Category Archives: Issues to Watch

Is “Objective Reasonableness” Really Objective? Examining the Shortcomings of Police Use of Force Evaluations

*Celia Feldman Recent instances of police violence against black Americans have revived the debate about when police may use force.[1]  Despite the ongoing nature of police brutality, courts have continuously deferred to officers’ judgment in evaluating whether or not the force used was “excessive.”[2]  Courts continue to evaluate excessive force claims based on the standardContinue reading “Is “Objective Reasonableness” Really Objective? Examining the Shortcomings of Police Use of Force Evaluations”

From Concert Venue to Your Couch: How the Changes in Music Performances are Presenting Complex Copyright Issues

*Kari Martiniano In a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has halted nearly all large gatherings, many industries have had to drastically change the ways they function.[1]   In particular, the music industry was required to cease nearly all live performances, which is a main source of income for a majority of artists.[2]  What constitutes a liveContinue reading “From Concert Venue to Your Couch: How the Changes in Music Performances are Presenting Complex Copyright Issues”

Tik Tok: Viral Video App or National Security Threat?

*Sabrina Marquez I. Introduction The U.S. is following the lead of many countries in its attempt to ban the social media app, TikTok.[1]  TikTok is a short-form media application which allows users to create up to sixty second videos on virtually any topic.[2]  TikTok Inc., a U.S. based corporation, is owned by the Chinese tech companyContinue reading “Tik Tok: Viral Video App or National Security Threat?”

Effect of COVID-19 on the Live Music Industry and the Reopening of Concert Venues

* Hayley Weisman Before COVID-19 (COVID), artists in the live music industry toured the country, bringing arenas full of people together to have one common experience of seeing them perform.[1]  Since March, the live music industry has hit a standstill, with many events getting postponed or canceled as a result of the COVID pandemic.[2]  Many changesContinue reading “Effect of COVID-19 on the Live Music Industry and the Reopening of Concert Venues”

Employment Classification: California Drives Away Rideshare Giants and Threatens the Future of Independent Contractors

*Michael Blanchard I. Introduction Uber and other rideshare companies are making headlines as California seeks to bring an end to the classification of drivers as independent contractors.[1]  In a recently filed lawsuit, California Labor Commissioner, Lilia García-Brower, demands that rideshare companies reclassify drivers and is seeking millions of dollars in civil penalties, in addition toContinue reading “Employment Classification: California Drives Away Rideshare Giants and Threatens the Future of Independent Contractors”