University of Michigan Law School journal dedicated to the exploration of issues relating to race and law
By: Lauren Tortorella, Associate Editor Vol. 20 On October 18, the Supreme Court issued an order allowing Texas to use its strict voter ID law for the November election. The 2011 law requires voters to present a photo ID before voting at the polls. Some estimate this law will prevent… Read More
In August of 2014, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to create the Gun Violence Crisis Management System, which will provide nearly $12.7 million to neighborhood-based anti-violence organizations. One such group, called Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Change (GMACC), consists of reformed gangsters who hit the streets with… Read More
A federal court in Virginia struck down the state’s congressional map on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. The panel found that the state legislature’s decision to pack African Americans into the 3rd Congressional District, a district controlled by Democrats, was unconstitutional because it was motivated solely by race – a violation… Read More
By Whitney Robinson, Associate Editor Vol. 20 In May of 2010, 16 year-old Kalief Browder was walking home from a party in the Bronx with a friend. Suddenly, Browder and his friend were being stopped by police officers operating on a dubious tip from a man accusing Browder of stealing… Read More
By: Andrew Goddeeris, Online Production Editor Vol. 20 Yesterday, Jon Burge, who in 2010 was convicted of lying about the tortures of more than 100 black men during a reign of terror on the Chicago police force from 1972-1991, was released from prison after serving less than four years in… Read More
By: Whitney Robinson, Associate Editor Vol. 20 President Obama shared a powerful and important message during his address to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation this past Saturday. According to Obama, the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in August, and the ensuing unrest in Ferguson, exposes a… Read More
By: Daniela Tagtachian, Associate Editor Vol. 20 A recent conservative initiative from South Carolina to Colorado has called for the AP U.S. History curriculum to be more in line with “patriotism” and “respect for authority.” The Republican National Committee adopted a resolution in August 2014 stating that the College Board’s… Read More
On Friday, September 19th, the MJR&L 20th Anniversary Symposium hosted alumni, current students, and the public for engaging discussions on the evolution and future of race & law scholarship at the University and beyond. The keynote address was delivered by the esteemed Dr. Mary Frances Berry, and the Law School’s website… Read More
By: Daniela Tagtachian, Associate Editor Vol. 20 On August 27, 2014, the Associate Editors of the Michigan Journal of Race & Law drove out to Detroit to volunteer their time at Arts & Scraps, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of youth in low-income areas… Read More
The law operates differently for people depending on their skin color. What we are witnessing in Ferguson is an especially horrifying reminder of this insidious truth. Here’s some essential reading on this latest crisis: “What I Saw in Ferguson” – Jelani Cobb “In Ferguson, the Blurred Line Between Law Enforcement… Read More
