Landmark

SCOTUS Today for Wednesday, December 10

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On this day, December 10, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will deliberate on significant legal matters that touch upon crucial constitutional principles. One of the notable cases on the docket is Hamm v. Smith, which revisits the implications of the landmark decision in Atkins v. Virginia. This case is pivotal as it addresses the intersection of intellectual disability and capital punishment in the context of constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Overview of Hamm v. Smith The case of Hamm v. Smith will explore certain aspects of the Supreme Court’s previous … Read more

Morrison v. Olson and the Triumph of the Unitary Executive Theory

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The case of Morrison v. Olson serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding the unitary executive theory, a concept that has gained renewed attention in recent years. This theory posits that the president holds comprehensive authority over the executive branch of the government, which includes the power to appoint and dismiss key agency officials without congressional interference. The implications of this theory extend beyond mere constitutional interpretation; they touch upon the very fabric of the separation of powers that underpins the American political system. The Historical Context of Morrison v. Olson Decided … Read more

Jury Sides with Whistleblower in Landmark Case Against Jersey City Schools, Awarding $245,000 for Retaliation

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JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A civil jury in Hudson County has awarded $125,000 in punitive damages to a former Jersey City Public Schools employee after finding that the Jersey City Board of Education retaliated against her for whistleblowing. The ruling came after a trial that lasted two weeks, culminating in a verdict delivered on Tuesday. The jury’s decision follows an earlier award of $120,000 in compensatory damages granted to Sabrina Harrold, the former assistant director of human resources for the district. Following the jury’s deliberations, Judge Kalimah Ahmad concluded the trial and dismissed the jurors. … Read more

West Point Professor Launches Landmark Lawsuit, Defending Free Speech Rights Against Academy’s New Policy

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West Point, New York – The U.S. Military Academy is facing a federal lawsuit from one of its longest-serving law professors, Tim Bakken, who claims the institution’s new policy infringes on his First Amendment rights. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges that a recently implemented rule requires faculty members to seek prior approval before speaking publicly or publishing academic papers in their official roles. Bakken, who is representing over 100 civilian faculty members in a class-action suit, argues that the February 13, 2025, rule is designed to suppress speech that … Read more