Amul Thapar

Non-Sequiturs

Non Sequiturs: 02.17.19

* I share Allahpundit's take on the retirement buzz around Justice Clarence Thomas (recently discussed by Jeffrey Toobin, but also in the air at last November's Federalist Society conference): it's certainly possible, and if it happens, Judge Amy Coney Barrett and Judge Amul Thapar are the two top picks. [Hot Air] * And Judge Barrett is protecting her prospects for Supreme Court confirmation: she just joined the opinion of a fellow shortlister, Judge Diane Sykes, that dutifully applies Hill v. Colorado, the shaky but not-overruled Supreme Court precedent about free-speech rights outside abortion clinics. [Bench Memos / National Review] * Speaking of SCOTUS, which amici boast the best track recorders in filing certiorari-stage amicus briefs in business cases? Adam Feldman crunches the numbers -- and the dominance of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce should come as no surprise. [Empirical SCOTUS] * And speaking of the Chamber, it also seems to be making progress on its goal of forcing more disclosure of litigation-funding arrangements, with the reintroduction of the Litigation Funding Transparency Act (LFTA). [Institute for Legal Reform] * Litigation funders don't reflexively oppose any and all disclosure requirements; Michael German of Vannin Capital, for example, argues for a sensible and limited disclosure regime. [New York Law Journal] * If you're looking for an interesting new podcast (besides Wondery's exploration of the Dan Markel case), consider Bound by Oath from the Institute for Justice (Eugene Volokh is a fan). [Institute for Justice] * Should Roger Stone be gagged? Joel Cohen weighs the pros and cons. [The Hill] * Are you a lawyer who enjoys poker? Mark your calendar for February 23! [Attorney Poker Tour]

By David Lat
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 08.16.18

* Charges filed in the murder of Stephen Shapiro against the victim's brother-in-law. [American Lawyer] * Over in the Sixth Circuit, Judge Amul Thapar launched his latest bid to be the Federalist Society's next favorite son by taking the Supreme Court's intellectually bankrupt Epic opinion and saying, "what if it didn't go far enough?"[National Law Journal] * As sexual abuse allegations against the Catholic Church continue to mount, Andrew Cuomo asks the state to expand the deadline to bring claims to the age of 50. Like every other Cuomo move, I assume this comes because Cynthia Nixon wanted it moved to 49. [New York Law Journal] * Lawsuits focus on want ads specifically targeted to young demographics on social media. That certainly sounds like age discrimination, but with this judiciary, I'm sure it's a violation of the employers' Free Speech rights to engage in fair hiring practices. [NPR] * "According to the massive DOJ settlement, RBS didn't just commit fraud—its employees also chatted about it via email and text." Ladies and gentlemen, the people we entrust with our economic well-being! [Corporate Counsel] * Evan Greebel tried to get out of his conviction. He failed. [Law360] * Masterpiece Cakeshop is back, explaining why they shouldn't have to serve trans people now. [Courthouse News Service] * Oh, and obviously Trump is going to fight the Mueller subpoena because telling the truth is hard and creating a constitutional crisis is easy. [Washington Post]

By Joe Patrice