Rodriguez v. United States: The Case That Protects the Fourth Amendment

In 2015, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Rodriguez v. United States seeked to solidify Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable seizures during traffic stops, restricting police discretion in extending stops without reasonable suspicion. However, enforcement has revealed significant inconsistencies between the law as written and its application. While Rodriguez initially seemed to safeguard individual privacy rights, …

The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) of 1970

 The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 was aimed to help combat drug abuse and distribution.  Title II is also known as the Controlled Substance Act  and it was enacted by the 91st United States Congress and signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970. The Controlled Substance Act was created to control …

Protecting Queer Parents in Custody Determinations

Naina ShaileshLS 100Professor Deland30 April 2024Protecting Queer Parents in Custody ProceedingsOver the years, same-sex marriage and gay rights have expanded significantly, but there still exist areas within the law that fail to prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Although constitutional protections are supposed to extend to parental and family rights, the judicial system …

Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)

Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) is the pivotal mandate that ensures equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This title specifically prohibits the discrimination against any qualified individuals with disabilities through the entire process of and during employment. Title 1 is in place to ensure an equal opportunity for those with disabilities …

Three Strikes Law: Intent vs. Reality

The implementation of criminal laws often diverges from their intended objectives, causing a gray area between legislative intent and practical application. This disjunction is particularly evident in the case of California’s Three Strikes Law, initially conceived to deter and incapacitate repeat violent offenders. While the law aimed to safeguard communities and curb recidivism, its enforcement …

The Resounding Effects of Graham v. Richardson

Graham v. Richardson is a U.S Supreme Court Case argued on March 22, 1971 and decided on June 14, 1971, which disputed certain state requirements for receiving welfare program benefits, highlighting the significance of protecting the legal alien class under the constitutional law. This case revolves around the Equal Protection Clause under the Fourteenth Amendment, …

California Assembly Bill 2147 – The Broken Promises to Incarcerated Firefighters

By: Marc Robles / In Print / April 28, 2024 / 5 Min read Picture by: Vera Institute of Injustice In the years 2018 and 2020 – California suffered two of the largest wildfire seasons recorded in state history. Incurring damages of nearly $148.5 billion during the 2018 season, and $12.079 billion for the 2020 …

Promises and Pitfalls: Evaluating the Americans with Disabilities Act’s Impact on Disability Rights

Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was seen as a cornerstone of civil rights legislation, aimed at integrating individuals with disabilities into all aspects of public life by eliminating systemic discrimination. On paper, the ADA promises comprehensive protections and mandates wide ranging accommodations to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. However, …

Braceros: Experiences, Struggles and the Law

By: AGP The 1930s brought upon a variety of challenges one of them being the Great Depression which negatively affected the United States and its population. Aside from dealing with food shortages and the occurring employment crisis, Mexicans were also vulnerable to deportation. Americans believed a great part of the unemployment crisis stemmed from the …

Exploring the Gap Between Legal Precedent and Social Change

BY A.M In 1967, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision striking down laws that banned interracial marriage, stemming from the case Loving v. Virginia. Not only did this case secure the right to marry without prejudice but it was also a significant win in the civil rights movement. In their court case, …