“Barely Legal” Content

Swalwell’s Plan to Revoke ICE Officers’ Licenses Sparks Legal and Practical Doubts

Swalwell says he’ll strip driver’s licenses from ICE officers who wear masks if the governor approves it, a proposition that has sparked a flurry of reactions. While the sentiment behind this idea, presumably to deter certain actions by ICE agents, might be appealing to some, the practicality and legality of such a move are immediately called into question. The core issue, as pointed out in numerous responses, is the significant legal hurdle posed by the Supreme Court ruling in *Johnson v. Maryland* (1920), which established that states cannot punish federal agents for performing their duties. This historical precedent severely limits the ability of a state, like California, to revoke the driving privileges of federal officers, regardless of their mask-wearing habits or other actions.… Continue reading

Kentucky Woman Charged with Fetal Homicide After Self-Reporting Abortion, Sparks Outrage

In Kentucky, a 35-year-old woman, Melinda Spencer, faces criminal charges related to the death of a “developed male infant.” Spencer allegedly admitted to clinic staff that she used medication ordered online to induce an abortion at her home, leading to the fetus’s death. Police reports indicate the fetus was buried in a shallow grave on her property. Spencer is charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence, which could result in severe penalties under Kentucky law.

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Two Grand Juries Decline to Indict NY AG Letitia James

2nd grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James: Sources, and honestly, the fact that a second grand jury has now declined to indict her feels pretty significant. It’s like, “Whoa, hold on a second. Two juries, on separate occasions, both looked at whatever evidence was presented and said ‘Nope.'” That’s not just a little speed bump; it’s a full-on roadblock. You have to wonder what exactly was presented to them, and how strong the case really was, if at all.

2nd grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James: Sources, and this repetition of the same outcome in a short timeframe really underscores something important about the legal process.… Continue reading

Trump’s Mortgages: Records Match His Description of Fraud

President Trump, who has accused political opponents of mortgage fraud for claiming multiple primary residences, appears to have done the same himself. In 1993, Trump obtained two mortgages for Florida properties, each stating they would be his primary residence, despite evidence suggesting he never lived in either. Contemporaneous reports and his real estate agent confirm the properties were rentals, a situation his administration has deemed fraudulent. Legal experts noted the irony, highlighting how Trump’s actions mirror those he has condemned, potentially exceeding the low bar his administration has set for mortgage fraud.

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Trump Claims He’ll Terminate Biden Pardons Signed by Autopen, Experts Say It’s Illegal

Trump says he is terminating any pardons, commutations signed by Biden using autopen. Okay, let’s unpack this… It seems like we’re diving headfirst into another potential legal battleground. The core of the matter is that Trump has declared he’s essentially nullifying any pardons or commutations that Joe Biden signed using an autopen. That’s the machine that replicates a signature.

Now, the immediate question that leaps to mind is: can he actually do this? The consensus, from everything I’ve gathered, is a resounding “no.” Legal experts are lining up to say it’s unconstitutional. The Constitution doesn’t give a president the power to revoke a pardon issued by a predecessor.… Continue reading

Amazon Employee Wins Workers’ Comp Claim, Highlighting Chronic Injury Concerns

The Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims ruled in favor of Erin Moore, an Amazon employee who sustained a shoulder injury while working. Despite reporting the injury, Moore faced difficulties in obtaining necessary medical care and having her injury recognized as work-related. The court ordered Amazon to provide past and ongoing benefits, including medical treatment and temporary disability payments. Furthermore, the court referred the case to the Bureau’s Compliance Program for potential penalties against Amazon due to the company’s handling of the claim.

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Judge Orders Trump Administration to End DC National Guard Deployment Amidst Mounting Frustration

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to end the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., citing the president’s illegal intrusion on local law enforcement authority. The court found that while the president can protect federal assets, he cannot unilaterally deploy the D.C. National Guard for crime control. The judge has put the order on hold for 21 days to allow for an appeal. This decision follows a lawsuit from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and other court challenges regarding similar deployments in other cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon.

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Cobb: Halligan and Bondi Should Be Disbarred Over Comey Case

This week’s political landscape is marked by several key developments. Texas Representative Castro criticized Governor Abbott, accusing him of corruption related to gerrymandering attempts. The ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein continues to generate discussion, with Symone Sanders-Townsend raising questions about Trump’s involvement. Additionally, legal and political battles continue as Trump seeks to dismiss charges in the federal election interference case and considers a Capitol visit amidst the House speakership fight, where Scalise and Jordan have announced their candidacies.

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Comey Indictment: Paperwork Errors May Derail Prosecution

In a surprising turn of events, prosecutors in the James Comey case admitted the two-count indictment against the former FBI director was never presented to, nor voted on, by a grand jury. Judge Michael Nachmanoff pressed the prosecutors for details regarding the revised indictment after the grand jury rejected an initial count. The court found that the revised version was presented to a magistrate judge, instead of the grand jury. The discovery raises questions about the legitimacy of the indictment and has potentially significant consequences for the case, with the statute of limitations potentially preventing a refiling of charges if the current case is dismissed.

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Eminem Sues Swim Shady: A Trademark Battle on the Beach?

Eminem, also known as Marshall B. Mathers III, has initiated legal action against the Australian beach brand Swim Shady, alleging trademark infringement due to the similarity of its name to his Slim Shady alter ego. The rapper filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in September, seeking to cancel Swim Shady’s trademark, which was granted just days before. Eminem’s legal team argues the brand’s name creates a false association with the rapper’s established brand, prompting a response from the company. This marks another legal battle for Eminem, as he is also involved in an ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit against the “Reasonably Shady” podcast and previously sued Meta.

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