Urging SCOTUS To Reject AR-15 Bans, the Trump Administration Explains Why They Are Unconstitutional The case hinges on the distinction between "unusual" weapons and arms in common use for lawful purposes. Reason · Sep 9
Police Used a Truck Inspection To Search for Drugs. The 7th Circuit Said the Fourth Amendment Forbids It. Cops stopped a semitruck because of a drug tip, then tried to dress the illegal search up as a routine inspection. Reason · Jul 9
The Supreme Court Agrees To Address the Constitutionality of 'Assault Weapon' Bans The case could settle the long-simmering issue of whether the Second Amendment covers commonly owned but politically disfavored rifles. Reason · Jul 1
Bid to block Illinois’ new assault weapons ban now before federal appeals court The case of Naperville gunshop owner Robert Bevis appears to be the first to challenge the ban in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A federal judge found it constitutional. Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 8, 2023
Durbin pushing through historic diversity on federal bench “I’m pretty proud of what we’ve been able to achieve,” said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, who starts a second term as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee when the new 118th Congress kicks off on Tuesday. Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 3, 2023
Doris Pryor becomes first Black judge from Indiana on Chicago-based federal appeals court: Confirmed 60-31 Doris Pryor will be only the third Black judge to serve on a court dominated by white men since the 7th Circuit held its first session on June 16, 1891. Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 7, 2022
Robe & Gavel: Federal Judicial Vacancy Count released for May 1 Welcome to the May 9 edition of Robe & Gavel, Ballotpedia’s newsletter about the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and other judicial happenings around the U.S. Ballotpedia · May 9, 2022
Biden’s trailblazing federal judicial picks: Asian American, Hispanic nominees for Chicago spots Sens. Durbin and Duckworth said John Lee and Nancy Maldonado will bring “demographic and professional diversity that will strengthen our federal bench.” Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 13, 2022
Trailblazing Chicago Judge Ann Williams to testify at Ketanji Brown Jackson Supreme Court hearing Williams’ storied career as a federal judge speaks volumes as the Senate considers Jackson, who, if confirmed, will be the first Black female on the Supreme Court. Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 23, 2022