USA Archive - Law Commentary

Ajit Pai, former chairman of the FCC, speaking during a congressional hearing.

California challenges U.S. reversal of Obama-era 2017 net neutrality rules

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) filed a complaint on January 14 challenging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on its final rule published earlier in the month upholding a repeal of Obama-era net neutrality rules. The finalized rule, “Restoring Internet Freedom; Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers; Lifeline and... Read More about California challenges U.S. reversal of Obama-era 2017 net neutrality rules

President Biden giving a thumbs up while walking outside, surrounded by people wearing masks.

Biden Seeks to Extend Federal Eviction Moratorium, Landlords Feel the Burden

President Biden started off his first day in office signing 17 executive orders, one of which addresses the national rental eviction crisis during the pandemic. In the order, President Biden asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to extend the current federal eviction moratorium until March 31st. The... Read More about Biden Seeks to Extend Federal Eviction Moratorium, Landlords Feel the Burden

Protesters from the San Carlos Apache tribe holding signs opposing copper mining on sacred land at a demonstration.

Apache Tribe Files Lawsuit against Trump Administration Over Copper Mining on Sacred Land

Members of the San Carlos Apache tribe filed a federal lawsuit in an Arizona U.S. District Court against the Trump administration early last week. The lawsuit aims to stop a land swap between the U.S. Forest Service and two foreign mining companies, Rio Tinto and BHP. The land swap would... Read More about Apache Tribe Files Lawsuit against Trump Administration Over Copper Mining on Sacred Land

Pride flag waving against a blue sky, representing LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.

Colorado Supreme Court Opens Common-Law Marriages to LGBTQ Couples

Currently, only eight states allow for and recognize common-law marriages. Colorado is one of those states. Many others no longer allow for common-law marriages because they can be problematic. In fact, couples who find themselves in a common-law marriage may need to divorce when they break up. However, the parties... Read More about Colorado Supreme Court Opens Common-Law Marriages to LGBTQ Couples

Makan Delrahim, the former Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, surrounded by reporters as he leaves the DOJ.

DOJ’s Antitrust Division Leader Makan Delrahim Steps Down

Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Makan Delrahim has stepped down from his position after serving for nearly three years. His resignation came one day before President Biden was sworn into the White House. The news of his resignation did not come as a shock as Delrahim announced toward... Read More about DOJ’s Antitrust Division Leader Makan Delrahim Steps Down

New York Attorney General Letitia James speaking at a press conference with the state seal in the background.

NY Attorney General Files Lawsuit against NYPD and City Leadership

New York Attorney General, Letitia James, has filed a lawsuit against the New York Police Department (NYPD), its leadership, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. In the lawsuit, James highlights the NYPD and the city leadership's unjust treatment of protesters over the past summer. James specifically points to... Read More about NY Attorney General Files Lawsuit against NYPD and City Leadership

A person using a Bitcoin ATM with a smartphone.

Darknet drug dealers have been accused of hiding a Bitcoin stash that's now worth $16 million

A federal judge in California has ordered the seizure of a treasure trove of bitcoin that previously belonged to a group of darknet drug dealers. The 391.5873617 BTC are, as of January 21, worth over $12.2 million and have been in the possession of federal marshals since 2019. The warrant... Read More about Darknet drug dealers have been accused of hiding a Bitcoin stash that's now worth $16 million

Smartphones displaying the Uber and Lyft logos, positioned on a wooden surface next to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment confirmation document.

Uber and Lyft Drivers Sue to Repeal Newly Passed Prop 22

A group of Uber and Lyft drivers has come together to file a lawsuit in the California Supreme Court this past week. The aim of the lawsuit is to overturn a ballot measure, Prop 22, which was passed by California voters last November. The basis of Prop 22 is that... Read More about Uber and Lyft Drivers Sue to Repeal Newly Passed Prop 22

A man resting his chin on his hand, looking contemplative, with a pen in his other hand, during a formal event or hearing.

Chapman Law Professor Retires After Faculty Calls for His Resignation

The tentacles of January 6th’s Capitol Hill riot in Washington, D.C. have reached all the way to Chapman University in Orange, California, after one of their own, law professor Dr. John Eastman, stood alongside Trump and Trump’s associates at the “Saving America” rally. The rally, which featured speakers including President... Read More about Chapman Law Professor Retires After Faculty Calls for His Resignation

A Northern Spotted Owl perched on a branch surrounded by green foliage.

Trump Administration Delivers Parting Shot to Environmentalists and Spotted Owls

Five days before leaving office, ex-President Trump’s Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a rule that could assure that he will not be the only one who loses his current home. The rule, which strips nearly 3.5 million acres of forest from federal protection, may soon cause the Northern Spotted... Read More about Trump Administration Delivers Parting Shot to Environmentalists and Spotted Owls

President Joe Biden signing executive orders in the Oval Office on his first day in office, wearing a mask and surrounded by stacks of documents.

On Day One, President Joe Biden Tackles 17 Executive Orders

Five hours after being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, newly minted President Joe Biden put his pen where his campaign promises were, as he tackled 17 executive orders stacked high on his desk in the Oval Office. Biden has said he would make COVID-19 his... Read More about On Day One, President Joe Biden Tackles 17 Executive Orders

Rebekah Jones speaking during an online video, wearing a blue sweater against a neutral background.

Former Florida COVID-19 Data Scientist Faces Arrest

Rebekah Jones, the founder of Florida’s official coronavirus database, turned herself in to state law enforcement Monday after authorities issued a warrant for her arrest on Sunday. The warrant alleges she accessed Florida’s computer systems without authorization, a violation of the Florida Computer Crimes Act. Following a raid of her... Read More about Former Florida COVID-19 Data Scientist Faces Arrest

MIT Professor Gang Chen facing charges related to grant fraud and undisclosed ties to China.

MIT Professor Arrested After Grant Fraud

A highly respected MIT Professor has been arrested and charged with grant fraud after he failed to disclose his ties to the People's Republic of China. The arrest comes after an aggressive investigation from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding American universities and any influence the Chinese government may have... Read More about MIT Professor Arrested After Grant Fraud

A close-up of the front of several Toyota vehicles, highlighting the iconic Toyota emblem.

Toyota to Pay $180 in Settlement Costs in Largest Civil Penalty for Violation of EPA Emissions in History

After a long civil probe that began in 2016 by the Justice Department, Toyota Motor Corp settled for $180 million. The defects found in emissions systems in Toyota vehicles were a violation of the Clean Air Act. Though Toyota publicly announced they were under investigation in 2016, the US Attorney’s... Read More about Toyota to Pay $180 in Settlement Costs in Largest Civil Penalty for Violation of EPA Emissions in History

The entrance of Trump Tower in New York City, featuring the American flag and a clock.

NYC Ends Contracts with Trump Organization, Other Businesses Follow

A four-year stay at the White House is not the only thing coming to an end for the Trump Family. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced his city's plans to cut ties with the Trump Organization by ending several contracts. De Blasio recently expressed his dismay at... Read More about NYC Ends Contracts with Trump Organization, Other Businesses Follow