Articles

[Updated!] The due process debate continues

February 14, 2012 | By TIMOTHY SANDEFUR

The discussion over my article, In Defense of Substantive Due Process, is continuing at Cato Unbound. Prof. Gary Lawson has posted his response here, and now the general discussion is beginning. I responded to David Bernstein’s questions this morning, and I’ll have some further thoughts soon. Please join the discussion! Update: Is my po ...

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Why Chapman and McConnell are wrong about substantive due process

February 28, 2012 | By TIMOTHY SANDEFUR

The conversation about substantive due process is winding down at Cato Unbound. This morning I offer some criticisms of Nathan Chapman and Michael McConnell’s new Yale Law Journal article on the subject. … ...

Articles

Sackett reaction : NRDC shows just how out of touch it is with reality

March 21, 2012 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

The headlines in response to PLF’s landmark victory today in Sackett v. EPA have, for the most part, been fair and accurate.  CNN, for example, rightly noted that with today’s decision, “‘Little guy’ wins high court fight over property rights.”  Reuters reports that “U.S. top court backs landowners, limit ...

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Sackett reaction : Enviros need to better coordinate their spin

March 21, 2012 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

Earlier today I remarked how the Natural Resources Defense Council completely botched its analysis of this morning’s decision in Sackett v. EPA. Among other things, NRDC oddly suggested that the Supreme Court “did not give anyone a license to pollute,” as if the Sacketts’ mere request for judicial review of EPA’s egreg ...

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Does Obamacare violate due process of law?

May 02, 2013 | By TIMOTHY SANDEFUR

My friend, Prof. Don Boudreaux, sent this letter to the editor of the Christian Science Monitor in response to my column about how Obamacare violates the Origination Clause. He suggests that since Congress passed the bill without knowing what it contained, it also violates the due process clause. “In what universe is due process of law R ...

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Judge again refuses to toss Duarte Nursery's due process claims in PLF suit

March 27, 2015 | By TONY FRANCOIS

In Duarte v. Corps of Engineers, the trial court has, for the second time, denied a motion by the federal government to dismiss Duarte Nursery’s claims for violation of the Due Process Clause against the Army Corps of Engineers. Over two years ago, the Army Corps ordered Duarte off its farm over alleged violations of the … ...

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Federal court rules that plowing without an Army Corps permit violates Clean Water Act

June 13, 2016 | By TONY FRANCOIS

Last Friday we received a disappointing decision in Duarte Nursery v. Army Corps of Engineers. The court ruled that the company violated the Clean Water Act by plowing its property, even though the Act exempts normal farming practices. And, the implementing regulations state that plowing is never even subject to the Act, so long as … ...

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Wanted : Courts that stand up to government bullies

October 12, 2016 | By ETHAN BLEVINS

Should courts defer to democracy? Many do. In fact, most constitutional challenges face an uphill battle because courts hesitate to question the judgment of legislatures. In a brief filed today in the North Carolina Supreme Court, we explain how this judicial restraint veers from our constitutional commitment to liberty over democracy. … ...

Articles

Still presumed guilty after exoneration

November 21, 2016 | By ETHAN BLEVINS

Calvin, from Calvin and Hobbes, wrote a letter to Santa one year: “Dear Santa, this year, please bear in mind that I should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Also, I would encourage you to interpret ‘reasonable doubt’ as broadly as possible.” The Supreme Court should issue Colorado a similar reminder. … ...