Category Archives: Issues to Watch

Understanding and Solving the Puerto Rican Municipal Bond Crisis

Where Less Light is Shed Than a Piece of Coal on a Moonless Night: Understanding and Solving the Puerto Rican Municipal Bond Crisis Stanley Carignan* Introduction In the final week of June 2015, the financial world’s attention focused on whether Greece would default on its loan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Anna Yukhananov, TheContinue reading “Understanding and Solving the Puerto Rican Municipal Bond Crisis”

Rethinking Solitary Confinement in American Prisons

Behind Bars: Rethinking Solitary Confinement in American Prisons Emily Steiner* Solitary confinement is a widely used and highly controversial practice in American prisons that has been the go-to method for handling discipline and security since the mid-1980s. Inmates held in solitary confinement spend approximately twenty-three hours a day in tiny, windowless cells, receiving their foodContinue reading “Rethinking Solitary Confinement in American Prisons”

Macaque takes a selfie: PETA publicity stunt or genuine animal rights issue?

Macaque takes a selfie: PETA publicity stunt or genuine animal rights issue? Jay Patel* Copyright protections can be sought for “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression,” which includes any “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.”  17 U.S.C. § 102 (2012).  Over 100 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that an originalContinue reading “Macaque takes a selfie: PETA publicity stunt or genuine animal rights issue?”

‘Til Consent Do Us Part

‘TIL CONSENT DO US PART: Maryland’s New Ground for No-Fault Dissolution of Marriage Avigayil Pearlman* Marriage is not an institution to be taken lightly; however, divorce is a reality of American life.  Unfortunately, the time and expense required to obtain an absolute divorce can be extremely prohibitive in many states.  In fact, Maryland did not entertainContinue reading “‘Til Consent Do Us Part”

Is the Senate Eschewing Its Constitutional Duty Concerning Confirmations to the Federal Bench?

Is the Senate Eschewing Its Constitutional Duty Concerning Confirmations to the Federal Bench? Laura Cress* Since Republicans took control of the Senate in January 2015, they have been confirming federal judges at the slowest pace in more than 60 years, since 1953.  Jennifer Bendery, Congratulations, GOP.  You’re Confirming Judges at the Slowest Rate in 60Continue reading “Is the Senate Eschewing Its Constitutional Duty Concerning Confirmations to the Federal Bench?”