Volokh Conspiracy
Legal analysis and commentary blog covering constitutional law, free speech, and legal policy.
Articles from Volokh Conspiracy
12 Charged in Plot to Threaten University of Michigan Officials Over Israel Ties
Twelve are federally charged for conspiring to threaten University of Michigan officials over Israel-related investment disputes in 2024 and 2026.
Judge Dismisses Trump's $10B Libel Suit Against WSJ Over Epstein Letter
Federal judge dismisses Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein birthday letter, reinforcing standards for public figure defamation claims.
SCOTUS to Clarify 'Previously Unavailable' Rule in Habeas Cases
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Nov 4, 2026, about when a legal rule is 'previously unavailable' in federal habeas petitions, impacting defense and appeals nationwide.
Widow Sues OpenAI, Replika Over Husband’s Suicide Role
Susan Feinberg sued OpenAI and Luka over ChatGPT and Replika’s involvement in her husband’s 2024 suicide, raising AI safety and liability concerns.
Ninth Circuit Blocks California Ban on Forced Political, Religious Talks at Work
The Ninth Circuit struck down California Senate Bill 399 banning mandatory political or religious meetings, citing free speech rights for employers.
ICE’s Popularity Falls Below IRS Amid Rising Calls for Agency Reform
Public opinion polls show Immigration and Customs Enforcement less favored than IRS, signaling shifts relevant to immigration law and agency policy.
Romance Scam Prevention Act Targets Dating App Fraudsters
The Romance Scam Prevention Act mandates dating apps to notify users about banned fraudsters, improving fraud prevention and consumer safety.
Judge Rejects Dismissal of Indictment Over Threatening Post About Synagogue
U.S. federal court upholds indictment for threatening social media post targeting synagogue, clarifying limits on free speech threats online.
Trump exempts some Canadian goods from 50% tariffs, keeps others
Trump modifies Section 338 tariffs on Canadian imports, sparking new legal battles and cross-border trade concerns.
AI Deepfakes Disrupt Court Evidence: 26 Cases Reported by Oct 2026
AI deepfakes challenge evidence reliability in courts with 26 cases by 2026, prompting legal reforms across jurisdictions.
Florida Judge Rules AI Chats May Be Discoverable in Punitive Damages Case
A Florida magistrate judge ruled AI platform communications may be discoverable to assess punitive damages in a defamation lawsuit.
Ninth Circuit Rules Trump Lacked Authority to Deploy Guard in LA
Ninth Circuit rules Trump unlawfully deployed 4,000 National Guard troops in LA, extending Supreme Court limits on presidential military authority.
Trump Admin Sues to Remove Duplicate Dan Sullivan from Alaska Ballot
The Trump administration sues Alaska to block a second Dan Sullivan candidacy, raising legal questions on ballot name disputes and election compliance.
Minnesota Appeals Court Upholds Restraining Order Against Anti-LGBTQ Speech
Minnesota Court of Appeals upholds restraining order limiting anti-LGBTQ speech that targeted a therapist and pride advocate, highlighting speech and harassment legal boundaries.
Fifth Circuit Rules Federal Switchblade Ban Unconstitutional
The Fifth Circuit struck down Section 1242 of the Federal Switchblade Act, ruling it violates the Second Amendment rights, impacting weapon regulation nationwide.
Third Circuit Flags Potential First Amendment Violation in Shrine Zoning Denial
The Third Circuit Court suggests Collier Township’s zoning denial of a Catholic shrine may violate constitutional religious freedoms, highlighting land use and RLUIPA issues.
U.S. District Court for Western NY Strikes Down Body Armor Ban
A federal judge in Western New York overturned the 2022 civilian body armor ban, impacting state regulation and Second Amendment debates.
Alberta Rejects Separation; Quebec Plans 2028 Independence Vote
Alberta voters decisively reject separation, while Quebec’s Parti Québécois prepares for a 2028 referendum, reshaping Canada’s constitutional landscape.
Oregon School Shooter Stopped by Licensed Pistol Holder Despite Gun Ban
A licensed concealed pistol holder stopped a deadly school shooting in Oregon despite a school ban, raising legal questions about firearms policies in schools.
Supreme Court to Review Race-Based Admissions in Maryland Magnet Schools
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging race-conscious admissions in Montgomery County magnet schools, testing affirmative action in K-12 education.