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A bank robber's cellphone gave him away. Now the Supreme Court is hearing his case

A bank robber's cellphone gave him away. Now the Supreme Court is hearing his case

Okello Chatrie’s cellphone gave him away
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Supreme Court to Decide on Legality of Geofence Warrants in Bank Robbery Case

Supreme Court to Decide on Legality of Geofence Warrants in Bank Robbery Case

The Supreme Court is set to hear a case involving the use of geofence warrants, a controversial law enforcement tool that collects location data from cellphones near a crime scene. The case centers on Okello Chatrie, who was identified as a suspect in a bank robbery in Richmond, Virginia, through a geofence warrant served on Google. This warrant allowed police to access location data from cellphones in the vicinity of the crime, leading to Chatrie's arrest and conviction. The case raises questions about the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches, as geofence warrants do not target specific suspects but rather collect data from all devices in a specified area.
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Justice Gorsuch Advocates Originalism in Defense of Tribal Rights

Justice Gorsuch Advocates Originalism in Defense of Tribal Rights

Justice Neil Gorsuch of the United States Supreme Court has linked his originalist legal philosophy to his reputation as a defender of Native American rights. Speaking at a conference organized by the American Revolution 250 Commission in Williamsburg, Virginia, Gorsuch emphasized his commitment to originalism, a legal philosophy that interprets laws based on their original intent. Gorsuch, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2017 by President Trump, has a history of rulings that support tribal sovereignty. He authored the landmark 2020 opinion in McGirt v. Oklahoma, affirming the reservation status of the Muskogee Creek Nation. Gorsuch's remarks highlighted his belief that the original Constitution treated tribes as sovereign entities, akin to states and foreign nations, and that this original understanding should guide current legal interpretations.
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After waiting years for justice, many Purdue opioid victims are defeated — by paperwork

After waiting years for justice, many Purdue opioid victims are defeated — by paperwork

By Dietrich Knauth April 24 (Reuters) - Tammy Blanton’s life unraveled after years of taking opioids initially prescribed for migraines, according to her daughter Mary Anne, who says the drugs left her mother isolated, unemployed and estranged from her family.
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Texas Prosecutors Use Rap Lyrics in Death Row Case, Sparking Debate on Artistic Expression

Texas Prosecutors Use Rap Lyrics in Death Row Case, Sparking Debate on Artistic Expression

In Texas, prosecutors have used rap lyrics as evidence to secure a death sentence for James Broadnax, a Black man convicted of capital murder. Broadnax's lyrics, which prosecutors argued indicated gang affiliation and intent, were presented to an almost all-white jury, leading to his death row sentence. This practice of using rap lyrics in court is not uncommon, with over 700 cases in the past 50 years across more than 40 states. Critics argue that this tactic unfairly targets young men of color and mischaracterizes rap as autobiographical rather than artistic expression. The case has drawn attention from high-profile rappers and legal experts who argue that such evidence perpetuates racial stereotypes and biases in the judicial system.
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Republican proposes giving Democratic-leaning part of Virginia back to DC after redistricting vote

Republican proposes giving Democratic-leaning part of Virginia back to DC after redistricting vote

A Republican congressman has introduced legislation that would expand the borders of Washington, D.C., and cost Virginia Democratic voters
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U.S. Supreme Court Limits Presidential Tariff Authority, Impacting Trade Policy

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Presidential Tariff Authority, Impacting Trade Policy

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Presidential Tariff Authority, Impacting Trade Policy
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Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Mail Ballot Deadlines and Asylum Claims

Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Mail Ballot Deadlines and Asylum Claims

The Supreme Court recently engaged in oral arguments concerning two significant cases: the deadline for mail ballots and the treatment of asylum seekers at the southern border. These cases are pivotal in shaping the legal landscape surrounding voting rights and immigration policies. The discussions included the implications of extending mail ballot deadlines, which could affect the outcome of elections, and the legal challenges faced by asylum seekers, highlighting the complexities of immigration law. Additionally, the court addressed a unanimous decision favoring internet providers in a copyright dispute, showcasing the court's role in balancing technological advancements with legal protections.
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Exclusive-US EEOC Chair violated ethics rules halting LGBTQ cases, complaint alleges

Exclusive-US EEOC Chair violated ethics rules halting LGBTQ cases, complaint alleges

By David Hood-Nuño and Bianca Flowers April 23 (Reuters) - U.S.
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EFF Sues DHS and ICE Over Subpoenas Targeting Social Media Users Critical of Immigration Policies

EFF Sues DHS and ICE Over Subpoenas Targeting Social Media Users Critical of Immigration Policies

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to respond to public records requests regarding the use of administrative subpoenas. These subpoenas have been used to compel tech companies to disclose identities of anonymous social media users who have criticized immigration enforcement activities. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks expedited processing and release of records related to these subpoenas. The EFF claims that these actions are part of a broader effort to suppress free speech and target individuals critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the use of legal means to unmask and potentially retaliate against critics, raising significant First Amendment issues.
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Factbox-U.S. states where marijuana is legal

Factbox-U.S. states where marijuana is legal

April 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice is easing restrictions on certain marijuana products and accelerating the drug's reclassification as less dangerous, marking one of the biggest shifts to U.S. drug policy in decades.
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Supreme Court Decision Keeps Line 5 Pipeline Case in Michigan State Court

Supreme Court Decision Keeps Line 5 Pipeline Case in Michigan State Court

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Michigan, allowing the state's lawsuit to shut down a section of the Line 5 pipeline to remain in state court. This decision is part of an ongoing legal battle concerning the aging pipeline, which runs beneath a channel of the Great Lakes. Michigan has been seeking to close this section due to environmental concerns, arguing that the pipeline poses a significant risk to the Great Lakes. The pipeline, operated by Enbridge, has been a point of contention between the state and the company, with Michigan officials emphasizing the potential for catastrophic oil spills.