Backlash

China Revises Contentious National Security Law, Dropping ‘Harmful Spirit’ Clause Amid Public Backlash

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In a significant legal revision, China has amended a contentious clause in its draft law, a move seen by observers as an effort to protect individual freedoms and reduce legal ambiguities. Previously, the draft included language that penalized the act of “producing, disseminating, propagating or spreading articles or remarks that are harmful to the spirit or the feelings of the Chinese nation.” This phrase, criticized for its vagueness and subjective interpretation, was removed to prevent potential misuse in law enforcement and infringement on public rights. Shen Chunyao, deputy chairman of the NPC Constitution and Law … Read more

North Carolina Enacts New Mask-Wearing Restrictions, Overriding Governor’s Veto Amid Political and Public Backlash

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RALEIGH, N.C. — A new law restricting the public wearing of masks is now in effect in North Carolina, following a veto override by the state’s Republican-led General Assembly. This development marks another successful challenge against Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, as the GOP continues to utilize its supermajorities in both the Senate and House. On Thursday, the final approval from the Senate came through a 30-13 vote strictly divided along party lines. This action wrapped up an effort that began in the House, where members engaged in a protracted session the day before, stretching … Read more

Backlash Grows Over Florida Law Excluding Chinese Grad Students from Universities

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Gainesville, Florida – A law in Florida is facing criticism from professors, students, and advocates who believe it may exclude Chinese graduate students from the state’s universities. State Bill 846, which came into effect last July, prohibits the hiring of graduate students from “countries of concern,” including China, the largest source of international students in the state. The law has sparked protests as universities issue offer letters in the spring. Critics argue that the measure poses a threat to academic freedom, scientific advancements, and the state’s education system. They claim it is discriminatory and will … Read more

U.S. Judicial Conference Takes Action to Curb “Judge-Shopping” Amid Public Backlash

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Judicial Conference recently issued new guidance that aims to make “judge-shopping” more difficult in the federal judiciary, following criticism from prominent Republicans in Congress. This term refers to the practice of conservative lawyers strategically selecting judges with similar ideologies for their cases. The guidance, approved on Tuesday, emphasizes that the new policies should not limit a court’s authority or discretion. Instead, they provide ways for courts to align their case assignment practices with the long-standing policy of random case assignment. The objective is to crack down on lawyers who engage in … Read more