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Virginia Moves to Undercut Qualified Immunity — and Other States Are Watching

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Virginia’s House Bill 1314 proposes a new civil action allowing individuals to sue police officers in state courts for constitutional violations. While it doesn’t abolish qualified immunity, it significantly weakens it. This shift could reshape accountability for officers, potentially influencing similar reforms in other states amid changing political dynamics in Virginia.

Virginia Moves to Undercut Qualified Immunity — and Other States Are Watching Read More
3 - Investigations / Accountability / California / California Watch / Government / Government / Public Records & Transparency

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel, raising concerns about transparency and due process. Despite legal obligations under the California Public Records Act, agencies have issued denials and delays, undermining public trust and accountability in the justice system.

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom. Read More
Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / California / California Watch / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Court Reform / Crime & Violence / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Legal Reform / Misconduct / San Marcos Abduction Attempt / The Smiel Series

Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Giselle Smiel faces five felonies, including kidnapping, for picking up her crying child at a San Diego school. Her defense argues there was no force or substantial movement, pointing to lack of evidence and jurisdictional issues. Advocates highlight constitutional violations and ADA neglect in her arrest, seeking dismissal of charges and oversight on family-court mechanisms in criminal cases.

Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story Read More
Child Custody / Child Protective Services / Child Support / Child Trafficking / Child Welfare / Constitutional Rights / Court Corruption / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Family Values / Foster Care / Government / Government Corruption / Legal Reform / Parental Rights / Policy / Politics / The Corruption Series

The Hidden Market in Broken Homes: How Family Courts Became a Profit Center

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article by Michael Phillips argues that family courts and child welfare systems have evolved into profit-driven industries, prioritizing revenue over family stability. Federal laws like Title IV-D and Title IV-E incentivize conflict and child removal, creating a cycle of dependency and trauma for families. Reform is essential to shift these damaging incentives.

The Hidden Market in Broken Homes: How Family Courts Became a Profit Center Read More
Accountability / Attorneys / Attorneys / Constitutional Rights / DOJ / Due Process Denied / Government / Judges / Opinion / Politics / Voice

“Evidence, Not Ideology” — If Only the ABA Lived By Its Own Words

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The American Bar Association (ABA) recently advocated for evidence-based justice while criticizing political influences. However, it faces accusations of selective outrage and inconsistency regarding its principles. The ABA’s historical silence on systemic injustices raises doubts about its commitment to neutrality. True reform requires the ABA to uphold its stated values across all cases.

“Evidence, Not Ideology” — If Only the ABA Lived By Its Own Words Read More
Accountability / Attorney General / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / Child Custody / Civil Rights / Court Corruption / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Discrimination / Family Court / Government / Government Corruption / Governor / Misconduct / New York / New York Watch / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / The Corruption Series / The Fishman Files / transparency

New York’s Shame: The State Hunts Marc Fishman While Ignoring Real Justice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In New York, Marc Fishman, a disabled father, endures a legal nightmare due to false accusations and judicial misconduct, facing a 45-day jail sentence despite exculpatory evidence. His appeals are delayed amid a lack of gubernatorial intervention, highlighting systemic failures and the abuse of power within the judicial system. Fishman’s plight reflects broader issues of injustice affecting vulnerable citizens.

New York’s Shame: The State Hunts Marc Fishman While Ignoring Real Justice Read More
2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Board of Education / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Discrimination / Education / Education / elections / Elections / Frederick County / Free Speech / Maryland / Parental Rights / parental rights / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Maryland Politics Turn Ugly: Threats, Intimidation, and the Silencing of Parents’ Rights

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A peaceful parents’ rights rally in Frederick turned chaotic when counter-protesters hurled threats and racial slurs at Lt. Governor candidate Dr. Brenda Thiam. Just steps from police headquarters, parents were chased into the Frederick Police Department while officers stood by, raising sharp questions about free speech, safety, and accountability in Maryland.

Maryland Politics Turn Ugly: Threats, Intimidation, and the Silencing of Parents’ Rights Read More
Accountability / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Support / Child Support / Corruption / Court Corruption / Court Of Ruin The William Sewell Files / Court Reform / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Laws / Legal Reform / Misconduct / South Carolina / South Carolina Watch / transparency

The Transcript Trap: How South Carolina Appeals Shut Parents Out of Justice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

William Sewell’s appeal following Judge Mandy Kimmons’ ruling confronts a major obstacle: the trial transcript. Sewell argues that opposing counsel Donald Gamache must share the transcript based on legal precedent, while Gamache insists Sewell must pay for it. This financial barrier effectively obstructs due process and limits parents’ ability to contest unjust rulings.

The Transcript Trap: How South Carolina Appeals Shut Parents Out of Justice Read More
Accountability / bias / Child Custody / Child Support / Corruption / Court Corruption / Court Of Ruin The William Sewell Files / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Laws / Misconduct / South Carolina / South Carolina Watch / The Corruption Series

The South Carolina Family Court Trap: How Rule Games Deny Due Process and Protect Judges Like Mandy Kimmons

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

South Carolina’s family courts present parents with a legal dilemma where appealing flawed judgments risks missing deadlines, while filing motions leads to judges evading accountability. This contradictory system, exemplified by Judge Mandy Kimmons, denies due process and undermines family stability. Reform is crucial to protect parental rights and ensure judicial responsibility.

The South Carolina Family Court Trap: How Rule Games Deny Due Process and Protect Judges Like Mandy Kimmons Read More
Accountability / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Crime & Violence / Donald Trump / Government / Law and Order / Law Enforcement / Military & Defense / Public Safety / Rights and Freedoms / Washington, DC

Trump Was Right to Step In on D.C. Crime — But Federal Agents Don’t Get a Free Pass to Trample Rights

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. is suffering from rising crime and lawlessness, prompting President Trump to intervene for restoration of order. However, federal actions must not violate the Fourth Amendment or intimidate citizens. True leadership targets criminals while ensuring accountability and upholding liberties. Safety should not come at the expense of individual freedoms.

Trump Was Right to Step In on D.C. Crime — But Federal Agents Don’t Get a Free Pass to Trample Rights Read More