Articles Posted in criminal behavior

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On August 12, 2026, Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College, published a commentary in Verdict, Justia’s legal analysis and commentary publication. Sarat’s commentary is titled “Trump’s Arresting State,” where he examines what he regards as an increasingly consequential feature of the Trump administration: the use or threatened use of arrest, prosecution, fines, and other criminal penalties not simply against political opponents, but as a means of pressuring state and local officials to cooperate with federal policy objectives.

Sarat’s article is strongly critical of the administration. His central concern is that the threat of criminal enforcement may be moving beyond conventional law-enforcement situations and into disputes involving government authority and public policy, particularly immigration enforcement and the administration of elections. Because Sarat’s article is commentary rather than a neutral news report, it is useful to examine his arguments alongside the administration’s own statements, relevant government documents, and other primary sources. Doing so provides a fuller context within which readers can evaluate both Sarat’s concerns and the federal government’s stated legal and policy justifications.

From Political Rhetoric to Governmental Power

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Ohio has enacted a new law governing the use of drones by law enforcement, reflecting the growing effort by legislatures to adapt Fourth Amendment principles to rapidly evolving surveillance technologies. Signed by Governor Mike DeWine, House Bill 251 establishes that, in most situations, police officers must obtain a search warrant before using a drone to conduct a search when a warrant would also have been required had officers entered the location in person.

The legislation recognizes that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly valuable investigative tools while also raising significant privacy concerns. Until now, Ohio law addressed some warrant requirements for surveillance conducted from manned aircraft but did not specifically regulate drones. House Bill 251 fills that gap by extending traditional constitutional search principles to unmanned aerial surveillance.

Principal Provisions

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As law enforcement agencies confront growing volumes of digital information and increasingly complex investigations, the challenge is no longer simply gathering data,  it is connecting the right information quickly enough to generate actionable intelligence. This upcoming webinar explores how agencies are responding by moving toward more integrated and collaborative investigative environments that improve visibility, coordination, and analytical capability across systems and jurisdictions.

Drawing on real-world operational examples and practitioner insights, the discussion will examine where investigations most commonly stall in fragmented data environments and how connected systems can help investigators identify leads, uncover relationships, and develop cases more efficiently. Panelists will also explore how agencies are leveraging integrated workflows and analytics to accelerate “speed to intelligence” while minimizing additional complexity for investigators already working under demanding conditions.

Among the key issues to be addressed are:

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Effective policing often begins long before an officer steps out of the vehicle. As highlighted in this Policing Matters Patrol Week feature, the patrol car serves as a mobile decision-making hub—where information is processed, risks are evaluated, and critical judgments are made in real time. Drawing on the experience of Sgt. John Banner of the White Settlement, Texas Police Department, a 2026 Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Valor recipient, the below information offers a practical and compelling look at how preparation, situational awareness, and disciplined habits shape outcomes in high-pressure encounters.

FROM: Police1 Roll Call, Sara Calms, Senior Editor, (April 22, 2026).

 

 

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As artificial intelligence rapidly enters the criminal justice system (shaping everything from policing strategies to judicial decision-making) the need for clear guidance has become increasingly urgent. Two recent publications from the Council on Criminal Justice provide a timely and authoritative response:

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Two recent opinion columns published on Justia Verdict – Legal Analysis and Commentary from Justia examine the legal, political, and moral implications of the continuing disclosures surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein investigations. Written by Professor Marci A. Hamilton of the University of Pennsylvania and founder of CHILD USA, the essays present a forceful argument that accountability for systemic abuse requires sustained legal pressure and public transparency. The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the official position of Justia.

1. “The Three Avenues to Justice in the Epstein Cases” (Feb. 24, 2026)

In The Three Avenues to Justice in the Epstein Cases, Professor Hamilton argues that meaningful accountability is likely to emerge through three principal legal pathways rather than through federal prosecutorial initiative alone.

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In recent years, advances in neuroscience have sparked interest in whether brain stimulation technologies might contribute to crime prevention. Techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been studied for their effects on impulse control, aggression, and moral decision-making traits often associated with criminal behavior. While this research is scientifically intriguing, its relevance to criminal justice policy remains limited and contested.

The Neuroscience Rationale

Much of the interest in brain stimulation stems from findings linking antisocial or impulsive behavior to dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for executive control, emotional regulation, and judgment. Laboratory studies suggest that stimulating this area can temporarily enhance self control or reduce aggressive responses in controlled settings. These findings have led some commentators to speculate whether neurological interventions could someday complement traditional crime-prevention strategies.

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During the week ending October 31, 2025 we have received listings of 12 Government and Administrative Law Summaries,  22 Constitutional Law summaries,  36 Criminal Law Summaries, 1 White Collar Law Summary,  2 Intellectual Property Summaries, and 1 Medical Malpractice Summary.   We plan is to continue posting opinion summaries, under corresponding areas of law, weekly whenever possible in order to keep blog readers updated.  To gain access to these case summaries, click on the corresponding links below:

Opinion Summaries Posted for Week Ending  October 31, 2025:

Criminal Law

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INTRODUCTION:

Antifa is a decentralized, far left political movement that participates in protests and counter-protests, with some individuals engaging in criminal and violent acts. While specific incidents of violence have been attributed to individuals identifying with the movement, analysts and law enforcement agencies note that the most significant and lethal threat of domestic terrorism in the U.S. has historically come from right-wing and white supremacist extremists. 

WHAT IS ANTIFA AND ITS ORIGIONS?

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Article from the American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section:*

INTRODUCTION:

“As widely reported, the U.S. Department of Justice’s updated FCPA guidelines, released June 9, mark a high-profile strategic shift in enforcement priorities. Most of the law firm commentary has focused on internal compliance and investigation.  The overall take-away is that the FCPA enforcement under the Administration may not be as dead as initially thought.

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