Constitutional Challenge to Seattle’s “First-in-Time” Tenant Selection Rule
The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) is currently challenging a Seattle ordinance that restricts a landlord’s ability to choose their own tenants. This legal action, titled Yim v. City of Seattle, contests an anti-discrimination law requiring property owners to rent a unit to the first person who submits a complete application—a mandate commonly referred to as […]
The Right to Breastfeed in Public: Virginia Law and Religious Institutions
In 2015, Virginia, following the trend of many other states, enacted a law affirming the right of women to breastfeed in any location where they are otherwise legally permitted to be. This legislation, codified in Va. Code $\S$ 2.2-1147.1, explicitly states, “A mother may breastfeed a child in any place where the mother is lawfully […]
Eleventh Circuit Affirms First Amendment Protection for Labeling Skim Milk
Overview of the Case The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit recently addressed a First Amendment challenge concerning the mandated labeling of skim milk in Florida. The case centered on a state law that permitted the sale of skim milk without the common fortification of vitamins A and D, but required that […]
The Cato Handbook for Policymakers: Debating Proposals in Labor, Employment, and Minimum Wage Law
The publication of the 8th Edition of the Cato Handbook for Policymakers has generated significant discussion, particularly concerning the chapters on labor and employment law and the minimum wage. Controversial Labor and Employment Proposals The chapter addressing labor and employment law, authored by the original source, has garnered notable attention for its sweeping proposals. These […]
Judicial Review and Executive Power: A Forward-Looking Perspective
Critique of Judicial Restraint in the Regulatory Sphere The current discourse concerning the appropriate scope of judicial review over executive actions, particularly in the regulatory realm, often appears to be influenced by past political battles. Some critics on the political left have continued to characterize judges as “activist” for rulings that restrain the executive branch, […]
Federal Court Enjoins Department of Labor’s “Persuader” Rule
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a nationwide injunction against the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Final Rule, which sought to significantly alter the interpretation of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) “Persuader Rule.” The court characterized the DOL’s new interpretation as “defective to its core.” This Final Rule, […]
The Scope of Common Carrier Immunity: Assessing Federal Prosecution of FedEx
Federal prosecutors initiated a controversial case against FedEx Corporation, alleging the company knowingly facilitated the shipment of illegal drugs in interstate commerce and engaged in money laundering. The core of the accusation rested on FedEx’s routine operations: delivering packages—specifically those originating from online pharmacies—to their recipients and accepting payment for the service. The legal challenge […]
The Surge in Web Accessibility Lawsuits Under the ADA
The increasing acceptance of the legal theory that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to website design has long suggested the potential for a proliferation of lawsuits. This theory holds that websites must be designed to accommodate users with disabilities, such as those who are blind, deaf, or physically impaired. It was anticipated that […]
Article V Convention: An Ill-Advised Constitutional Approach
Proponents of an Article V convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, including prominent constitutional conservatives such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Rob Natelson of the American Legislative Exchange Council, have recently advanced this mechanism. The push requires two-thirds of the states to petition Congress to call a convention. The concept received further […]
The U.S. Chamber’s 2015 Selection of Notable Lawsuits: A Look at Questionable Claims
The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform annually highlights civil lawsuits that illustrate perceived excesses or misuse of the legal system, often dubbed the “Most Ridiculous Lawsuits.” The 2015 list featured several cases that drew significant public and media attention due to the nature of the claims or the facts involved. The Top Selection and […]