Author: jonathanturley

German Police Conduct Nationwide Crackdown on Citizens Accused of Online Speech Crimes

The Chilling Jurisprudence of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Below is my column in the New York Post on the controversial dissenting opinion of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in the injunction ruling in Trump v. CASA on Friday. The opinion seemed to fan the flames of “democracy is dying” claims of protesters, suggesting that basic limits on injunctive relief could result in the collapse of our core institutions. It was a hyperventilated opinion better suited to a cable program than a Court opinion. The response from Justice Amy Coney Barrett was a virtual pile driver of a rebuke. What was notable is that a majority of the justices signed off on the takedown. It could indicate a certain exasperation with histrionics coming from the left of the Court in recent years.

Here is the column: Continue reading “The Chilling Jurisprudence of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson”

ICE, ICE Baby: Denver City Council Ends Car Theft Tracking System to Protect Illegal Immigrants

The Denver City Council has voted unanimously to shutter a highly successful anti-theft auto license plate tracking system. The system was not closed due to concerns about privacy or finances. It was shut down because Democratic members believed that ICE could use the data to deport illegals.

Continue reading “ICE, ICE Baby: Denver City Council Ends Car Theft Tracking System to Protect Illegal Immigrants”

The Icarian Gene: The Rise and Fall of the Expert Class

The warning was stark. At issue was a privileged class that has long dictated policy despite countervailing public opinion. At issue, the luminary warned, is nothing short of democracy itself. No, it was not the continued rallies of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., VT) to “fight oligarchy.” It was Justice Clarence Thomas rallying his colleagues to fight technocracy, or government by experts. He warned against allowing “elite sentiment” to “distort and stifle democratic debate.” Yet, the story is even more profound of an elite class which succumbed to the Icarian gene and fell to Earth due to hubris and excess.

Continue reading “The Icarian Gene: The Rise and Fall of the Expert Class”

“Where You At?”: California Vice Mayor Under Investigation After Calling on Gangs to Protect Their “Turf” Against ICE

The Vice Mayor of Cudahy, Cynthia Gonzalez, is reportedly being investigated by the FBI after she posted a video urging criminal organizations like the 18th Street and Florencia 13 gangs to protect their “turf” against ICE. The call for gang action is disgraceful, particularly as ICE reports a 500 percent increase in attacks on its officers. However,  I do not believe that the comments can be the basis for a criminal charge and would be considered protected speech. Continue reading ““Where You At?”: California Vice Mayor Under Investigation After Calling on Gangs to Protect Their “Turf” Against ICE”

Escape from New York: Democrats Embrace Socialist for New Mayor

The presumptive selection (pending the results of New York’s ranked-voting system) of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as the Democratic nominee has sent shockwaves throughout the business and political establishment. For those calling for the party to move more to the center, New Yorkers just responded with a Bronx cheer by choosing a socialist who wants city-run grocery stores, an eleven-percent city corporate tax rate, free child care, free buses, and other far-left wish list items.  Real estate in Florida is about to skyrocket. Continue reading “Escape from New York: Democrats Embrace Socialist for New Mayor”

Trump Critics Face the “Nightmare” of Peace Breaking Out in the Midst of an Impeachment Effort

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced this morning that he would oppose the introduction of his war powers resolution on Iran if the ceasefire holds. He described the resolution as a moot point if peace is restored. That is clearly not going to satisfy colleagues like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) who is struggling to maintain her call for impeachment.

Continue reading “Trump Critics Face the “Nightmare” of Peace Breaking Out in the Midst of an Impeachment Effort”

‘Where’s Jackie?”: Why the Public Needs Answers on Biden’s Alleged Incapacity

Below is a slightly expanded version of my column in U.S. News & World Report on the investigations into President Joe Biden’s mental state in his second term of office. While I do not expect any prosecution to come from these investigations, there are ample reasons why we should get answers to some of these questions as we continue to struggle with the problem of presidential incapacity.

Here is the column:

Continue reading “‘Where’s Jackie?”: Why the Public Needs Answers on Biden’s Alleged Incapacity”

The Claude Rains School of Constitutional Law: Democrats Denounce Iranian Attack as Unconstitutional

Yesterday, I wrote a column in the Hill discussing how Trump is unlikely to go to Congress in launching an attack on Iran and how he has history on his side in acting unilaterally. The column noted that many Democratic politicians and pundits who were supportive of such unilateral actions by Democratic presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are suddenly opposed to Trump using the same power. It is the Claude Rains School of Constitutional Law where politicians are “shocked, shocked” that Trump is using the authority that they accepted in Democratic predecessors.

Continue reading “The Claude Rains School of Constitutional Law: Democrats Denounce Iranian Attack as Unconstitutional”

Ninth Circuit Strikes Down California’s “1-in-30” Gun Rationing Law

A unanimous panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has struck down California’s “1-in-30” gun rationing law as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The law restricted citizens to one gun purchase every 30 days and was based on a ridiculous rationale that was shredded by the three-judge panel. Continue reading “Ninth Circuit Strikes Down California’s “1-in-30” Gun Rationing Law”

Ninth Circuit Rules for Trump on National Guard Deployment

California Gov. Gavin Newsom just lost a major ruling in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which ruled that President Donald Trump is likely to prevail in his deployment of National Guard troops. Newsom and various Democratic politicians have insisted that Trump’s order is unlawful and that Newsom has to agree to any request for deployment. The Ninth Circuit ruled on Thursday that Newsom does not have such a veto over deployments. Continue reading “Ninth Circuit Rules for Trump on National Guard Deployment”

University of Oregon Loses Roughly $750,000 in Fighting Free Speech Claim

We have been following the case of Portland State University Professor Bruce Gilley, who was blocked from the Twitter account of the University of Oregon’s Division of Equity and Inclusion after tweeting “All men are created equal.” The case was an obvious attack on free speech by the University of Oregon.  Now the public will pay over three-quarters of a million dollars for the university’s anti-free speech conduct. Continue reading “University of Oregon Loses Roughly $750,000 in Fighting Free Speech Claim”

The Supreme Court Delivers a Blow to Transgender Cases

Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its 6-3 ruling upholding a Tennessee ban on transgender medical treatments for adolescents. The ruling has major implications for pending transgender cases, particularly the concurrence of Justice Amy Coney Barrett rejecting the claim that transgender status qualifies as a group entitled to heightened scrutiny under the Constitution.  One of those cases just resulted in a major ruling in Boston against the move by the Trump Administration to restore the binary options of “male” and “female” sex designations on U.S. passports. Continue reading “The Supreme Court Delivers a Blow to Transgender Cases”

Why Pope Leo Is Really a Cubs Fan . . . Even If He Doesn’t Know It

C-Span

Below is a slightly expanded column in USA Today on the recent release of a Vatican photo of Pope Leo XIV wearing a White Sox hat. For Catholic Northsiders, it was the greatest challenge to the unity of the Church since Pope Leo IX faced Great Schism of 1054. While that was just between the East and West church, the North and South division in Chicago is far deeper and seemingly insurmountable. After all, we were grappling with mere ecclesiastical divisions in 1054. This is Chicago baseball. However, where there is faith, there is hope.

Here is the column:

Continue reading “Why Pope Leo Is Really a Cubs Fan . . . Even If He Doesn’t Know It”

Over There: A Visit to National World War I Museum and Memorial

I had the pleasure of speaking to different groups in Kansas City this week about my book, The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.” When I was first contacted about the events, I was unsure that I could fit it into the schedule. That is when one of the hosts told me that one of the events would be held at the National World War I Museum. As a military history nut, that ended any doubt. I have wanted to visit the museum for years and could not resist the opportunity. It would turn out to be an overwhelming experience. Kansas City is a beautiful city filled with great food and wonderful people. However, if you come just for the museum, you would consider yourself well served. This is a unique space and captures the causes and costs of the Great War. Continue reading “Over There: A Visit to National World War I Museum and Memorial”