Judge Defangs Arizona Immigration Law

Staff / Truthdig Jul 29, 2010 U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton decided Wednesday that SB 1070's most controversial bits, such as requiring immigrants to carry papers wherever they go, will have to wait until the courts can sort out the mess. As written, the law, which was set to take effect Thursday, would restrict the liberty of "lawfully-present aliens," the judge said. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

BART Cop Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter

Staff / Truthdig Jul 9, 2010 The Los Angeles jury hearing the case of the BART cop who killed an unarmed Oakland man on New Year's Day 2009 went with the least serious of three possible charges, convicting the former officer of involuntary manslaughter. He faces two to four years in prison. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Federal Judge Finds Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

Staff / Truthdig Jul 9, 2010 A U.S. district judge in Massachusetts decided in two separate cases that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act signed into law by Bill Clinton encroaches on the states' right to regulate marriage and violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Russian Spy Has Confessed, Authorities Say

Staff / Truthdig Jul 2, 2010 Federal prosecutors claimed Thursday that one of the alleged Russian spies confessed to working for the Russian foreign intelligence service. Uncle Sam is trying to keep the accused in custody, fearing they might otherwise try to flee, armed no doubt with bullet pens, microdots and perhaps even a briefcase jetpack. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Big Apple? More Like Big Brother

Staff / Truthdig Jun 10, 2010 Citing the specter of terrorism, an appeals court overturned a decision that would have forced New York City to turn over documents detailing the surveillance of demonstrators, street performers and other ne'er-do-wells who may have threatened the 2004 Republican convention and our national security, of course. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Elena Kagan You Won’t See

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig May 13, 2010 Brace yourself for several months of occasionally biting but essentially meaningless political theater over the nomination of Solicitor General Kagan to the Supreme Court. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

The Arc of Women’s Progress

Ruth Marcus / Truthdig May 11, 2010 The first woman to be dean of Harvard Law School. The first woman to be solicitor general. But: the fourth woman, if Elena Kagan is confirmed, on the Supreme Court. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Dutch Official Revives Cartoon Fight

Staff / Truthdig May 5, 2010 The Danish cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad inspired more than death threats. A Dutch cartoon mocking the Holocaust was published in response and the group responsible was taken to court for being offensive. (continued) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Let’s Have a Real Debate About the Court

Joe Conason / Truthdig Apr 15, 2010 A serious debate on "constitutional issues" might reveal our fundamental differences: Republican extremists would use the Supreme Court to prohibit every social and political advance since before the Civil War. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

The Criminalization of Bullying

Ruth Marcus / Truthdig Apr 7, 2010 Bullying should be taken seriously -- by teachers, administrators, parents and, yes, fellow students. I'm doubtful, though, that criminal prosecution is the best way to punish or prevent it. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Judge Rules That Bush’s Illegal Wiretap Program Was Just That

Staff / Truthdig Apr 1, 2010 Lagging a few years behind the liberal media, public opinion and common sense, the justice system has come to the conclusion that President George W. Bush's warrantless wiretapping program broke the rules. (continued) Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

German High Court Outlines Profound Welfare Rights

Staff / Truthdig Mar 23, 2010 Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has rejected cuts to the welfare state, ruling that all citizens, even the poor, have a right to a "minimum level of participation in social, cultural, and political life." That's a much higher standard than providing for food and other basic needs. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )