is considered an abuse of discretion and faces criticism for being based on weak arguments and misinterpretation of legal principles.
  2. The states filed a motion to intervene in the case to continue prosecution if private plaintiffs lose standing, but their arguments for intervention are criticized for being speculative and lacking legal basis.
  3. The judge's reasoning for granting intervention is flawed, showing errors in assessing timeliness, prejudice, and the impact of the district court's judgment on future actions.

Georgia Fake Electors All Turn on Each Other

SHERO • 707 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Georgia fake electors in legal trouble for turning on each other in an investigation led by District Attorney Fani Willis.
  2. Attorneys representing the fake electors facing conflict of interest accusations for not informing clients about immunity offers.
  3. Possibility of criminal charges at both state and federal levels for the fake electors involved in impaneling rival slates of electors.

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
  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.

A Dangerous Fifth-String Evangelical Republican Speaker

SHERO • 609 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected as the new House Speaker, despite being the Republican Party's fifth choice.
  2. The smooth voting process didn't reflect the turmoil within the GOP over leadership.
  3. Mike Johnson's savvy background in Constitutional Law and support for Trump's election stance played key roles in his rise to House Speaker.

💥One down, eleven to go...💥

PETITION • 334 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Legal
  1. Recent bankruptcies in the corporate sector include companies like Humanigen Inc., Audacy Inc., and Eye Care Leaders.
  2. GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024 due to financial struggles and liquidity issues.
  3. In Rite Aid's bankruptcy case, issues arise regarding store closures, conflicts over lease rejections, and negotiations with stakeholders.

Elon Musk sues OpenAI

Marcus on AI • 2292 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and key individuals over alleged breaches and shifts in mission
  2. The lawsuit highlights a lack of candor and a departure from the original nonprofit mission of OpenAI
  3. Elon Musk's focus is on ensuring OpenAI returns to being open and aligns with its original mission

They're calling it Arrestmas...

SHERO • 628 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. There are high alerts in Manhattan for possible events related to Trump's potential arrest.
  2. The Manhattan DA did not deny that Donald Trump would be indicted.
  3. NYPD officers are preparing for possible actions in response to the situation.

Fulton County District Attorney Responds to Trump

SHERO • 609 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis responded to Trump's motion by asking the judge to dismiss it.
  2. Willis argued that Trump and Latham failed to prove their claims on due process rights and the grand jury process.
  3. A group of media outlets objected to Trump's request to quash the special grand jury report, emphasizing public concern.

We the People, are the Victims

SHERO • 609 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Special Counsel Jack Smith presented an indictment against Donald Trump for various charges.
  2. A good legal indictment requires a compelling narrative detailing the defendant's actions.
  3. The trial of Donald Trump must be televised to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.

Avraham Eisenberg Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for Child Porn Following Karlstack Investigation

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📰 News Legal
  1. Avraham Eisenberg was sentenced to 52 months in prison for possessing child pornography. This followed an investigation that unveiled serious crimes connected to him.
  2. Before his arrest, Eisenberg exploited the Mango Markets crypto protocol, leading to significant financial gains. His actions had serious consequences in the crypto world.
  3. The investigation not only held Eisenberg accountable but also showed the risks that investigative journalists face when exposing wrongdoing.

Judge Engoron Makes a Bold, Quiet Move

SHERO • 589 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. There are many legal cases against Donald Trump causing confusion among legal professionals and the public.
  2. Judge Engoron made a significant ruling requiring Trump to inform the court before moving assets and to conduct a new financial inspection.
  3. The ruling by Judge Engoron is an important detail happening in court this week and might be overlooked by the general public.

Biggest Trump Indictment Takeaways

SHERO • 569 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Former President Donald Trump charged with 37 felony counts involving classified information.
  2. Trump facing 31 counts of violating the Espionage Act and other charges for obstruction of justice.
  3. Allegations indicate Trump stored classified documents in unsecured locations and shared them with unauthorized individuals.

Reflections on AHM v. FDA

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. The Supreme Court's order in AHM v. FDA indicates the FDA will likely prevail; legal arguments have been thoroughly aired and further briefing is not expected to change the outcome.
  2. The litigation in AHM v. FDA will continue, with the Fifth Circuit hearing oral arguments next; the Supreme Court may reverse a Fifth Circuit decision if needed.
  3. Proposals to prevent similar situations include eliminating single-judge divisions to avoid forum shopping and improve the administration of justice without needing broader, unwarranted changes.

Contrived cases make bad law

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal
  1. Contrived cases can lead to bad legal precedent - The case of 303 Creative highlights how manufactured or contrived cases can have implications on legal decisions and create potentially problematic precedents.
  2. Verification of claims is crucial - The need to verify claims before relying on them is essential, as seen in the case where a fake request impacted the standing argument of 303 Creative.
  3. Supreme Court involvement in contrived cases - The case of 303 Creative raises questions about whether the Supreme Court should involve itself in controversial issues through manufactured litigation.

💥Nobody Care(ismatic)💥

PETITION • 275 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Legal
  1. A medical apparel seller has filed for bankruptcy due to various financial challenges and changes in the industry.
  2. The restructuring process involves equitizing first lien debt and securing a DIP financing with interesting features.
  3. The bankruptcy filing of Terraform Labs Pte. Ltd., known for the failed stablecoin Terra USD, has led to ongoing legal proceedings and the company's intent to continue its business plan.

💥Here's Adam!?💥

PETITION • 235 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Legal
  1. The WeWork debtors are in conflict with landlords over unpaid rent, leading to a heated legal battle.
  2. Cano Health Inc. and its affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware due to financial struggles and bad acquisitions.
  3. The restructuring support agreement for Cano Health aims to deleverage the company's balance sheet through a sale process and a proposed $150 million DIP financing.

The Distant Sun

Becoming Noble • 478 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Legal
  1. The protection of space and claimed faith allowed a community to operate in secrecy and avoid legal intervention.
  2. Owning a large swath of land provided a secretive community with distance from scrutiny and protection from outside interference.
  3. Lessons from secretive communities can be applied to identify opportunities for invoking similar protective measures.