In a pair of blockbuster decisions, one issued two years ago and the other earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down two handgun bans. In doing so, the Court has rediscovered the Second Amendment of the U.S.… Continue Reading
Diane Wood, a judge on the federal appellate court in Chicago, is considered one of the front-runners for the Supreme Court seat being vacated this summer by Justice John Paul Stevens. Wood’s supporters cite her extensive legal experience and sharp… Continue Reading
Primary runoff elections for judicial candidates concluded last week with winners thanking their supporters and losers licking their wounds. As a shining example of democracy, this election day, as usual, fell rather short. In Travis County, for example, the turnout… Continue Reading
In four rural villages outside of Cairo, researchers led by Baker Institute fellow Mahmoud El-Gamal are testing micro-lending (or small loan) systems designed to help the poor help themselves. The loan amounts are very modest — anywhere from $5 to… Continue Reading
The full name of the retiring Supreme Court justice, John Paul Stevens, echoes another important “John Paul.” Like the late pope, Justice Stevens was of service to the cause of justice and democracy for several decades and across eras of… Continue Reading
Pakistan’s economy faces a complex set of problems according to Adnan Mazarei, assistant director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department and mission chief for Pakistan at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During a recent talk at the Baker… Continue Reading
Reports of the U.S. dollar’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated, but a report by the Independent’s Robert Fisk on “secret meetings” to discuss conducting oil trades — traditionally priced in dollars — using a basket of currencies has moved… Continue Reading