Tim Lynch
Cato Institute
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Past articles by Tim:
Policy Report: Crime, the Constitution, and the Trump Administration
President Trump says crime is a serious problem and that he’s going to do something about it. His first move was to nominate Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions to be the new attorney general. Sessions, a former federal prosecutor, is widely known for his “lock ’em up” philosophy and tough stances on drugs and immigration. As the first 100 days of the Trump presidency recede into history, it is a good… → Read More
Obstruction of Justice
Investigators must also respect the law as they go about their work. → Read More
Sessions' New Charging Memo
State and local leaders have to take the lead on criminal justice reform. → Read More
Know your rights when stopped by police
Most people don’t know how to handle themselves. They know they have constitutional rights, but they also know that they can get into trouble by disobeying a police officer. → Read More
Know your rights when stopped by police
Most people don’t know how to handle themselves. They know they have constitutional rights, but they also know that they can get into trouble by disobeying a police officer. → Read More
When Our Rights Become Crimes
In four little panels Steve Kelley punctures the government’s bizarre claims about its powers and our rights. Although many false arrests are exposed in court, that’s cold comfort when you’re getting handcuffed and realize you’ll be locked up a while. Here’s a fairly recent example of such a false arrest caught on tape: For related Cato work, go here and here. H/T: Jacob Sullum at Hit & Run. → Read More
4/20, John Oliver, and Marijuana Reform
States should be able to opt out of the war on marijuana. → Read More
To Reform Indigent Defense, Bring the Market In
Letting indigent defendants choose their lawyers should be adopted more widely. → Read More
Sessions to Review Federal Monitoring of Local Police Agencies
Over the long run, local mayors and city councils must be make a sustained commitment to proper oversight of police. It is unrealistic to expect the Attorney General or a federal monitor to do their jobs. → Read More
Our Right to Trial by Jury Is under Attack, the Supreme Court Can Affirm and Protect It
The Constitution is supposed to guarantee the right to trial by jury. We will soon see whether the Supreme Court will come to the defense of that guarantee. → Read More
NYT Report on Paramilitary Drug Raids
A New York Times report engages with the many issues surrounding militaristic drug raids. → Read More
Let Indigent Defendants Choose Their Own Lawyers
Policymakers should forget about the popularity of the task that needs doing. Just do it. → Read More
There Is No War on Cops
A new book from a prominent right-wing commentator fails to make the case. → Read More
The Presumption of Innocence and 'Making a Murderer'
Most folks have no idea how lopsided the American criminal justice system has become. → Read More
Americans are bargaining away their innocence
Criminal courts are dominated by plea deals, and it's destroying our justice system. → Read More
Americans Are Bargaining Away Their Innocence
A re-examination of plea-bargaining practices is long overdue. → Read More
Police Misconduct
The National Police Misconduct Reporting Project's worst case of the December: The shooting of Andrew Thomas of Paradise, California. → Read More
Today Is Bill of Rights Day
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. → Read More
Police Misconduct
Over at Cato's Police Misconduct web site, we have identified the worst case for the month of November. It involved several officers with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). → Read More
"John Doe" Investigations
There is no place for "John Doe" investigations in America. Period. "Reforming" John Doe falls short. → Read More