Afternoon Briefs: AG Barr sees lack of confidence in justice system; will students reconsider law school?
U.S. Attorney General William Barr. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.
AG Barr says ‘witches’ brew’ of extremist groups caused violence
U.S. Attorney General William Barr said at a press conference Thursday that many African Americans lack confidence in the American criminal justice system, and that needs to change. Barr said most protesters were peaceful, but there is a “witches’ brew” of extremist groups causing violence. He also said there was no connection between his decision to order the removal of protesters from Lafayette Park and President Donald Trump’s visit to St. John’s Episcopal Church. The demonstrators were “becoming increasingly unruly” before they were dispersed, he said. (NPR, the Hill, Axios, C-SPAN transcript)
31% of students would reconsider law school if remote learning continues
About 31% of surveyed law and prelaw students said they would reconsider continuing their legal education if the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning continue into future semesters. Another estimated 29% said they wouldn’t discontinue their education, but they might take a hiatus. The 1,640-plus students responding to the online survey are users of TestMax, which makes apps for LSAT and bar exam prep. (The TestMax survey)
6th Circuit doesn’t reinstate Kentucky abortion law
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Cincinnati refused Tuesday to reinstate a Kentucky abortion law that required doctors to perform a fetal demise procedure before using dilation and evacuation in a second-trimester abortion. The court described the procedure as “risky and invasive” and said it was not medically necessary. (Courthouse News Service, the 6th Circuit opinion via How Appealing)
Suit says Google tracking violates wiretap laws
A would-be class action lawsuit alleges that Google tracks internet use while browsers are in private mode, violating federal wiretap laws and California privacy law. The company uses tracking tools provided to websites and advertisers to collect browsing history, according to the suit filed Tuesday. Google said it strongly disputes the claims, and it clearly states when a user opens a new incognito tab that websites might be able to collect the user’s information. The plaintiffs are represented by Boies Schiller Flexner. (The New York Times, NBC News)
