Race and the Law: The Best and Worst of 2011

January 03, 2012

No, the legal system didn't help create a post-black America. But there were times when justice prevailed.

Black Voters Told, 'Relax, Don't Vote'

A Republican is convicted for authorizing misleading "robocalls" -- just one tactic being used to deter voters.

Are We Willing to Protect Our Children?

It's not enough to be shocked by the Penn State case. We can do better to protect them from harm.

Dear Camp Cain: Stop Calling It a Lynching

Using a heinous part of our history to fend off accusations disrespects the real victims of hate.

Are Strip Searches Unconstitutional?

A businessman humiliated by New Jersey police takes his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Criminal Justice: How Do We Fix the System?

It depends on whether the support for Troy Davis can be converted into a lasting movement.

DSK and 'The Help' We Don't Want to See

The hotel-maid case gave us a glimpse of the untidy lives of people who do our dirty work -- and then we went to the movies.

Using the Death Penalty to Get Re-Elected

Alabama judges seem to impose the ultimate judgment more often in an election year.

Wal-Mart: Too Big to Discriminate?

The Supreme Court's decision struck a blow against class actions by rejecting the concept of modern workplace bias.

France's Irrational Ban on Muslim Veils

For a country that takes pride in rationality, the decision to ban head coverings doesn't make much sense. Pretending that the new law is a defense of women's rights is even more absurd.

First the Bill, Then the Work: Hate Crimes Legislation Passes

November 01, 2009

President Obama's passage of the hate crimes bill is only the beginning of the process. Accurate reporting enables us to identify those specific counties and jurisdictions that warrant increased attention and scrutiny, and where prosecutorial resources should be deployed.

Justice Deferred: Tom Perez In at the Civil Rights Division

After months of Republican blocking behind the scenes, Tom Perez has finally been confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Perez was considered an uber-qualified candidate by civil rights groups.

Obama Schools Republican Members in Speech on Health Reform

Tonight the President brought the "full Obama" to a joint session of Congress, and changed the game on health care reform.

Let's Do it Again...

On the heels of the Sotomayor confirmation, another Supreme Court seat may be in play. The potential appointment of three justices in his first term will make President Obama among the most powerful presidents to influence the Court’s direction in decades.