Rights

Iowa Court Upholds Farm Trespassing Laws, Sparking Debate Over Free Speech Rights and Protecting Agricultural Industry

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DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal appeals court has upheld enhanced penalties in Iowa for trespassing on farms. The court ruling affirms two state laws that aim to deter trespassing on farmland and livestock confinements. These laws criminalize lying on a job application to gain access to an agricultural facility and prohibit the recording of video or audio while trespassing on farming properties. Critics argue that these laws impede the free speech rights of individuals concerned about environmental hazards and animal abuse. The decision comes amidst a debate between supporters who see the laws as … Read more

Montana Medical Malpractice: The Devastating Reality of Capped Damages and Constitutional Rights

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HELENA, Montana – Medical malpractice victims in Montana face significant challenges in seeking compensation for their injuries. Despite being awarded substantial damages by a jury, these victims may only receive a fraction of the amount due to a legislative cap imposed since 1995. The cap limits non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, to just $250,000. This cap has raised concerns about constitutional rights and access to justice for victims of medical negligence. Under the current legislation, an injured plaintiff may be awarded millions of dollars in damages for … Read more

Federal Judge Orders New North Dakota Legislative District for Native American Tribes, Citing Voting Rights Violation

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BISMARCK, N.D. — A federal judge has ordered a new joint legislative district in North Dakota for two Native American tribes. The tribes argued that the 2021 redistricting map violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting their voting strength. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Peter Welte made the decision to create a new map after ruling in November that the original map prevented Native American voters from having an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The judge had given North Dakota Republican Secretary of State Michael Howe and the GOP-controlled Legislature until December … Read more

Supreme Court Rejects X Corp.’s Challenge on Public Disclosure of US Government User Data Demands, Raising Concerns on First Amendment Rights and Censorship

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San Francisco, CA – The Supreme Court has declined to hear a case involving X Corp., formerly known as Twitter, and its battle against disclosing user data demanded by the United States government. The case, titled X Corp. v. Garland, was denied by the Supreme Court, leaving intact a ruling from March 2023 that determined the First Amendment does not protect Twitter from limitations on reporting national security demands. This decision has been criticized by civil liberties organizations, who argue that it sets a disturbingly low threshold for censorship. Twitter originally filed the lawsuit in … Read more