By Kristin Hoffman, Staff Writer In United States v. Miller, a divided Supreme Court struck down mandatory life sentences without parole for juveniles.[1] The ruling said that these mandatory sentences violate the constitutional amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment because children lack maturity, have an underdeveloped sense of responsibility, […]
Posts
Hacking Profits: The Explosion of Cybercrime and the Cyber Insurance Market
By Kurt Valentine, Staff Writer Cybercrime is one of the biggest threats facing companies in today’s technology-driven society. In 2015, it is estimated that cybercrime cost businesses $400 to $500 billion.[1] That number is expected to increase to $2.1 trillion by 2019.[2] There have been numerous high-profile hacks. In […]
Supreme Court Confronts Opportunity to Extend Bivens Remedies
By Karissa Murphy, Staff Writer On the morning of October 3, 2001, Anser Mehmood was asleep with his wife Uzma and their 1-year-old son when FBI and INS agents knocked on the door.[1] The officers searched Mehmood’s home, asked if he was “involved with a jihad,” and then arrested […]
The Full Story of Joey Porter’s Incident at The Flats
By Nick Frost, Staff Writer Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers Coach Joey Porter was charged with aggravated assault involving a police officer, simple assault, resisting arrest, defiant trespass, summary disorderly conduct and summary public drunkenness. These charges have been drastically reduced as the more severe charges (aggravated assault involving a police […]
Trump’s Wall: Is it Necessary?
By Keanna Seabrooks, Staff Writer Within the first two weeks of his new role in the presidency, President Donald Trump ordered the immediate construction of a U.S.-Mexican border wall.[1] According to the president, the wall’s purpose is to combat illegal immigration and it will save millions of lives, millions […]
#RaiseTheCat: An IP Law Story
By Joseph Baublitz, Staff Writer A new hashtag has been trending with Pennsylvanians and NBA fans to celebrate the Philadelphia 76ers’ wins, #RaiseTheCat. This celebration has become viral. A company, however, has filed for a trademark on the hashtag, which may chill any efforts to raise money for an animal […]
Illinois S.B. 12 and Its Effect on Current and Former Pro Athletes
By George Pappas, Staff Writer The Illinois State Senate has proposed a bill that would end disability benefits for professional athletes at age 35. S.B. 12 would add a provision to the Workers Compensation Act that specifically singles out professional athletes who would otherwise receive permanent partial disability benefits until […]
Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking: The Need for Safe Harbor Laws
By Amy Kerlin, Staff Writer The Department of Homeland Security classifies human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery that involves the use of manipulation, coercion, fraud, or force to compel a victim into some type of labor or commercial sexual act.[1] Although the Federal Bureau of Investigation believes […]
A 2017 Supreme Court Case to Watch: What is a Quality Education?
By Alyssa Lazar, Staff Writer Court watchers all over the country are engrossed in the outcome of a case known as Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, which ranks as one of the top 10 Supreme Court cases to watch in 2017.[1] The decision the Court will render […]
Animal Testing: Reconciling Ethics and Current Law
By Maura Perri, Staff Writer In recent years, the beauty industry has been booming. For instance, upscale beauty product sales have surged, increasing by 13 percent within the past year.[1] Despite the substantial growth of the beauty industry, however, cosmetic consumers remain concerned about whether their products are cruelty-free, […]
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