Monday, May 15, 2017

Posts for May 15, 2017
These are the posts that are accumulated in our weekly newsletter which goes out throughout the school year. The posts are organized by the major units in our Constitutional Law (5th ed.) student textbook.

The Demons We Imagine, The Icebergs We Ignore [Justia, 5/15/17]: Professor Margulies comments on the issues that Americans face and fear, and those which Americans ignore. Margulies explains why certain attacks represent greater challenges to our society than others.

I. Introduction to Law, the Constitution, and the Supreme Court [See TOPICS 1-10 in the 5th edition of Constitutional Law] Here are some recent articles that are relevant to this unit:

'Hamilton' curriculum brings U.S. history to life for high school students [EdSource, 5/14/17]: In the final scene of the Broadway hit musical “Hamilton,” the cast takes center stage, gazes into the audience and sings in an emotional crescendo, “Who lives, who dies, who tells the story?” The lights dim, the crowd erupts, and the 2,000 high school kids in the audience know exactly who will tell the story: It’s them.

II. Defining the Political System: Federalism and Checks and Balances [See TOPICS 11-15 in the 5th edition of Constitutional Law] Here are recent articles that are relevant to this unit:

The American Presidency [TOPIC 15]

Trump reportedly considering replacing Spicer with Bay Area's Guilfoyle [SF Chron, 5/15/17]: President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a major shake-up in his communications department, and a Bay Area native may be part of his plans. 

Firing Comey Was a Grave Abuse of Power [New Yorker, 5/22/17]: In 1974, Republicans put country before Party and told Nixon it was time to go; Today's G.O.P. seems unlikely to live up to its predecessor's example.
Clapper: Comey firing 'another victory' for Russia [Politico, 5/14/17]: President Donald Trump’s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey is “another victory on the scoreboard” for a Russian government that has put the institutions of the U.S. government “under assault,” former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said Sunday.

How Could Trump Impact California Schools? A Cheat Sheet [KQED, 5/15/17]: Trump has pledged to expand ‘school choice.’ Do most California families have access to school choice now?

III. The Political System: Voting and Campaigns [See TOPICS 16-20 in the 5th edition of Constitutional Law] Here are some recent articles that are relevant to this unit:

Legislation and the Legislative Process (TOPIC 20)

Republicans plan massive cuts to programs for the poor [Politico, 5/14/17]: Under pressure to balance the budget and align with Trump, the House GOP has its eye on food stamps, welfare and perhaps even veterans’ benefits.

IV. Criminal Law and Procedure (4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th amendments) [See TOPICS 21-28 in the 5th edition of Constitutional Law] Here are some recent articles that are relevant to this unit

Is it time for Trump staff to lawyer up? [Politico, 5/14/17]: Veterans of Washington's scandals say that with subpoenas coming from Congress and an FBI investigation still active, staffers would be wise to seek counsel.

V. 1st Amendment (Speech, Religion, Press and Assembly) [See TOPICS 29-33 in the 5th edition of Constitutional Law] Here are some recent articles that are relevant to this unit:

Mosque snooping suit could impact Trump travel ban case [Politico, 5/14/17]: The stage is set Monday for another major legal showdown over President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban executive order as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals hears arguments in Seattle on whether to keep in place an injunction against key parts of that directive. What’s less well known is that for nearly a year and a half, the 9th Circuit has already been wrestling with one of the core issues in the travel ban dispute: whether and when it’s legal for the government to target Muslims on the basis of their religion.

VI. 14th Amendment, Discrimination, Privacy, Working, Citizenship & Immigration [See TOPICS 34-41 in the 5th edition of Constitutional Law] Here are some recent articles that are relevant to this unit:

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