By Kaitlyn Burns, Staff Writer “It’s a sad commentary that minorities, Hispanics and black people, are over represented in the [c]riminal [j]ustice system.”[1] In a country now steeped in controversy over the systemic violence and discriminatory practices against racial minorities,[2] uttering this statement in open court would normally be […]
Juris Blog
Legalized Marijuana Produces Increase in DUIs in Colorado: Is Pittsburgh Next?
By Jennifer Carter, Staff Writer Since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado in January 2014, fatalities caused by drivers under the influence of drugs has skyrocketed. Similarly, Pennsylvania has seen a 43 percent increase in DUI-drug arrests between 2014 and 2015 alone.[1] This increase appeared well before the bill […]
Just Put It Down: Is Pennsylvania’s Texting Law Effective?
By Kurt Valentine, Staff Writer If you live and work in a metropolitan area, you are bound to see people engaged in questionable activities during your commute. Some may use their rearview mirrors to do their best reenactments of a “Just For Men” commercial, and others might turn their […]
Protecting Students from Armed Threats
By Stephanie Shriver-Byrne, Staff Writer Deadly school shootings shock and traumatize a community like nothing else. On Sept. 28, 2016, a 6-year-old boy was shot and mortally wounded while going outside to play for recess.[1] Unfortunately, school shootings have been part of America’s history,[2] but since the mass shooting […]
A Traveler’s Guide to Internet Censorship: Comparing Internet Regulations in the U.S. and China
By Maura Perri, Staff Writer In 2011, nearly 2.12 million Americans made the journey to China, and that number has continued to increase rapidly since then.[1] With each year, more and more United States citizens are traveling and emigrating to China for study, work, and leisure as a result […]
Tom Brady v. NFL: Not Your Average Labor and Employment Lawsuit
By Joseph Baublitz, Staff Writer Tom Brady, National Football League (NFL) superstar, is just like many people: He does not like his boss. Brady learned the hard way that star employees are still subject to discipline by their employer, especially when that employer wants to flex its authoritative muscle. […]
One Seat on the Bench Remains Empty at the Start of SCOTUS’ Fall Term
By Kristin Hoffman, Staff Writer The Supreme Court began its October 2016 term last Monday. The bench, however, had a vacant seat after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. His seat remains empty because the Senate has yet to vote on President Barack Obama’s nomination, Merrick Garland. […]
A Look at the Debate over the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act
By David Zvirman, Staff Writer Recently, there has been a lot of attention given to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). This act is more commonly known in the media as the bill that would allow 9/11 victims to bring civil suits against Saudi Arabia for its […]
Upcoming 20th Anniversary of JonBenét Ramsey’s Death
By Katherine Littlejohn, Staff Writer The case of JonBenét Ramsey has returned to the media spotlight due to a special investigation by CBS near the 20th anniversary of her death. In 1996, the 6-year old beauty queen was found dead in her parents’ basement the day after Christmas. Her […]
Ha! Ha! Ha!: Clowning Around Could Lead to Criminal Charges
By Roy Cross Reports of clowns terrorizing citizens across America have been coming in steadily since late August of this year.[1] Whether via social media or local TV news stations, everyone seems to have heard about these horrifying jokers. While few reports have been substantiated, they have created mass […]