Ep. 315: How A 'Cruel And Unusual' Felon Voting Ban Fell Apart

Law360's Pro Say - News & Analysis on Law and the Legal Industry

A remarkable Fifth Circuit opinion recently concluded that Mississippi’s permanent ban on voting rights for convicted felons is cruel and unusual punishment that violates the Constitution. The ruling energized a growing nationwide advocacy movement against felon disenfranchisement, but it’s not without its detractors either, who argue the opinion conflicts with existing precedent and could throw voting regimes in many states into disarray. On this week’s episode of Pro Say we welcome Law360 feature reporter Jack Karp to explain how the Fifth Circuit reached its conclusion, what it could mean and just how quickly the U.S. Supreme Court may weigh in. Also this week, we examine the latest defeat of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau policy meant to combat discrimination in consumer banking practices, and a novel copyright lawsuit brought by authors who allege that OpenAI and other artificial intelligence platforms are using their works to learn without permission. Finally, a recent profane outburst from disgraced attorney Tom Girardi in court prompts our hosts to share their own embarrassing tales of swearing at inappropriate moments.