David Cole

Legal Affairs Correspondent

@DavidColeACLU

David Cole is The Nation’s legal affairs correspondent and the George J. Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University.

Fifty-four Nations Are Implicated in a CIA Torture Scheme

Fifty-four Nations Are Implicated in a CIA Torture Scheme Fifty-four Nations Are Implicated in a CIA Torture Scheme

A new report shows that a central element of the Bush administration response to 9/11 was itself to spread terror—on a global scale.

Feb 6, 2013 / David Cole

Checking Big Brother

Checking Big Brother Checking Big Brother

The Nation, with the ACLU and others, is suing the government over a law that allows unchecked surveillance. Will the Supreme Court even allow us to argue our case on the merits?

Nov 2, 2012 / David Cole

Liberals Win Big on Supreme Court ACA Decision Liberals Win Big on Supreme Court ACA Decision

But the fact that five justices were nearly willing to strike it down shows just how conservative this Court truly is.

Jul 11, 2012 / David Cole

Obamacare Upheld: How and Why Did Justice Roberts Do It?

Obamacare Upheld: How and Why Did Justice Roberts Do It? Obamacare Upheld: How and Why Did Justice Roberts Do It?

President Obama may not call the individual mandate a “tax”—but John Roberts does.

Jun 28, 2012 / David Cole

On Immigration, United States 1, Arizona 0

On Immigration, United States 1, Arizona 0 On Immigration, United States 1, Arizona 0

Contrary to many claims, the Supreme Court did not uphold the “show me your papers” provision of SB-1070—the decision is a near-complete victory for immigrants&rs...

Jun 27, 2012 / David Cole

Detención y cacheo: Una práctica indignante Detención y cacheo: Una práctica indignante

Las causas de Nueva York y Filadelfia son un llamado de atención a la policía y a las cortes para que hagan realidad la promesa de igual protección ante la ley para todos.

Jun 25, 2012 / David Cole

Anti-Immigrant Forces Lose Big in Supreme Court

Anti-Immigrant Forces Lose Big in Supreme Court Anti-Immigrant Forces Lose Big in Supreme Court

The Court gave the Obama administration near-total victory, striking down key parts of Arizona’s immigration law.

Jun 25, 2012 / David Cole

Whatever Happened to the Minimalist Supreme Court? Whatever Happened to the Minimalist Supreme Court?

Today's decisions about sex, drugs, and union speech may offer clues about next week's decision on healthcare.

Jun 21, 2012 / David Cole

The Outrage of Stop-and-Frisk Policing

The Outrage of Stop-and-Frisk Policing The Outrage of Stop-and-Frisk Policing

Growing public protest, along with two landmark lawsuits, may put an end to this dragnet policy that overwhelmingly targets young black and Latino men.

Jun 14, 2012 / David Cole

DOMA Declared Unconstitutional; Next Stop, Supreme Court

DOMA Declared Unconstitutional; Next Stop, Supreme Court DOMA Declared Unconstitutional; Next Stop, Supreme Court

What’s next for the Defense of Marriage Act?

Jun 1, 2012 / David Cole

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