Editors’ Note: Reposted from Mother Jones, July 1, 2021. The majority’s opinion that the existence of “some disparity in impact” upon racial minorities is acceptable and not sufficient to make such laws illegal. This guidepost means that any future challenges… Read More ›
SCOTUS
Uncharitable SCOTUS
Sir Thomas Browne (d. 1682) is acknowledged to be the first to coin the expression into print form in 1642: Charity begins at home, is the voice of the world; yet is every man his greatest enemy, and, as it… Read More ›
Dissenting Voices and Visions
The Supreme Court of the United States enjoys hallowed respect in our nation as its decisions affect every resident of the states and territories. The Court has been the battleground referee and umpire for many freedoms taken for granted without… Read More ›
Disparate Impact
Few argue that there exists no bias or discrimination in our daily lives as it may involve gender, age, color, or other. At times, the bias may even be widespread yet mostly invisible to observers. For decades, people of color,… Read More ›
Jim Crow Ate America
THE NEW JIM CROW by Michelle Alexander Book Review by Jim McCarthy Although published 11 years ago, the content, information, and observations are not only fresh for consideration today but prophetic. The author offers… Read More ›
Two May Not Be Better than One
A simple Google search inquiring “why do US state legislatures have two chambers” returns no sources providing convincing, rational reasons. Rather, reviewing a number of the results, one hears the words from grammar and high school civics course resonating that… Read More ›
Make No Law . . .
It was crystal clear to the authors of the US Constitution that the English experience in having established a state-favored religion caused unending mischief and bad public policy to the detriment of those who did not belong to the Church… Read More ›
The Catholic Supremes
With the seating of Amy Coney Barrett to SCOTUS in late 2020, the Court’s Catholic cohort of members, nominally or professed, became six of nine. They are: John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor, Brett Kavanaugh, and Ms. Barrett…. Read More ›
I Hear Ya Knockin’
This month, Virginia became one of three states to ban “no knock” warrants. Thirteen states have legislated in favor of this police power while the remainder deem such searches permissible with court approval. The procedure has had a troubled history,… Read More ›