Catalyzing Judicial Federalism

In response to a U.S. Supreme Court that is retrenching many important civil rights, some advocates are turning to state courts and constitutions as alternative means of protection. The Court’s regression follows a recent ideological change, a …

Chronic Nuisance Ordinances, Impossible Choices, and State Constitutions

When Lakisha Briggs’s partner attacked her in April 2012, her daughter called the police. Their response ensured that neither Ms. Briggs nor her daughter would ever take that risk again. Once officers arrived at Ms. Briggs’s home, they told her …

The Animal Crushing Offense Loophole

The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (“PACT”) Act of 2019 established the first federal criminal penalties targeting the most extreme forms of animal abuse. Hailed by humane groups as a watershed moment in the development of animal welfare law, …