Udi Ofer
@uofer.bsky.social
Teach constitutional rights and policy advocacy at Princeton University. Founding Director, Princeton Policy Advocacy Clinic. Former ACLU attorney for 20 years. Chair, International Advisory Council, Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
2025 is among the deadliest years for veterans on death row. And over 40% of veterans later sentenced to death experienced addiction at some point in their lives, compared to 11% of all veterans and 12% of the general public. deathpenaltyinfo.org/research/ana...
Forgotten Service, Lasting Wounds: Military Veterans and the Death Penalty | Death Penalty Information Center
**Executive Summary** - Though the Supreme Court has recognized the importance of military service in capital mitigation, the legal...
deathpenaltyinfo.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
2025 is among the deadliest years for veterans on death row. And over 40% of veterans later sentenced to death experienced addiction at some point in their lives, compared to 11% of all veterans and 12% of the general public. deathpenaltyinfo.org/research/ana...
Just as President Trump's mass deportation program becomes even more aggressive, with more arrests and detentions, government detention data goes dark. Even if shutdown ended today, it's unclear how long it would take agencies to start producing data again austinkocher.substack.com/p/ice-and-eo...
ICE and EOIR Data Cut Off During Government Shut Down Just as ‘Mass Detention’ Gets $45B Boost
ICE hasn’t produced crucial detention data in over 45 days despite continuing its aggressive—and sometimes illegal—enforcement rampage during the partial government shutdown.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Just as President Trump's mass deportation program becomes even more aggressive, with more arrests and detentions, government detention data goes dark. Even if shutdown ended today, it's unclear how long it would take agencies to start producing data again austinkocher.substack.com/p/ice-and-eo...
Palestinian Authority has reached an agreement with Hamas that the committee to administer Gaza will be headed by PA minister, most likely Majed Abu Ramadan, currently the PA health minister, originally from Gaza and a former mayor of Gaza City. www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
Abbas’s deputy: We agreed with Hamas that committee to administer Gaza will be headed by PA minister
* * *
www.timesofisrael.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Palestinian Authority has reached an agreement with Hamas that the committee to administer Gaza will be headed by PA minister, most likely Majed Abu Ramadan, currently the PA health minister, originally from Gaza and a former mayor of Gaza City. www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
Reposted by Udi Ofer
BREAKING: Mark Wolf, appointed to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan, writes that he is resigning as a judge to have the freedom to speak out against the president's assault on the rule of law.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
November 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
BREAKING: Mark Wolf, appointed to the federal bench by Ronald Reagan, writes that he is resigning as a judge to have the freedom to speak out against the president's assault on the rule of law.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Udi Ofer
sometimes an Oxford comma can make all the difference
November 8, 2025 at 12:36 PM
sometimes an Oxford comma can make all the difference
Reposted by Udi Ofer
When the pandemic began in 2020, New Jersey had the nation’s highest COVID-19 death rate in prisons.
The Public Health Emergency Credit (PHEC) allowed people nearing their release dates to leave prison up to 8 months early, and it saved lives.
Read more: www.aclu-nj.org/news/releasi...
The Public Health Emergency Credit (PHEC) allowed people nearing their release dates to leave prison up to 8 months early, and it saved lives.
Read more: www.aclu-nj.org/news/releasi...
Releasing People From Prison is About Humanity - ACLU of New Jersey
Early releases from prison in the pandemic in NJ — projected to exceed 8,000 from March 2020 to March 2022 — saved lives and showed the urgent human need for decarceration. When the pandemic began two...
www.aclu-nj.org
November 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
When the pandemic began in 2020, New Jersey had the nation’s highest COVID-19 death rate in prisons.
The Public Health Emergency Credit (PHEC) allowed people nearing their release dates to leave prison up to 8 months early, and it saved lives.
Read more: www.aclu-nj.org/news/releasi...
The Public Health Emergency Credit (PHEC) allowed people nearing their release dates to leave prison up to 8 months early, and it saved lives.
Read more: www.aclu-nj.org/news/releasi...
This week marked 30 years since Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by right wing zealot at a rally where Rabin delivered a speech about importance of peace between Israelis & Palestinians. In his pocket were lyrics to Shir LaShalom, Song for Peace. This image of the bloodstained lyrics breaks my heart:
November 6, 2025 at 6:41 PM
This week marked 30 years since Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by right wing zealot at a rally where Rabin delivered a speech about importance of peace between Israelis & Palestinians. In his pocket were lyrics to Shir LaShalom, Song for Peace. This image of the bloodstained lyrics breaks my heart:
Wall Street Journal editorial board not convinced by the Trump administration's legal argument that tariffs are not taxes. Congress clearly has the power to raise taxes, not the president. You would think that more conservatives would be outraged by such unilateral action www.wsj.com/opinion/dona...
Opinion | Trump’s Tariffs May Not Please the Court
The government’s claims in defense of the emergency border taxes don’t stand ‘major questions’ scrutiny.
www.wsj.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Wall Street Journal editorial board not convinced by the Trump administration's legal argument that tariffs are not taxes. Congress clearly has the power to raise taxes, not the president. You would think that more conservatives would be outraged by such unilateral action www.wsj.com/opinion/dona...
Aymen Oden, Arab Israeli Knesset member, head of far-left political coalition: "Rabin's courage didnt stop at extending hand for peace. It also included the simple recognition that the Arab community's representatives are legitimate, especially when it comes to peace" www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
Thirty years after Rabin's murder, Israelis must stop fearing peace | Opinion
***
www.haaretz.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Aymen Oden, Arab Israeli Knesset member, head of far-left political coalition: "Rabin's courage didnt stop at extending hand for peace. It also included the simple recognition that the Arab community's representatives are legitimate, especially when it comes to peace" www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025...
Congressional lawmakers finally beginning to take a stand against Trump's completely illegal murder operations against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea. Growing bipartisan frustration that the Trump administration has left Congress in the dark. www.politico.com/live-updates...
Key Republicans waver ahead of war powers vote
The White House, in an apparent push to get Republicans on board, has increased efforts to brief lawmakers about its legal rationale for boat strikes in the Caribbean.
www.politico.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Congressional lawmakers finally beginning to take a stand against Trump's completely illegal murder operations against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea. Growing bipartisan frustration that the Trump administration has left Congress in the dark. www.politico.com/live-updates...
I remember back in 2017 when Larry Krasner first ran as a DA committed to ending mass incarceration. He made history then winning in a city that historically had a DA committed to more prisons and more death penalty. And now he made history again being elected a 3rd time 6abc.com/amp/post/res...
2025 Philadelphia District Attorney election: Larry Krasner reelected for 3rd term, AP projects | 6abc.com
Democrat%20Larry%20Krasner%20has%20been%20reelected%20for%20a%20third%20term%20as%20Philadelphia%20District%20Attorney%2C%20the%20Associated%20Press%20projects.
6abc.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:18 AM
I remember back in 2017 when Larry Krasner first ran as a DA committed to ending mass incarceration. He made history then winning in a city that historically had a DA committed to more prisons and more death penalty. And now he made history again being elected a 3rd time 6abc.com/amp/post/res...
Democrats sweep three supreme court elections in Pennsylvania, defeating high-profile Republican bid to unseat them. They won large statewide victories, centered largely on the court’s role in defending voting and abortion rights. boltsmag.org/pennsylvania...
Democrats Retain Control of Pennsylvania's Supreme Court with Three-Seat Sweep - Bolts
Three Democratic justices on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court have defeated an unusually high-profile Republican bid to unseat them. They secured large statewide victories on Tuesday, following an histo...
boltsmag.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Democrats sweep three supreme court elections in Pennsylvania, defeating high-profile Republican bid to unseat them. They won large statewide victories, centered largely on the court’s role in defending voting and abortion rights. boltsmag.org/pennsylvania...
The civil war in Sudan has displaced 12 million people and may have killed about 400,000. It is “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” Read more here: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/w...
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:37 PM
The civil war in Sudan has displaced 12 million people and may have killed about 400,000. It is “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” Read more here: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/w...
Annual Gallup poll on crime is always packed with interesting facts. As in past, Americans' perception of whether crime is up/down largely depends on whether their party is represented in WH. Democrats are now more likely since last year to say there's more crime news.gallup.com/poll/697124/... 1/2
Crime in U.S. Seen as Less Serious for Second Straight Year
Fewer Americans see national or local crime rising or view these as serious problems, but concerns about child safety and financial fraud remain.
news.gallup.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Annual Gallup poll on crime is always packed with interesting facts. As in past, Americans' perception of whether crime is up/down largely depends on whether their party is represented in WH. Democrats are now more likely since last year to say there's more crime news.gallup.com/poll/697124/... 1/2
"After more than 30 years of incarceration experience, I am convinced that people leave prison unhealthier, mentally, than when they come in, which is vastly intensified for those subjected to solitary confinement." solitarywatch.org/2025/10/28/e...
Ending Solitary Confinement Will Save Minds and Lives - Solitary Watch
In prison, psychological trauma is soaked into the fabric of everyday life. Solitary confinement makes things infinitely worse.
solitarywatch.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:30 PM
"After more than 30 years of incarceration experience, I am convinced that people leave prison unhealthier, mentally, than when they come in, which is vastly intensified for those subjected to solitary confinement." solitarywatch.org/2025/10/28/e...
What are the rights of dead people when they pass away in government custody? This is an issue my Policy Advocacy Clinic is researching for the United Nations this year. And here's an example: what happens to the possessions of people who die in prison? www.themarshallproject.org/2025/10/30/t...
Their Loved Ones Died Behind Bars. These Keepsakes Are All They Have Left.
Five families reflect on the possessions they got back, and the ones they didn’t.
www.themarshallproject.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:25 PM
What are the rights of dead people when they pass away in government custody? This is an issue my Policy Advocacy Clinic is researching for the United Nations this year. And here's an example: what happens to the possessions of people who die in prison? www.themarshallproject.org/2025/10/30/t...
The data show that NJ bail reform has been a great success, but that doesnt prevent it from being a political punching bag by both parties. Since implementation of bail reform in NJ:
- There has been no increase in court no-shows
- Recidivism rates of those released are equal or better
1/3
- There has been no increase in court no-shows
- Recidivism rates of those released are equal or better
1/3
October 30, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The data show that NJ bail reform has been a great success, but that doesnt prevent it from being a political punching bag by both parties. Since implementation of bail reform in NJ:
- There has been no increase in court no-shows
- Recidivism rates of those released are equal or better
1/3
- There has been no increase in court no-shows
- Recidivism rates of those released are equal or better
1/3
Great reporting by @mattfriedmannj.bsky.social: does Mikie Sherrill have a problem with progressives? Nope. A fake progressive PAC launched days before Election Day is in fact operated by Republicans: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
PAC mischief
A new PAC emerged over the weekend, just past the last pre-election deadline for disclosure, and immediately sent out a mailer that says Mikie Sherrill “walked out on working families” and “did not ac...
www.politico.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Great reporting by @mattfriedmannj.bsky.social: does Mikie Sherrill have a problem with progressives? Nope. A fake progressive PAC launched days before Election Day is in fact operated by Republicans: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Enacted in 1988 during the height of the war on drugs, the Thurmond Amendment allows landlords to deny housing based solely on a drug distribution conviction — regardless of how long ago it occurred and the person’s current circumstances. PA can end this injustice. www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
Locked out for life: Pa.’s housing crisis fueled by 1988 law | Opinion
A 1988 law allows landlords to refuse to rent or sell to people convicted of dealing drugs.
www.inquirer.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Enacted in 1988 during the height of the war on drugs, the Thurmond Amendment allows landlords to deny housing based solely on a drug distribution conviction — regardless of how long ago it occurred and the person’s current circumstances. PA can end this injustice. www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
Such a compelling piece on the experiences of children whose dads were executed by the state. In at least one case, the victim's family opposed the death penalty, yet the state moved forward with execution anyway. www.themarshallproject.org/2025/10/14/m...
Their Dads Faced Execution in Missouri. Their Grief Lives on.
The children of Lance Shockley, Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams Sr. and Kevin Johnson shed light on oft-forgotten experiences.
www.themarshallproject.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Such a compelling piece on the experiences of children whose dads were executed by the state. In at least one case, the victim's family opposed the death penalty, yet the state moved forward with execution anyway. www.themarshallproject.org/2025/10/14/m...
"And like the Irish Republican Army and Sinn Féin, Hamas might reinvent itself as a new political body...Some gunmen seem amenable. “Gaza needs a break and a respite,” says Jamil Mazhar, the deputy leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine" www.economist.com/middle-east-...
The new players who could run Gaza
Tycoons, gunmen and politicians are eyeing the enclave
www.economist.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
"And like the Irish Republican Army and Sinn Féin, Hamas might reinvent itself as a new political body...Some gunmen seem amenable. “Gaza needs a break and a respite,” says Jamil Mazhar, the deputy leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine" www.economist.com/middle-east-...
As Hamas' security forces return to the streets, Gazans who voiced criticism during the war now face arrests and even death. Khader Mahjaz, who once belonged to the organization, said: "I can no longer bear not to speak out against Hamas, even at the cost of my life." www.haaretz.com/middle-east-...
With cease-fire in effect, Hamas is back in charge and dissent is once again dangerous
As Hamas' Security Forces Return to the Streets, Activists, Journalists and Ordinary Gazans Who Voiced Criticism During the War Now Face Intimidation, Arrests And, in Some Cases, Deadly Retribution
www.haaretz.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:03 PM
As Hamas' security forces return to the streets, Gazans who voiced criticism during the war now face arrests and even death. Khader Mahjaz, who once belonged to the organization, said: "I can no longer bear not to speak out against Hamas, even at the cost of my life." www.haaretz.com/middle-east-...
.@stevevladeck.bsky.social this morning with an important reminder of how difficult it is to hold federal law enforcement accountable for wrongdoing due to decades of bad SCOTUS precedent & terrible congressional laws that make accountability nearly impossible: www.stevevladeck.com/p/bonus-182-...
Bonus 182: Damages as a (Missing) Deterrent
It's worth reflecting on how different things might look right now if federal officers—or the federal government itself—faced a meaningful specter of monetary liability for constitutional violations.
www.stevevladeck.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:24 PM
.@stevevladeck.bsky.social this morning with an important reminder of how difficult it is to hold federal law enforcement accountable for wrongdoing due to decades of bad SCOTUS precedent & terrible congressional laws that make accountability nearly impossible: www.stevevladeck.com/p/bonus-182-...
“This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law,” U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut wrote. “Defendants have made a range of arguments that, if accepted, risk blurring the line between civil and military federal power — to the detriment of this nation.” www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Courts confront militarized cities as Trump tests the waters with National Guard deployments
The effort has spawned a series of legal battles over whether the nation must accept this as a new way of life.
www.politico.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:11 PM
“This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law,” U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut wrote. “Defendants have made a range of arguments that, if accepted, risk blurring the line between civil and military federal power — to the detriment of this nation.” www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
We continue to live in upside down world, where Republicans are calling for bigger federal government to take control over state resources and Dems are protecting states from federal incursions. Read complaint Illinois vs Trump on National Guard deployment: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:54 AM
We continue to live in upside down world, where Republicans are calling for bigger federal government to take control over state resources and Dems are protecting states from federal incursions. Read complaint Illinois vs Trump on National Guard deployment: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...