Federal

Oregon Sees Surge in Federal Requests for Immigration Enforcement Support Amid Rising Sanctuary Law Concerns

by

Oregon has experienced a notable surge in requests from federal officials for assistance with immigration enforcement, a state report revealed in July. Specifically, local police departments have reported a staggering 265% increase in such requests, while calls to the state’s “Sanctuary Promise Violations Hotline” have surged even more. The current iteration of the Oregon Sanctuary Act, which was enacted in 2021, allows the public to file lawsuits against local law enforcement or governments that are found to be improperly aiding federal immigration authorities. To date, only one coalition has successfully navigated this legal avenue. The … Read more

Federal Judges Address Alarming Threats to Judicial Independence in Unprecedented Panel Discussion

by

WASHINGTON — In an unprecedented gathering, several federal judges have voiced their concerns regarding increasing threats against the judiciary. The panel discussion, which took place this week, highlighted the alarming rise in violence and intimidation aimed at judges, a situation that has raised concerns about the state of judicial independence and the rule of law. Judges from various districts expressed their firsthand experiences and frustrations over the deteriorating safety conditions that have emerged in recent years. This rare forum provided an opportunity for the judiciary to address the escalating fears that impact not only judges … Read more

Federal Judge Upholds Colorado’s Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone Law Amid New Legal Challenge

by

A federal judge in Denver has dismissed a local woman’s challenge to a law that restricts activities aimed at persuading others outside abortion clinics, a rule that has been in place for over three decades. The case could potentially lead to a U.S. Supreme Court review of its previous decision on similar restrictions. Enacted in 1993, Colorado’s law prohibits individuals from approaching anyone within eight feet of the entrance to a health care facility for the purpose of distributing literature, displaying signs, or speaking with patrons. The legislation was introduced following reports of confrontational tactics … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $10 Million to Family of Jared Lakey in Controversial Civil Case Following Officers’ Actions

by

WILSON, Okla. — A federal jury has awarded $10 million to the family of Jared Lakey, who died in 2019 following a controversial encounter with law enforcement. The decision, announced Monday, holds two former officers accountable for Lakey’s death, although the family’s attorney expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. Spencer Bryan, the attorney representing Lakey’s family, acknowledged the jury’s verdict but indicated it fell short of their expectations. “I certainly respect the jury’s decision, even though I may not agree with it,” Bryan stated. Lakey was subjected to 53 instances of being tased within a brief … Read more