Legal News
Reports on lawmaking, constitutional issues, and court cases. The Daily Signal combines news reporting with conservative commentary and legal analysis.
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- Opinion
The Daily Signal Podcast: Sen. Lindsey Graham Speaks Out on ‘Character Assassination’ of Kavanaugh
When things got ugly for Brett Kavanaugh, Lindsey Graham was one of his most forceful defenders. The South Carolina senator sat down to share his thinking with our editor-in-chief, Rob Bluey. The interview took place at President’s Club, an annual gathering hosted by The Heritage Foundation—we’ll play it for you in this episode. Plus: We’ll…Katrina Trinko -
- Opinion
How the Judicial Confirmation Process Got So Bad
The 50-48 Senate vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court was the closest confirmation since 1881, when Justice Stanley Matthews was approved by a vote of 24-23. President Donald Trump may well get another Supreme Court pick before he leaves office and, in the meantime, he can certainly expect aggressive opposition to…Thomas Jipping -
- Opinion
The Daily Signal Podcast: Jeff Sessions Discusses Direction of the Courts
Despite the rancor, President Donald Trump has been extremely effective at getting judges confirmed. Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh sit on the Supreme Court, and 29 of his nominees have been confirmed as circuit judges. In today’s episode, Rob Bluey sits down with Attorney General Jeff Sessions to discuss the direction of American courts. Plus:…Katrina Trinko -
- News
McConnell, Graham Recount Highlights, Lowlights of Kavanaugh Fight
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was first elected in 1984, but says his biggest achievement to date is something that didn’t happen. “My decision not to fill the Supreme Court vacancy during the 2016 election was the most consequential decision I’ve ever made,” McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday night at The Heritage Foundation President’s Club meeting…Fred Lucas -
- News
Susan Rice’s Son Pursues Assault Charges in Incident at Pro-Kavanaugh Event at Stanford
The son of former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice, a pro-Trump College Republicans leader, is pressing “full charges” against a fellow Stanford University student who he says assaulted him at an event supporting new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. John David Rice-Cameron, Rice's son and president of the Stanford College Republicans, alleges that fellow Stanford sophomore…Neetu Chandak -
- News
Pro-Kavanaugh Group Airs ‘Thank You’ Ad for Sen. Susan Collins
A group that advocates more conservative judges on the nation’s courts has bought advertising to thank Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, for her speech and vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Sources familiar with the Judicial Crisis Network’s six-figure ad buy said it consists of a single ad that began airing last week…Troy Worden -
- Opinion
We Hear You: Haley at the UN, Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, and ‘Gosnell’ at the Multiplex
Editor's note: Brett Kavanaugh's ascension to the Supreme Court drew much comment from our audience, but so did the unexpected news that Nikki Haley will leave her post at the United Nations (not to mention the "Gosnell" movie and the #WalkAway movement). Don't forget to write us at [email protected].—Ken McIntyre Dear Daily Signal: Sorry to…Ken McIntyre -
- Opinion
Liberal Activists Just Made a Website Using Kavanaugh’s Name. That Could Be Illegal.
After enduring weeks of character attacks and a disgraceful media lynching, Brett Kavanaugh now sits on the Supreme Court. But some activists still aren’t letting it go. In a new assault on Kavanaugh, a liberal advocacy group has created a website called “brettkavanaugh.com.” Instead of containing accurate, truthful information about the justice’s professional credentials and…Hans von Spakovsky -
- Opinion
The Left Lost on Kavanaugh, So Now They Want to Abolish the Senate
After every political defeat, the left seems to blame anyone but themselves. Instead, they lash out at our political institutions. Whether it’s seeking to pack the Supreme Court, removing President Donald Trump from office by stretching the intent of the 25th Amendment, or calling on low-level bureaucrats to “resist” the president’s policies, the left has…Jarrett Stepman -
- Opinion
Will Kavanaugh Realign Racial Politics?
With nerves still raw from the wrenching confirmation process of now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, speculation whirls regarding what the political implications will be. Worth considering is where the racial lines will be drawn. Among the more aggressive voices from the Democratic side of the Senate Judiciary Committee fighting to derail the Kavanaugh nomination…Star Parker -
- News
Trump Isn’t Stopping With Kavanaugh. He Just Nominated 13 More Judges.
President Donald Trump announced his 18th wave of judicial nominees Wednesday night, just four days after the Senate confirmed Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Wednesday’s nominees include two candidates for the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and three for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 2nd Circuit is based…Kevin Daley -
- News
4 Lessons of the Kavanaugh Confirmation Fight
Legal experts say the fight over Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court may have reached a low point in the history of the confirmation process. But legal experts who spoke to The Daily Signal aren’t clear what the lessons are going forward. Some are more optimistic than others about what to expect from…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
How Justice Kavanaugh Will Change the Supreme Court
Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in as the newest justice on the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday and he will begin hearing oral arguments on Tuesday, Oct. 7, when the court comes back from its Columbus Day holiday. Those who expect rapid, radical changes in the jurisprudence of the court are likely to be disappointed. But…Hans von Spakovsky -
- Opinion
The Daily Signal Podcast: What Happened When a Pro-Kavanaugh Woman Went to a Protest
One of the left’s major strategies was to pit women against Brett Kavanaugh—and to label women who supported him as traitors to their gender. We discuss with two women who marched on Capitol Hill to defend Kavanaugh. Plus: We debate the new movie “A Star Is Born.” We also cover these stories: Nikki Haley, ambassador…Katrina Trinko -
- News
Anger Recedes as Normalcy, Good Humor Mark Kavanaugh’s First Day on Supreme Court
Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared at oral arguments for the first time Tuesday, where the bitterness attending his confirmation appeared to break, if only a little. Throughout his first sitting, Kavanaugh projected command and interacted warmly with his new colleagues, several of whom were especially lighthearted during the arguments. “We wish you a long and happy…Kevin Daley -
- Opinion
Podcast: Sen. Joni Ernst on Kavanaugh and US Military Strength
On today’s Columbus Day edition of the show, we feature an interview with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, about the military, Syria, trade, and Judge Brett Kavanaugh. She recently spoke at The Heritage Foundation about the newly released 2019 Index of U.S. Military Strength. Also on today’s show: You’ll also hear from communications expert Dee Dee Bass…Rob Bluey -
- Opinion
We Hear You: The Final Days of Brett Kavanaugh’s Rocky Journey to the Supreme Court
Editor’s note: Brett Kavanaugh remained Topic One for our audience as the Senate moved toward a 50-48 vote Saturday to confirm him to the Supreme Court. We’re turning over this space again to your views. Don’t forget to write us at [email protected].—Ken McIntyre Dear Daily Signal: Where would we be without The Daily Signal and…Ken McIntyre -
- Opinion
Media Misses: Kavanaugh Coverage Ignores Supporters
It’s safe to say that media bias these days is out of hand, but one network in particular has taken it to another level. Over an 18-day period, CNN personalities used the word “rape” 191 times in reference to Judge Brett Kavanaugh, according to a Media Research Center analysis. Even Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck…Jarrett Stepman -
- News
Senate Confirms Brett Kavanaugh to Supreme Court, 50-48
The Senate voted 50-48 Saturday afternoon to confirm D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court after a rancorous, protracted confirmation fight that ended with multiple allegations of sexual assault. The vote, which concluded just before 4 p.m. EDT, was almost entirely along party lines. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia was the sole Democrat to…Rachel del Guidice -
- News
ACORN Veterans Among Those Harassing Public Officials in Kavanaugh Fight
Remember ACORN? The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2010 after a series of high-profile scandals involving undercover video investigations and allegations of voter fraud led to a loss of public and private support. But ACORN’s former staffers and some if its chapters have found a new home…Kevin Mooney