July

The landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona turns 50 this year. From Jack Lord to Peter Falk, from Jerry Orbach to Mariska Hargitay, during these five decades television cops have unvaryingly begun to intone, “You have the right to remain silent…” the moment their suspect is handcuffed. Nothing could be more clear-cut than the rule of Miranda … as seen on TV. However, real police stations and courtrooms are different.

In one of its last decisions of the 2014-15 term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a significant civil rights decision interpreting the federal Fair Housing Act. At issue in Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project1 was whether claims of “disparate impact” can be maintained under the Act.

A person convicted of a serious crime, even after serving his or her sentence, may no longer enjoy the same protections under the Fourth Amendment as do free citizens.

Civil forfeiture is one of the greatest threats to private property and due process in our nation today. This controversial law-enforcement tool not only strips people of their property and due-process rights, but also undermines the public’s trust in law enforcement and the belief, so vital to our republic, that we are a nation ruled by laws and not by individuals.

A Proposal for the Next 50 Years

From Richard Nixon and George W. Bush to Edward Snowden