Category Archives: Criminal Defense
The Supreme Court Questions Qualified Immunity
Since 1982, courts have determined that officials deserved protections from potential harassment and liability as a result of necessary behaviors while on duty. The aim was to ensure that officials would not second guess themselves when forced to make quick or life-altering decisions. Fast forward to 2021, and the problems associated with the doctrine… Read More »
Real Policing Reform that Works
The conundrum society faces when it comes to policing is huge: how do we maintain a vigorous safe-keeping organization that protects and serves, but that does not harm innocents by employing tactics that are literally overkill? Seriously—we do want protection from criminals—especially violent ones—and there’s no doubt that an armed police force is a… Read More »
Response to Protests: The Capitol Siege vs. BLM
As mostly white anarchists trampled into the Capitol in Washington DC, lawmakers were whisked away from their duties and into more secure rooms. Furniture was piled against doors as fear curdled in the throats of Democrats and Republicans alike. Meanwhile, aides who were locked in their offices huddled under furniture, hoping the insurrectionists would… Read More »
Legal Trouble: Routs, Riots, and More in Nevada
There are certainly a number of social issues that have drawn protestors to the streets of Nevada over the years, and those trends seem to be growing by the minute. It is worth noting that the laws here in the Silver State are pretty clear as to what is acceptable and what is not… Read More »
COVID-19 and Incarcerated Populations
As the country moves toward protecting citizens from coronavirus through a massive vaccination campaign, it seems that, once again, a large swath of Americans are being left behind. That’s right: despite widespread COVID outbreaks in jails and prisons across the country, policymakers are disinclined to prioritize inmates from the deadly and highly contagious disease…. Read More »
What will the Biden-Harris Administration Mean for Criminal Justice?
With a new administration in office, the questions swirling around the criminal justice system and potential reforms are many. Everything from policing to federal executions are on the table; what can we expect in the coming years with a President Biden in office? Priorities in the New Administration The Death Penalty: The president has… Read More »
Achieving Real Police Reform in Nevada
With all the discussion of police reform these days, it’s worth homing in on what the real work behind such reforms might look like. Police are empowered to do their jobs through various laws on the books, which in turn lead to the creation of policies in police departments across the state of Nevada…. Read More »
Qualified Immunity Here to Stay? Maybe not!
Qualified immunity (QI) has been the subject of heated debate in this country for years, never more than in 2020 as the public has reacted with disgust to blatant acts of police misconduct. It’s worth revisiting the legal implications, the reality, and the future of the doctrine now. The Law In 1982 the Supreme… Read More »
Understand Your Rights When Getting Pulled Over
It’s happened to most of us: you’re on the road with no particular worries on your mind, when suddenly a knot of apprehension lodges in your gut: those all-too-familiar red and blue lights are flashing in the rear-view mirror. This time, it’s not some stranger being pursued by the police. This time, you’re the… Read More »
Racial Profiling
The crime of “driving while black” has had much discussion of late. As anyone of color can attest, it certainly does feel as though dark skin coincides with a higher incidence of police contact. Here in Nevada, the data is scant, although some research does indicate that Hispanics and blacks are more likely to… Read More »
