In a recent ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb declared the Pentagon’s deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., illegal, asserting the military exceeded its authority by engaging in non-military crime deterrence without the city’s permission. The judge determined former President Trump, who ordered the deployment citing misrepresented crime statistics, lacked the power to federalize law enforcement within the city. Cobb’s ruling, which is stayed until December 11, could significantly impact Trump’s plans to leverage the National Guard for immigration enforcement in other cities.
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A California housing dispute case, *Mendones v. Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.*, brought to light the first known instance of a deepfake video being submitted as evidence in court. Judge Victoria Kolakowski dismissed the case after detecting the AI-generated video, raising concerns among judges about the threat of hyperrealistic fake evidence. Legal experts and judges are warning that advancements in generative AI could erode trust in courtrooms. With various solutions being considered, the future of evidence is uncertain.
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According to two U.S. officials, the Trump administration has yet to provide lawmakers with concrete evidence proving that vessels targeted in fatal military strikes were carrying narcotics, despite claiming they were drug-smuggling boats. The administration has released unclassified videos of the strikes but has not provided further evidence. This has led to mounting bipartisan frustration and questions regarding the legal justifications for the strikes. A small group of administration officials, including Marco Rubio, are reportedly driving the push to carry out strikes against drug cartels, bypassing traditional interagency processes.
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Judge Gregory Carro approved Luigi Mangione’s request for a dedicated laptop to review evidence in the Brian Thompson murder case, pending approval from federal authorities overseeing Mangione’s detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center. While the Manhattan District Attorney’s office opposed the request, arguing defense lawyers could adequately share the material, the judge determined that the volume of evidence necessitates the laptop’s use. The laptop, if granted, will be restricted to reviewing case materials and used only in a visiting room. The incident also revealed a previously undisclosed attempt to smuggle an encouraging note to Mangione.
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ICE Claims to Lose Evidence Day After Lawsuit Filed
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb declared the Pentagon’s deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., illegal, asserting the military exceeded its authority by engaging in non-military crime deterrence without the city’s permission. The judge determined former President Trump, who ordered the deployment citing misrepresented crime statistics, lacked the power to federalize law enforcement within the city. Cobb’s ruling, which is stayed until December 11, could significantly impact Trump’s plans to leverage the National Guard for immigration enforcement in other cities.
Read More
AI-Generated Evidence in Court Raises Alarm, Spurs Calls for Regulation
A California housing dispute case, *Mendones v. Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.*, brought to light the first known instance of a deepfake video being submitted as evidence in court. Judge Victoria Kolakowski dismissed the case after detecting the AI-generated video, raising concerns among judges about the threat of hyperrealistic fake evidence. Legal experts and judges are warning that advancements in generative AI could erode trust in courtrooms. With various solutions being considered, the future of evidence is uncertain.
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Trump Fails to Provide Evidence of Drugs on Targeted Boats, Officials Say
According to two U.S. officials, the Trump administration has yet to provide lawmakers with concrete evidence proving that vessels targeted in fatal military strikes were carrying narcotics, despite claiming they were drug-smuggling boats. The administration has released unclassified videos of the strikes but has not provided further evidence. This has led to mounting bipartisan frustration and questions regarding the legal justifications for the strikes. A small group of administration officials, including Marco Rubio, are reportedly driving the push to carry out strikes against drug cartels, bypassing traditional interagency processes.
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Jailhouse Laptop for CEO Murder Suspect: Will it Help His Defense?
Judge Gregory Carro approved Luigi Mangione’s request for a dedicated laptop to review evidence in the Brian Thompson murder case, pending approval from federal authorities overseeing Mangione’s detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center. While the Manhattan District Attorney’s office opposed the request, arguing defense lawyers could adequately share the material, the judge determined that the volume of evidence necessitates the laptop’s use. The laptop, if granted, will be restricted to reviewing case materials and used only in a visiting room. The incident also revealed a previously undisclosed attempt to smuggle an encouraging note to Mangione.
Read More