The U.S. justice system is meant to treat every defendant equally. But when that defendant is both a former president and a presidential candidate, courts are showing the flexibility that accompanies foundational principles.
Read moreThe U.S. has never prosecuted a leader for criminal wrongdoing. But other countries have. Their experiences show it is a serious test of a democracy, but it’s a test that many democracies have passed.
Read moreThe FBI took an unprecedented step of searching a former president’s residence. To Trump supporters, it smacked of political retribution. To opponents, the search – which a judge signed off on – shows that no one is above the law.
Read moreWhile campaigning for president, Joe Biden promised to tackle immigration issues with more compassion than his opponent. But that has proved easier said than done. What makes it difficult to put compassion into action on the border?
Read moreWith the Trump campaign filing a flurry of legal challenges in multiple states, the election is “clearly moving from the political to the legal,” says legal commentator Jonathan Turley.
Read moreAt a time of deep U.S. political polarization, the Supreme Court ended its term with two decisions that emphasized unifying basic principles: the importance of the rule of law, and the fact that it applies to everyone, including presidents.
Read morePresiding over an impeachment trial, Chief Justice John Roberts will seek to embody the judicial independence he often promotes. But the remainder of the Supreme Court term may be a tougher test.
Read moreShould judicial appointments be a political tug of war? The impact of the transformation of the American judiciary under President Donald Trump is likely to play out for decades, legal scholars say.
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Delays in reunifying separated families underscore the chaos in the immigration system and the hardened stance that migrant advocates now face. Immigration courts are becoming more adversarial as a result.
Read moreImmigration court judges have a bench-side view of the stresses already placed on the system. The Monitor’s Texas bureau chief interviewed former and current judges about the effects of the Trump administration’s changes.
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