USA Archive - Law Commentary

A person in a suit writes in a legal document with a gavel and scales of justice visible on a desk.

Boston Adopts Police Reform Ordinance Aimed at Investigating Police Misconduct

Summer riots spawned the demand for police reform and investigations into police misconduct. The city of Boston has answered that call by creating an independent board that will look into the misconduct of police officers. Boston's mayor, Martin Walsh, signed an ordinance this week establishing the Office of Police Accountability... Read More about Boston Adopts Police Reform Ordinance Aimed at Investigating Police Misconduct

Crowds gather outside the Capitol building as smoke rises during the January 6 attack.

After Trump Mobs Attack Capitol, Trump Removal Options Sent to Pence as Cabinet Discusses 25th Amendment

In a strong response to the domestic terrorists who stormed Capitol Hill on January 6, a steadily growing list of Republican and Democratic members of Congress shared a slew of recommendations to remove President Donald J. Trump from office yesterday. A public roar is being heard from both parties in... Read More about After Trump Mobs Attack Capitol, Trump Removal Options Sent to Pence as Cabinet Discusses 25th Amendment

Image of Xavier Becerra speaking at a podium with a microphone, in front of an American flag backdrop.

Biden Administration Faces Hurdles Enacting New Surprise Medical Billing Legislation

The most recent coronavirus relief bill included legislation that would reign in the high-cost practice of "surprise medical billing." The high cost of medical care has been an issue that both parties have attempted to tackle over the years and although many see this as a step in the right... Read More about Biden Administration Faces Hurdles Enacting New Surprise Medical Billing Legislation

Exterior view of a temple belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, featuring a tall steeple and surrounding landscaping.

Arizona’s LDS Church Faces Seven Lawsuits Amid Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is at the center of several lawsuits filed on December 28th. The lawsuits accuse the Mormon church of covering up sexual abuse allegations brought on by members of the Boy Scouts of America. The seven lawsuits filed against the church each represent... Read More about Arizona’s LDS Church Faces Seven Lawsuits Amid Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Allegations

Newly sworn-in Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor speaking at a press conference, emphasizing the decision to end the county's involvement in the 287(g) program.

Newly Sworn-in Gwinnett County Sheriff Pulls County Off 287(g) Program

Newly-elected Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor severed ties with ICE and its controversial program that deputized local police. Of Georgia’s 159 counties, only eight were participating with ICE before Sheriff Taylor’s announcement. Gwinnett County officials first partnered with ICE back in 2009. This partnership derives from an obscure section of... Read More about Newly Sworn-in Gwinnett County Sheriff Pulls County Off 287(g) Program

Close-up image of sparkling diamonds on a dark surface.

NY Jeweler Pleads Guilty in $200 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Police, Firefighters

On December 30th, 2020, New York wholesale jeweler Gregory Altieri, 53, pled guilty to wire fraud and securities fraud in Brooklyn in front of New York U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan. Altieri, who is from Melville, New York, is the president of LNA Associates Ltd. Altieri is accused of defrauding... Read More about NY Jeweler Pleads Guilty in $200 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Police, Firefighters

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking at a podium in front of the state flag and a U.S. flag after signing new sex offender amendments into law.

Michigan Governor Whitmer Signs New Sex Offender Amendments into Law After 2016 Fed Mandate

Revisions to the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act were signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer after a four-year-long process of revisions. The Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) now includes significant updates to the prior version of the Michigan law, with a long list of amendments that take effect... Read More about Michigan Governor Whitmer Signs New Sex Offender Amendments into Law After 2016 Fed Mandate

A man raising his fist while holding a microphone outdoors, surrounded by trees.

11 Republicans Issue Joint Statement about Defying Electoral College Certification

Eleven US Republicans, including sitting senators and senators-elect, issued a joint statement regarding the Electoral College certification process. Though brief, their statement clearly indicated their plans to contest the legally-certified election of President-elect Joe Biden. Their mission is to substitute the electoral votes of certain states to keep Trump as... Read More about 11 Republicans Issue Joint Statement about Defying Electoral College Certification

Mike Pence wearing a mask during a formal event.

Federal Judge Quickly Rejects Request to Allow Pence to Ignore States’ Electors and Run Ramshod over Democratic System of Voting

A federal judge threw out the lawsuit late Saturday that challenged President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, days before Congress was set to officially confirm the presidential election results. Pence, as per the most recent decision by Judge Jeremy Kernodle in Texas, has no authority to tamper in any way with the... Read More about Federal Judge Quickly Rejects Request to Allow Pence to Ignore States’ Electors and Run Ramshod over Democratic System of Voting

Julian Assange standing at the window of the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he sought asylum for several years.

Fearing Suicide, British Judge Rejects Extradition for WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange

Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who is accused of violating the Espionage Act, will not be returning to the U.S. to face trial because a British judge denied his extradition for fear that he would commit suicide if incarcerated here. British District Judge Vanessa Baraitser made her ruling on January... Read More about Fearing Suicide, British Judge Rejects Extradition for WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange

Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump posing outside a building.

Federal Prosecutors Have Discussed Obtaining Rudy Giuliani’s Emails

Donald Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani is apparently under investigation by federal investigators for the Southern District of New York in a probe that sources claim to be “very active.” Investigators are apparently interested in Giuliani’s electronic communications. Either a search warrant or a grand jury subpoena might be used... Read More about Federal Prosecutors Have Discussed Obtaining Rudy Giuliani’s Emails

Image of Donald Trump outdoors, wearing a dark coat and a red tie.

Trump Extends Ban on H-1B Work Visas and Green Cards

The Trump administration has extended a proclamation ban on work visas and new green cards until March 31, 2021. On Thursday, President Trump signed a proclamation that prolongs the ban that was originally issued in April and renewed in June. This new COVID-19-related immigration ban specifically covers immigrants who are... Read More about Trump Extends Ban on H-1B Work Visas and Green Cards

Workers wearing safety gear and masks are being screened for temperature at a workplace, highlighting health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

US Dept. of Labor Publishes Consumer & Business Info for Paid Sick Leave Due to COVID-19

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the US Department of Labor has published extensive information offering specific guidance for workers and employers regarding protections and relief provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA offers legal guidelines pertaining to paid sick leave, expanded family leave, and... Read More about US Dept. of Labor Publishes Consumer & Business Info for Paid Sick Leave Due to COVID-19

A person holding a sign with a photo of Tamir Rice and a quote about preparing children for the world, along with a smaller sign calling for police accountability.

Justice Department Will Not Prosecute Officers in Tamir Rice Shooting

The Justice Department announced last week that it is closing its investigation of the officer who fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice. The Justice Department determined that there is insufficient evidence to charge the officer with a federal offense. In a statement released earlier this week, this Justice Department explained that... Read More about Justice Department Will Not Prosecute Officers in Tamir Rice Shooting

Entrance to a Taxpayer Assistance Center at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building.

Owner of Immigration Business Pleads Guilty to Defrauding USCIS and IRS

Laura Luz Maria Torres pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy on December 28, 2020, in Palm Beach, Florida, for her involvement in a multilayered scheme to defraud the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Torres is indicted with three charges, including... Read More about Owner of Immigration Business Pleads Guilty to Defrauding USCIS and IRS