Jamal Greene
@jamalgreene.bsky.social
Dwight Professor of Law, Columbia Law School. Ex-DOJ/OLC. Becoming familiar with your game.
How Rights Went Wrong available at Bookshop.org (https://tinyurl.com/se32my4r), Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/3vbcfwa4), or a decent public library.
How Rights Went Wrong available at Bookshop.org (https://tinyurl.com/se32my4r), Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/3vbcfwa4), or a decent public library.
Pinned
Jamal Greene
@jamalgreene.bsky.social
· Jun 10
Zaitsev, a 36-yr-old Russian citizen w/a pending asylum case, said he was beaten by ICE agents...Photos in court filings show Zaitsev with bruises and scabs on his face. “We came to the US for protection because of what we encountered in Russia. It seems that we are encountering here what we fled.”
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Note that these are different from the multiple high-level resignations at the DOJ Civil Rights Division.
Breaking: NYT now says *six* federal prosecutors in Minnesota have just resigned over the Justice Department's push to investigate the widow of Renee Good and the department's reluctance to investigate the ICE agent who shot Good, according to people with knowledge of their decision.
Six Prosecutors Quit Over Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Note that these are different from the multiple high-level resignations at the DOJ Civil Rights Division.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
Today at 34 & Park in Minneapolis, a woman tried to drive down the street where a protest had broken out in front of a home ICE was raiding, saying she had a doctor apt to get to. ICE agents busted out her windows, cut off her seatbelt, and pulled her out before arresting her.
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Today at 34 & Park in Minneapolis, a woman tried to drive down the street where a protest had broken out in front of a home ICE was raiding, saying she had a doctor apt to get to. ICE agents busted out her windows, cut off her seatbelt, and pulled her out before arresting her.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
just a reminder that we aren’t even seeing the worst of what is happening in Minneapolis from someone detailed at the Whipple Federal Building yesterday
January 13, 2026 at 12:51 AM
just a reminder that we aren’t even seeing the worst of what is happening in Minneapolis from someone detailed at the Whipple Federal Building yesterday
If a military officer in civilian clothes decides, say, to shoot up a random restaurant, their crime isn’t perfidy, it’s murder.
January 13, 2026 at 1:22 PM
If a military officer in civilian clothes decides, say, to shoot up a random restaurant, their crime isn’t perfidy, it’s murder.
A 99-year-old man should not need to be putting out statements about anything, ever, but here we are.
BERNANKE/YELLEN/GREENSPAN JOINT STATEMENT:
“.. this is how monetary policy is made in emerging markets ..”
(via @apnews.com)
“.. this is how monetary policy is made in emerging markets ..”
(via @apnews.com)
January 12, 2026 at 3:49 PM
A 99-year-old man should not need to be putting out statements about anything, ever, but here we are.
SportsSky isn't non-existent, it just thinks the regular season isn't serious enough.
January 11, 2026 at 4:27 AM
SportsSky isn't non-existent, it just thinks the regular season isn't serious enough.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
I can't describe how bad Minneapolis feels right now. My neighbors are pulling kids out of school. The public schools are offering remote learning until 2/12. We are having conversations in our alleys about how to protect ourselves. It feels like a military occupation with a blockade.
The US Department of Agriculture suspends all federal funding to Minnesota, effective immediately.
January 10, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I can't describe how bad Minneapolis feels right now. My neighbors are pulling kids out of school. The public schools are offering remote learning until 2/12. We are having conversations in our alleys about how to protect ourselves. It feels like a military occupation with a blockade.
Madison (1798): "[I]n case of a deliberate, palpable and dangerous exercise of other powers not granted by the said compact, the states who are parties there-to have the right, and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the pro⟨gress⟩ of the evil."
Bilal (2026): "You don't want that smoke."
Bilal (2026): "You don't want that smoke."
Philadelphia sheriff Rochelle Bilal:
“No law enforcement professional wears a mask…No law enforcement professional shoots at a moving vehicle.
“What Trump’s private army is doing…is not only against legal law, but moral law.”
Vows to arrest agents on site who commit crimes.
“No law enforcement professional wears a mask…No law enforcement professional shoots at a moving vehicle.
“What Trump’s private army is doing…is not only against legal law, but moral law.”
Vows to arrest agents on site who commit crimes.
January 10, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Madison (1798): "[I]n case of a deliberate, palpable and dangerous exercise of other powers not granted by the said compact, the states who are parties there-to have the right, and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the pro⟨gress⟩ of the evil."
Bilal (2026): "You don't want that smoke."
Bilal (2026): "You don't want that smoke."
Reposted by Jamal Greene
It’s hard to know if people outside MN understand how much of life is grinding to a halt here because of Trump’s occupation. Schools have shut down, businesses are scaling back hours or closing because their employees aren’t safe. The whole city is weighted down.
January 10, 2026 at 4:36 AM
It’s hard to know if people outside MN understand how much of life is grinding to a halt here because of Trump’s occupation. Schools have shut down, businesses are scaling back hours or closing because their employees aren’t safe. The whole city is weighted down.
BREAKING: In overnight 6-3 "shadow docket" decision, Supreme Court rules Nobel Prize Committee unconstitutional intrusion on unitary executive.
The Norwegian Nobel Prize committee has been forced to make a statement, declaring that the prize cannot be transferred.
It's hard even to comprehend how stupid this has become
It's hard even to comprehend how stupid this has become
January 10, 2026 at 2:46 PM
BREAKING: In overnight 6-3 "shadow docket" decision, Supreme Court rules Nobel Prize Committee unconstitutional intrusion on unitary executive.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
BREAKING: Indivisible and a broad coalition of groups across the country are calling for a coordinated ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action this Saturday and Sunday to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.
January 9, 2026 at 1:56 AM
BREAKING: Indivisible and a broad coalition of groups across the country are calling for a coordinated ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action this Saturday and Sunday to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
I & others have raised this w/ the Law and Society Association. So far, 🦗. Their 2026 "international" conference will take place in San Francisco, no virtual options, no concern for members who cannot travel. This from a sociolegal academic assoc'n whose members study policing, prisons, inequality?
On a similar point, it is irresponsible for academics to schedule international academic conferences in the U.S. during the Trump regime. It is not safe for visitors.
All conferences should be moved aboard until further notice. We can host them in Canada.
All conferences should be moved aboard until further notice. We can host them in Canada.
At this point, I can’t understand why any international traveller would visit the US
Even if you think you’re not at risk, you could get caught in the crossfire of ICE gunning people down in residential streets or have masked gunmen storm your restaurant and haul kitchen staff away as you eat lunch
Even if you think you’re not at risk, you could get caught in the crossfire of ICE gunning people down in residential streets or have masked gunmen storm your restaurant and haul kitchen staff away as you eat lunch
January 8, 2026 at 3:56 PM
I & others have raised this w/ the Law and Society Association. So far, 🦗. Their 2026 "international" conference will take place in San Francisco, no virtual options, no concern for members who cannot travel. This from a sociolegal academic assoc'n whose members study policing, prisons, inequality?
The fact that a technology "can" track phones "without a warrant" doesn't mean LE legally *may* use it follow people around and such. I'm not a 4th Am expert, but per Jones/Carpenter, the legal question gets complicated fast, and I certainly wouldn't trust "an internal ICE legal analysis."
SCOOP: 404 Media has obtained material that explains how Tangles and Webloc, two surveillance systems ICE recently purchased, work.
One can track phones without a warrant and follow their owners home or to their employer.
One can track phones without a warrant and follow their owners home or to their employer.
Inside ICE’s Tool to Monitor Phones in Entire Neighborhoods
404 Media has obtained material that explains how Tangles and Webloc, two surveillance systems ICE recently purchased, work. Webloc can track phones without a warrant and follow their owners home or t...
www.404media.co
January 8, 2026 at 7:09 PM
The fact that a technology "can" track phones "without a warrant" doesn't mean LE legally *may* use it follow people around and such. I'm not a 4th Am expert, but per Jones/Carpenter, the legal question gets complicated fast, and I certainly wouldn't trust "an internal ICE legal analysis."
Life imitates "Meat and You: Partners in Freedom" youtu.be/zR_4h5A5z_A?...
January 7, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Life imitates "Meat and You: Partners in Freedom" youtu.be/zR_4h5A5z_A?...
Reposted by Jamal Greene
"I’m going to pause here just to review: an institution that purports to be a university has told a philosophy professor he is forbidden from teaching Plato."
surreal times
dailynous.com/2026/01/06/t...
surreal times
dailynous.com/2026/01/06/t...
Texas A&M Bans Plato - Daily Nous
Drop the race and gender material from your course and the Plato readings, or teach a different course. You have a day to decide. That's a paraphrase of what Martin Peterson, professor of philosophy a...
dailynous.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:36 AM
"I’m going to pause here just to review: an institution that purports to be a university has told a philosophy professor he is forbidden from teaching Plato."
surreal times
dailynous.com/2026/01/06/t...
surreal times
dailynous.com/2026/01/06/t...
Reposted by Jamal Greene
The same is true for constitutional law.
It’s critical—quite literally for purposes of future constitutional meaning—that politicians say and be *seen* to be saying that Trump’s actions are illegal + unconstitutional. And ideally that they take formal institutional action grounded in that view.
It’s critical—quite literally for purposes of future constitutional meaning—that politicians say and be *seen* to be saying that Trump’s actions are illegal + unconstitutional. And ideally that they take formal institutional action grounded in that view.
For nonlawyers, it’s worth noting that statements like this have—as a formal matter—important legal effects as a matter of international law. If such statements are *not* made, and in volume, future arguments that Trump’s invasion sets a legal precedent will stand on much firmer legal ground.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide: "International law is universal and binding for all states. The American intervention in Venezuela is not in accordance with international law."
January 3, 2026 at 10:05 PM
The same is true for constitutional law.
It’s critical—quite literally for purposes of future constitutional meaning—that politicians say and be *seen* to be saying that Trump’s actions are illegal + unconstitutional. And ideally that they take formal institutional action grounded in that view.
It’s critical—quite literally for purposes of future constitutional meaning—that politicians say and be *seen* to be saying that Trump’s actions are illegal + unconstitutional. And ideally that they take formal institutional action grounded in that view.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
For nonlawyers, it’s worth noting that statements like this have—as a formal matter—important legal effects as a matter of international law. If such statements are *not* made, and in volume, future arguments that Trump’s invasion sets a legal precedent will stand on much firmer legal ground.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide: "International law is universal and binding for all states. The American intervention in Venezuela is not in accordance with international law."
January 3, 2026 at 9:57 PM
For nonlawyers, it’s worth noting that statements like this have—as a formal matter—important legal effects as a matter of international law. If such statements are *not* made, and in volume, future arguments that Trump’s invasion sets a legal precedent will stand on much firmer legal ground.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
Some thoughts on what Trump has done in Venezuela and what it might mean for US national security. Caveat: not a Latin America scholar so this is focused on US policy. Clearly huge consequences for Venezuela that others can address.
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
January 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Some thoughts on what Trump has done in Venezuela and what it might mean for US national security. Caveat: not a Latin America scholar so this is focused on US policy. Clearly huge consequences for Venezuela that others can address.
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
Make a Bond movie academic:
No Time To Grade
No Time To Grade
Make a Bond movie academic:
You Only Review Twice
You Only Review Twice
Make a Bond movie academic:
The Grant Is Not Enough
The Grant Is Not Enough
December 26, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Make a Bond movie academic:
No Time To Grade
No Time To Grade
Looks like @martylederman.bsky.social FTW.
BREAKING: by an apparent vote of 7–2, the Supreme Court has *denied* President Trump‘s plea to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago
December 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Looks like @martylederman.bsky.social FTW.
This seems better than the other stuff DHS has been up to. Here's to more of this and less of that.
A TSA choir at BWI Airport has gone viral with their rendition of the Mariah Carey classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” buff.ly/YeF6xFK
December 23, 2025 at 6:59 PM
This seems better than the other stuff DHS has been up to. Here's to more of this and less of that.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
It's actually worse. The Supreme Court has held 9-0 -- Clarence Thomas and other executive power fanatics included -- that detainees rendered to another country via the Alien Enemies Act are entitled to a pre-deportation hearing. There is no legal debate whatsoever.
Belatedly, this line from Weiss' memo is...something
Let's get someone who says banishing to CECOT was legit, she says
Here's the thing: There's a consensus among legal experts that *wasn't* legit
You can find someone who says moon is made outta Fluffernutter. Doesn't mean you should quote 'em
Let's get someone who says banishing to CECOT was legit, she says
Here's the thing: There's a consensus among legal experts that *wasn't* legit
You can find someone who says moon is made outta Fluffernutter. Doesn't mean you should quote 'em
December 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM
It's actually worse. The Supreme Court has held 9-0 -- Clarence Thomas and other executive power fanatics included -- that detainees rendered to another country via the Alien Enemies Act are entitled to a pre-deportation hearing. There is no legal debate whatsoever.
Reposted by Jamal Greene
BREAKING: We are suing Trump & his cronies to restore the Kennedy Center’s lawful name
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
Press Release | Democracy Defenders Action
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty today sued President Trump and others to stop the unlawful renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of the Congressw...
www.democracydefendersaction.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:57 AM
BREAKING: We are suing Trump & his cronies to restore the Kennedy Center’s lawful name
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
As of today, I don't think it should be called the Streisand effect anymore. Congrats, Barbra, you're free.
December 23, 2025 at 1:13 AM
As of today, I don't think it should be called the Streisand effect anymore. Congrats, Barbra, you're free.
Watch @jamellebouie.net's video, which is very informative, but also note that there are many good reasons for Supreme Court expansion apart from trying to achieve progressive political outcomes. It would be a better, more defensible institution if it were bigger. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
December 22, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Watch @jamellebouie.net's video, which is very informative, but also note that there are many good reasons for Supreme Court expansion apart from trying to achieve progressive political outcomes. It would be a better, more defensible institution if it were bigger. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....