Brief #225 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by: Rod Maggay
Louisiana’s House Bill No. 71, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, is a brazen assault on the separation of church and state. This divisive legislation not only tramples on constitutional rights but also risks alienating non-Christian students in a state-funded endorsement of one religion.
Brief #224 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by: Rod Maggay
The controversy surrounding Justice Samuel Alito stems from reports of an upside-down American flag and a Pine Tree Flag flown at his properties, symbols recently adopted by far-right groups protesting the 2020 election results. This incident raises significant concerns about his impartiality and adherence to the Supreme Court’s Code of Conduct, prompting calls for his recusal from related cases and potential congressional censure.
Brief #223 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by: Rodney A. Maggay
As state legislatures across the nation flirt with the dangerous notion of substituting unqualified chaplains for trained school counselors, the fundamental principle of separation between church and state is under dire threat. By permitting unlicensed individuals to wield influence over vulnerable students’ mental health and social well-being, these policies jeopardize not only constitutional freedoms but also the safety and welfare of countless students.
Brief #222 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
In a controversial turn of events, Judge Aileen Cannon’s handling of cases involving former President Trump is under scrutiny, with accusations of favoritism towards Trump. Allegations point to questionable orders and scheduling delays, raising concerns that Judge Cannon may be intentionally tilting the trial in Trump’s favor, prompting widespread debate on the integrity of the judicial process.
Brief #221 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
Amidst former President Trump’s legal battles over mishandling classified documents, questions arise over his eligibility to receive classified foreign intelligence briefings as a 2024 election candidate. With bipartisan concerns and differing expert opinions, debates ensue regarding the potential national security implications of such briefings.
Brief #220 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court addressed the Trump ballot case, affirming that states cannot remove Donald Trump from the ballot for the 2024 presidential election, despite allegations of inciting the January 6th insurrection. The Court highlighted the requirement for congressional legislation to apply Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, raising queries about presidential eligibility clauses.
Brief #219 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
On February 6, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in ‘United States of America v. Donald J. Trump,’ rejecting the former President’s defense against allegations of inciting the January 6th riot, affirming the principle of legal equality for all, regardless of office.
Brief #218 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
After Roe v. Wade was overturned, seven states held votes on abortion rights. Both red and blue states had measures to expand protections. Following victories for pro-abortion activists, GOP-led legislatures are seeking to tighten referendum rules to hinder ballot qualification.
Brief #217 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
Presidential immunity in the United States is a legal doctrine that provides a defense for former and current presidents from certain legal claims. While the doctrine is not mentioned in the text of the U.S. Constitution or any federal statute, it has been recognized by United States Supreme Court case law, although in a rather incomplete fashion.
Brief #216 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
In the last year, a number of efforts in multiple states have started to try to disqualify former President Donald Trump from appearing on the Republican primary ballot. In two states, Colorado and Maine, activists achieved their first victories in seeking to bar the former President under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Brief #215 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
While there has been much uproar on the lack of an enforcement mechanism in the Supreme Court’s new ethical code, the fact of the matter is that there are numerous proposals out there that could fill in this glaring hole in the new code.
Brief #214 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
On November 13, 2023 the Supreme Court announced that for the first time in its history the Court’s justices would be bound by an ethical code.