USA Archive - Law Commentary

Image of the United States Supreme Court building, showcasing its iconic architecture and grandeur.

Supreme Court Says Violence Is Not Always Created Directly “By Force” and Can Be a Result of Omission

A 2024 appeal regarding a person who was found guilty of violence “by force,” though indirectly, was heard by the Supreme Court recently. The High Court held that the “knowing or intentional causation of injury or death, whether by act or omission, necessarily involves the “use” of “physical force” against... Read More about Supreme Court Says Violence Is Not Always Created Directly “By Force” and Can Be a Result of Omission

Ghost gun parts and assembly kits displayed on a table, with the U.S. flag in the background.

Supreme Court Upholds the 2022 Ghost Gun Rule Regulating Untraceable Weapons Saying They Are Built to “Buy, Build, Shoot.”

In a 22-page decision marking a victory for gun safety advocates yesterday, a 7-2 majority of the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a rule regulating ghost guns and untraceable weapons without serial numbers. The case of Bondi v VanDerStok centered around the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 2021... Read More about Supreme Court Upholds the 2022 Ghost Gun Rule Regulating Untraceable Weapons Saying They Are Built to “Buy, Build, Shoot.”

Close-up of a person with short black hair and bold makeup, wearing a red outfit, alongside the album cover of "MAYHEM" featuring a black-and-white image with stylized text.

Lady Gaga Hit With $100 Million Lawsuit by CA Surf Company for Alleged Copyright Infringement of Logos

A California surf company that manufactures surfboards and related merchandise recently filed a lawsuit against the singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, accusing her of stealing their logo. Legal documents allege the pop star appropriated a trademark held by Lost International coinciding with the release of her new album, ‘Mayhem.’ This is Lady... Read More about Lady Gaga Hit With $100 Million Lawsuit by CA Surf Company for Alleged Copyright Infringement of Logos

Areli Escobar, a Texas death row inmate, in court during legal proceedings related to his conviction.

Supreme Court Rejects Texas Death Row Inmate’s Appeal

The United States Supreme Court has denied review of a Texas inmate who was convicted of murdering and raping a 17-year-old girl, Bianca Maldonado, in 2009. She lived in his apartment at the time of her murder. Areli Escobar asked the Court for relief after his legal team said Texas... Read More about Supreme Court Rejects Texas Death Row Inmate’s Appeal

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman speaking at a press conference.

LA DA Hochman Announces Charges Against Woman for Allegedly Receiving Over $350,000 of Stolen Retail Items

Criminal charges against a Southern California woman for retail theft reached new heights after Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced the accused allegedly received over $350,000 of goods from major retailers. Blanca Elsa Escobar, 65, was arrested and charged with receiving a massive amount of products stolen... Read More about LA DA Hochman Announces Charges Against Woman for Allegedly Receiving Over $350,000 of Stolen Retail Items

A young woman looking thoughtfully out a window, reflecting on her experiences and challenges in education.

High School Graduate Sues Her School District Because She Graduated Without Learning How to Read or Write

A Connecticut college student is suing her former public school district, accusing them of letting her graduate with honors despite the fact that she never learned how to read or write. The student, nineteen-year-old Aleysha Ortiz, was an English language learner while she attended Hartford Public Schools. During her time... Read More about High School Graduate Sues Her School District Because She Graduated Without Learning How to Read or Write

A student standing outside a university building, with steps leading up to the entrance, displaying a banner with the word "TIDE."

Trump Administration Revokes Over 300 Student Visas Amid Activism Crackdown

The Trump administration has revoked more than 300 student visas, intensifying scrutiny on foreign-born college students accused primarily of engaging in political activism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Thursday that these revocations were part of an ongoing effort targeting individuals labeled as threats to national security. Speaking during a... Read More about Trump Administration Revokes Over 300 Student Visas Amid Activism Crackdown

Director Carl Erik Rinsch Charged With Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

A successful Hollywood director faces charges of money laundering, wire fraud, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and allegedly defrauding a streaming company of millions. Carl Erik Rinsch, who directed “47 Ronin,” was arrested in Los Angeles on March 18, after he was indicted by... Read More about Director Carl Erik Rinsch Charged With Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

A man in a beige jacket stands in front of a black backdrop with the logos of Uneek Entertainment and the text "UNVEILED."

South LA-based Rollin’ 60s Crips Leader Eugene Henley Jr. Charged in RICO Complaint Alleging Racketeering Crimes With 18 Others

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last week that Eugene Henley Jr., aka “Big U,” has been charged in a 107-page federal complaint, accusing him of running “a criminal enterprise that committed a series of racketeering crimes, including extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and the 2021 murder of an aspiring rap... Read More about South LA-based Rollin’ 60s Crips Leader Eugene Henley Jr. Charged in RICO Complaint Alleging Racketeering Crimes With 18 Others

A young man with colorful dreadlocks and glasses poses for a mugshot against a dark background.

Texas Man Who Planned Mass Murder Attacks Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Federal Prison

When the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the San Antonio Fire Department, the New Braunfels Police Department, and the ATF followed up on a young man’s failed attempt to purchase an assault shotgun from a pawn shop, their investigation resulted in arresting a twenty-year-old man and charging him with planning... Read More about Texas Man Who Planned Mass Murder Attacks Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Federal Prison

A group of Greenpeace supporters standing outside the Morton County Memorial Courthouse, holding a banner that reads "ENERGY TRANSFER: WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED."

Greenpeace Is Gutted by Verdict Assessing $666.9 Million in Damages Over Pipeline Protests From 15 Years Ago

Fifteen years after oil pipeline company Energy Transfer and subsidiary Dakota Access filed a lawsuit regarding protests by Native Americans and Greenpeace, a jury found the Netherlands-based Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and their funding arm Greenpeace Fund Inc., liable for defamation and more. The now teetering organization was found legally... Read More about Greenpeace Is Gutted by Verdict Assessing $666.9 Million in Damages Over Pipeline Protests From 15 Years Ago

A hallway inside a youth correctional facility featuring multiple cell doors.

Oregon Youth Authority Physician, Nicknamed “Dr. Cold Fingers,” Accused of Sexual Abuse In New Lawsuit

The Oregon Youth Authority, which operates under the auspices of the state of Oregon, is facing a $51 million lawsuit claiming that boys who were in custody at a youth correctional facility in Woodburn were sexually assaulted. The lawsuit, filed by at least 10 individuals, alleges they suffered at the... Read More about Oregon Youth Authority Physician, Nicknamed “Dr. Cold Fingers,” Accused of Sexual Abuse In New Lawsuit

A legislative hearing in Minnesota with three people seated at a table, discussing various issues.

Minnesota Legislator Accused of Soliciting Minor for Sex in Sting Operation

Former Minnesota state Republican lawmaker Justin Eichorn was charged with a felony in federal court earlier this week for allegedly trying to buy sex from an underage girl. After being charged with the crime, he resigned from his seat in the Minnesota state legislature. Eichorn is charged with “attempted coercion... Read More about Minnesota Legislator Accused of Soliciting Minor for Sex in Sting Operation

Starbucks Calls $50 Million Spilled Hot Coffee Verdict “Excessive” and Announces Plan to Appeal

A California delivery driver has been awarded $50 million in damages by a jury who says Starbucks is to blame for a hot drink that spilled on the driver’s lap, causing him severe pain and disfigurement, when he came through the drive-thru window in 2020. Michael Garcia filed his... Read More about Starbucks Calls $50 Million Spilled Hot Coffee Verdict “Excessive” and Announces Plan to Appeal

A scene from "The Matrix Resurrections" featuring two main characters standing in front of a burning vehicle.

Hit Film Production Company Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy After Long Court Fight With Warner Bros

After a costly three-year legal battle with Warner Bros., the company that produced enormously successful films such as “The Matrix” and “Joker” filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 17th. Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, founded in 1989, filed for bankruptcy in Delaware, saying that a lengthy legal battle with Warner... Read More about Hit Film Production Company Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy After Long Court Fight With Warner Bros