Recent Elections & Politics Posts
Latest Civil Rights Posts
Should Trump Be Given Classified Foreign Intelligence Briefings As A Candidate?
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.
Supreme Court Issues Unanimous Ruling in Trump Ballot Case
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.
An Analysis of the Presidential Immunity Ruling By The Appeals Court
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.
How Conservatives Are Trying To Block Voters From Voting On Abortion Rights
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.
Why Former President Trump’s Presidential Immunity Arguments Should Be Rejected
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.
How Colorado and Maine Decisions Bolster The Efforts To Bar Trump From The 2024 Primary Ballots
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.
Proposals For Enforcement Of The Supreme Court’s New Ethics Code
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.
The New Supreme Court Ethics Code Needs More To Be Effective
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.
An Analysis Of The Gag Orders In Criminal Cases Against Former President Trump
Brief #213 – Civil Rights Policy Brief
by Rodney A. Maggay
In the months leading up to the trial, the court issued Trump a limited gag order in order to try and limit some of his inflammatory comments while allowing him to still speak on public issues.
Recent Elections & Politics Posts
An Early Look at the 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Race
Brief #113 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Ian Milden
North Carolina has had competitive statewide races in recent years. While Republicans have won more consistently in federal races, Democrats have managed to win some of the statewide offices, such as the Governor’s office, on a consistent basis.
Redistricting and Gerrymandering Effects
Brief #112 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Inijah Quadri
The impact is profound: elections become less competitive, voter disillusionment rises, and elected officials face less accountability.
Republicans Bash Republicans
Brief #111 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by William Bourque
The GOP can’t seem to keep members in line or maintain a united front on anything, which makes it hard to imagine they have any chance of keeping the House or flipping the Senate. As always, we expect the presidency to be close…even if Trump runs from behind bars.
Be on the Lookout: Politicians Never Stop Campaigning
Brief #110 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Steve Piazza
During the most recent Republican Presidential Debate, candidates made a hard sale expressing their unconditional support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
Examining Competitive House Races in the Midwest
Brief #109 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Ian Milden
There are a handful of seats in this region that Democrats can target, but the Democratic Party will need to make significant efforts to recruit the right candidates and support their campaigns.
What to expect from Speaker Johnson
Brief #108 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by William Borque
The fourth-term Congressman out of Western Louisiana was not on many Bingo cards as the next speaker of the house…but here we are.
A Closer Look at Trump’s Criminal Defense
Brief #105 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Abigail Hunt
Former President Donald Trump faces federal charges for tampering with the 2020 election.
Examining Competitive US House Races in the South
Brief #107 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Ian Milden
The South has largely not been friendly to Democrats in recent election cycles due to Republicans’ control of the redistricting process and increasing hostility to the Democratic Party…
A Look at the Racketeering Case Against Trump in Georgia
Brief #106 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Abigail Hunt
In the state of Georgia, Trump is currently out on a $200,000 bond for 13 felony indictments.