Privacy Law

Despite judge’s order, prosecutors keep secret Flynn’s conversations with Russian ambassador

On Friday, federal prosecutors did not comply with a judge’s order to release transcripts of wiretaps between former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak in December 2016.

Jun 3, 2019 9:06 AM CDT

Vermont’s new consumer protection law could be a harbinger for tech industry

In Vermont, prioritizing online consumer protection means shining a light on the shadowy world of third-party data brokers. A new state law requires increased standards and transparency of these companies that collect, buy or resell consumer data without having a direct relationship with the consumer.

Jun 1, 2019 12:50 AM CDT

Cases on BigLaw partner’s suicide, school’s trans bathroom policy turned down by Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has left intact a federal appeals court ruling against the widow of a Reed Smith partner who blamed antidepressant labeling for her husband’s suicide. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Chicago had overturned a $3 million award to Wendy Dolin, who alleged that GlaxoSmithKline…

May 28, 2019 1:16 PM CDT

Food truck restrictions, including GPS requirement, can stand, state supreme court rules

A cupcake entrepreneur has lost her constitutional challenge to Chicago’s food truck regulations before the Illinois Supreme Court. The state high court rejected constitutional claims by Laura Pekarik, who operated a food truck called Cupcakes for Courage. Pekarik was represented by the Institute for Justice, according to a press release.…

May 23, 2019 3:51 PM CDT

Defense lawyers accuse military prosecutor of sending them emails with tracking software

A military prosecutor sent an email with tracking software to 13 lawyers and paralegals, as well as a reporter with the Navy Times, according to a motion filed last week. The motion was filed by defense lawyers for Lt. Jacob Portier, who is accused of conduct unbecoming an officer, report…

May 20, 2019 9:55 AM CDT

Founder of online abortion-pill service says she won’t turn anyone away, despite FDA warning

A Dutch doctor who founded an online abortion-pill service called AID Access is striking a defiant tone after the Food and Drug Administration sent her a warning letter telling her to “immediately cease” introducing the drugs into the United States. Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, founder of Aid Access, said in a…

May 17, 2019 2:19 PM CDT

San Francisco supervisors vote to ban facial recognition technology by city agencies

San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors voted 8-1 on Tuesday to ban the use of facial recognition software by police and city agencies. One more vote, considered a formality, will be taken before the ordinance moves to the mayor for a signature. The San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Times and…

May 15, 2019 9:20 AM CDT

In first major appearance since confirmation, Kavanaugh stresses civility and independence

When U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh is drafting opinions and asking oral argument questions, he often asks himself, “What would Justice Kennedy do?” Kavanaugh appeared with retired Justice Anthony M. Kennedy on Monday in the new justice’s first major appearance since a confirmation battle marked by accusations of sexual assault—allegations strongly denied by Kavanaugh.

May 8, 2019 12:22 PM CDT

Longest-serving black federal judge, known for civil rights and wiretapping rulings, dies at 96

Updated: U.S. Circuit Judge Damon Keith, known for his decisions on wiretapping and civil rights, has died at age 96. The Detroit Free Press identifies Keith as “the longest-serving black judge in the nation.” The New York Times and the Detroit News also have obituaries. Keith was appointed to the…

Apr 29, 2019 10:57 AM CDT

WikiLeaks’ Assange arrested after asylum revoked; US charges him with conspiracy

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested by British police Thursday after Ecuador revoked his asylum for “discourteous and aggressive behavior” and meddling in the internal affairs of other countries.

Apr 11, 2019 11:19 AM CDT

AG Barr says he will review ‘spying’ on Trump campaign and origins of the Russia investigation

Updated: U.S. Attorney General William Barr told lawmakers Wednesday that he plans to assemble a team to help him review the conduct of intelligence agencies with regard to the Trump campaign.

Apr 10, 2019 12:37 PM CDT

GPS ankle monitors can call and record people without consent; do they violate 5th Amendment?

Updated: GPS electronic monitoring devices made by a company called the Track Group can call and record people who are required to wear the ankle monitors because they are on probation or awaiting trial.

Apr 9, 2019 11:39 AM CDT

DC Circuit bars release of grand jury materials to author; are there implications for Mueller report?

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled Friday that judges don’t have inherent authority to order the release of grand jury information that is protected by secrecy rules.

Apr 8, 2019 11:23 AM CDT

Dutch doctor’s abortion-drug prescription service faces legal landmines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating a mail-order abortion-drug practice, and abortion foes are vowing to fight back with federal legislation.

Apr 1, 2019 1:45 AM CDT

Court considers whether inquiry about citizenship belongs on the U.S. census

On April 23, the U.S. Supreme Court will take up a case that should resolve the issue. The justices will hear an appeal brought by the Trump administration of a federal district judge’s ruling that invalidated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross’ 2018 decision to add a citizenship question to the next census.

Apr 1, 2019 1:35 AM CDT