States Rally Against Trump’s Tariff Resurgence

In a bold legal challenge, twenty-four attorneys general have filed a lawsuit aimed at halting President Trump’s latest imposition of a 10 percent global tariff on imports. This move, covered in detail by Tony Romm of The New York Times, could mark a significant pushback against what could be seen as an escalation in global trade tensions initiated by the administration.

Supreme Court's Second Amendment Stumbles

Madiba K. Dennie provides a sharp critique in Balls and Strikes on the Supreme Court's handling of Second Amendment cases, specifically the repercussions of the Bruen decision. Dennie suggests that the Court’s recent decisions in this area are not just controversial but are growing increasingly problematic over time.

Trump’s Legal On-Off with Law Firms

Former President Trump’s dealings with law firms, a saga of starts and stops, has been insightfully discussed by Bob Bauer on the Executive Functions Substack. The analysis delves into the strategic reversals and the puzzling endgame that left Trump arguably in a diminished position.

Critique of the OLC Opinion

Dan Maurer at Lawfare blog doesn’t mince words in his assessment of a recent OLC opinion, describing it as "bullshit" in the context of legal maneuverings. Maurer’s critique focuses on the pressure within legal circles to reach affirmative conclusions, which can lead to questionable legal stances.

Presidential Power Unchecked in Warfare

Ruth Marcus’s essay in The New Yorker discusses the gradual erosion of congressional power over war declarations, highlighting a significant leap in presidential autonomy with Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to attack Iran. This analysis paints a concerning picture of unchecked executive power and its implications for American democratic processes.

Controversial Execution in Alabama

In an emotionally charged piece for The New York Times, Elizabeth Vartkessian takes a deep dive into the case of Sonny Burton, a man facing execution in Alabama despite not having killed anyone. This case raises serious questions about the justice system's approach to capital punishment and clemency.

These stories provide a snapshot of this week’s legal dramas and discussions. For more detailed analyses and updates, visit Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog.