Karlan's Court
Votes Behind Bars
As of 2010, more than 5.85 million American citizens were disenfranchised because of criminal convictions. This is troubling.
Contempt of Court
When the justices belittle the political branches, they hamper the government’s ability to solve our most pressing problems.
Empty Benches
When Obama was sworn into office, there were 55 vacancies on the federal bench. There are now more than 75.
When the Umpire Throws the Pitches
The Court is not simply deciding which cases to hear, but is also directing the parties to address issues the justices want to take up.
What’s a Right Without a Remedy?
The Supreme Court may be signaling potential wrongdoers that they can infringe rights with impunity.
The Cost of Death
Ineffective trial lawyers, inconclusive evidence, inconsistent testimony, and impenetrable procedural thickets are not unique to capital cases.
Sometimes an Amendment Is Just an Amendment
Anti-immigrant activists argue that the citizenship clause does not mean what it says. They are wrong.
Me, Inc.
Even if the Supreme Court decided that corporations are in every way like persons, there might be limits on the corporate role in politics.
It Takes Two
In contrast to Loving v. Virginia, on the same-sex marriage issue the Court may have to make a decision before a national consensus emerges.
The Health Care Challenge Threatens All Regulation
If Congress had voted to provide every American with health care through a national health service, that new law would be safe from constitutional challenge.
Get our newsletter
Vital reading on politics, ideas, and culture to your inbox
A political and literary forum, independent and nonprofit since 1975
Registered 501(c)(3) organization
Help Us Stay Paywall-Free
Become a Member