Law & Public Safety
Law & Public Safety
Through research and policy proposals, Locke supports the protection of the public and the right to self-defense. Unfortunately, issues like overcriminalization and asset seizure have caused public safety to stray from that vital responsibility.
Law & Public Safety
Kansas shows the way on judicial deference reform
The right to a fair trial before an impartial tribunal is one of the oldest and most fundamental principles of natural justice. That’s why, in addition to carrying a pair…
Law & Public Safety
More on birthright citizenship
About a year ago, in “A guide to the birthright citizenship debate,” I provided links to some of the best academic arguments on both sides. The current issue of the…
Law & Public Safety
Antonin Scalia died 10 years ago today
In commemoration, I’m reposting something I wtote about Justice Scalia at the time of his death. The title was “We shall not look upon his like again.” If constitutional government…
Law & Public Safety
Judicial Deference Reform
Introduction No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment. James Madison, Federalist No. 10 There can be no…
Law & Public Safety
Supreme Court will review Trump’s birthright citizenship order
The court made the announcement yesterday. Interested readers may want to consult my “guide to the birthright citizenship debate.” Here’s an excerpt: Prof. Yoo makes what many will regard as…
Law & Public Safety
A preview of Locke’s new report about crime and policing in North Carolina
The report is called “More cops, less crime: how intensive community policing can solve North Carolina’s crime problem.” It makes four points. First, crime continues to be a problem in…
Law & Public Safety
More Cops, Less Crime
Crime continues to be a problem in North Carolina, and the burden of crime isn’t evenly distributed. Instead, it falls most heavily on poor and black communities. The best way…
Legal insights
Law & Public Safety
NC Supreme Court affirms North Carolinians’ right to a fair trial
It is an ancient principle of natural justice that courts must interpret the meaning of laws and regulations in an independent and unbiased manner. That’s why, in addition to carrying a pair…
Research Brief
Law & Public Safety
Iryna Zarutska’s murder is a wake-up call
North Carolinians were shocked when they saw a video of Iryna Zarutska being stabbed to death while riding a light rail train in Charlotte on August 22. Shock turned to…
Research Brief
Law & Public Safety
Mandating statewide bail guidelines and background checks
On August 22, 2025, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was murdered on the Charlotte light rail. The victim, Iryna Zarutska, was repeatedly stabbed and left to bleed out. The exceptional brutality of it captured national attention.…
Legal insights
Legal insights
Trump’s tariffs face uphill challenge at appeals court
Tariffs function as taxes, with the costs of import duties on goods entering the United States primarily falling on American companies and consumers. The key legal question now centers on whether…
Research Brief
Law & Public Safety
Supreme Court Case Shows the Need for Donor Privacy Laws
The General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill (SB) 416, the “Personal Privacy Protection Act,” which contains important measures to protect the privacy of those who donate to nonprofit organizations. Gov. Josh Stein…