Mike Milov-Cordoba
@milov-cordobam.bsky.social
Counsel, Judiciary & Democracy Programs, Brennan Center for Justice. State courts, state constitutions, and SCOTUS reform. All opinions are my own.
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
I hope you can join us at The Power of State Constitutional Rights, a symposium on Nov 6-7 in Chicago, organized by @brennancenter.org & Northwestern Law Review. We'll be hearing from judges, scholars and practitioners about the future of state con law. RSVP below! brennan.swoogo.com/stateconstit...
The Power of State Constitutional Rights
Judges, practitioners, and scholars explore critical issues facing state courts and constitutions.
brennan.swoogo.com
September 18, 2025 at 7:13 PM
I hope you can join us at The Power of State Constitutional Rights, a symposium on Nov 6-7 in Chicago, organized by @brennancenter.org & Northwestern Law Review. We'll be hearing from judges, scholars and practitioners about the future of state con law. RSVP below! brennan.swoogo.com/stateconstit...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
This is a remarkable article. Federal judges are increasingly speaking out against SCOTUS’s approach to the shadow docket. This isn't typical & underscores the impossible position for lower courts when SCOTUS makes new law on its emergency docket – especially when it doesn’t explain its rulings. /1
🚨EXCLUSIVE:
Federal judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court has got to do a better job of explaining emergency rulings, with frequent decisions in favor of Trump at least appearing to validate harsh criticism of the judiciary at a time of rising threats:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Federal judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court has got to do a better job of explaining emergency rulings, with frequent decisions in favor of Trump at least appearing to validate harsh criticism of the judiciary at a time of rising threats:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases
Ten judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court needs to explain its rulings better, with some urging Chief Justice John Roberts to do more to defend the judiciary against external criticism.
www.nbcnews.com
September 4, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This is a remarkable article. Federal judges are increasingly speaking out against SCOTUS’s approach to the shadow docket. This isn't typical & underscores the impossible position for lower courts when SCOTUS makes new law on its emergency docket – especially when it doesn’t explain its rulings. /1
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
🚨EXCLUSIVE:
Federal judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court has got to do a better job of explaining emergency rulings, with frequent decisions in favor of Trump at least appearing to validate harsh criticism of the judiciary at a time of rising threats:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Federal judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court has got to do a better job of explaining emergency rulings, with frequent decisions in favor of Trump at least appearing to validate harsh criticism of the judiciary at a time of rising threats:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases
Ten judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court needs to explain its rulings better, with some urging Chief Justice John Roberts to do more to defend the judiciary against external criticism.
www.nbcnews.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:06 AM
🚨EXCLUSIVE:
Federal judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court has got to do a better job of explaining emergency rulings, with frequent decisions in favor of Trump at least appearing to validate harsh criticism of the judiciary at a time of rising threats:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Federal judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court has got to do a better job of explaining emergency rulings, with frequent decisions in favor of Trump at least appearing to validate harsh criticism of the judiciary at a time of rising threats:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
NEW: There are 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States, each with their own unique legal system. @milov-cordobam.bsky.social and Dan Lewerenz provide a brief overview of the tribal courts, law, and constitutions that shape governance for American Indian tribes.
Tribal Courts and Constitutions of American Indian Tribes
Tribal courts and constitutions shape governance for American Indian tribes, balancing sovereignty with federal law in their unique legal systems.
statecourtreport.org
August 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
NEW: There are 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States, each with their own unique legal system. @milov-cordobam.bsky.social and Dan Lewerenz provide a brief overview of the tribal courts, law, and constitutions that shape governance for American Indian tribes.
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
SCOTUS's ruling in Skrmetti will push many legal fights about transgender rights to the states -- including whether state constitutions provide additional protections. Read about how state courts have addressed these questions to date. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
June 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
SCOTUS's ruling in Skrmetti will push many legal fights about transgender rights to the states -- including whether state constitutions provide additional protections. Read about how state courts have addressed these questions to date. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
NEW piece by the @brennancenter.org's @milov-cordobam.bsky.social and Robert Hogan about a bad provision in the pending reconciliation bill. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
House Budget Bill Would Gut Federal Courts’ Ability to Enforce Orders
The legislation would make it harder for judges to hold defiant parties, including government officials, in contempt.
www.brennancenter.org
June 5, 2025 at 9:25 PM
NEW piece by the @brennancenter.org's @milov-cordobam.bsky.social and Robert Hogan about a bad provision in the pending reconciliation bill. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Attn: law students and recent grads! With clerkship season upon us, our amazing free state court clerkship resource can help you plan your next move. Highlighting opportunities across 19 states and over 95 justices, application tips, deadlines, judge-specific requirements—it’s all there, and more.
State Judicial Clerkship Resource
statecourtreport.org
May 29, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Attn: law students and recent grads! With clerkship season upon us, our amazing free state court clerkship resource can help you plan your next move. Highlighting opportunities across 19 states and over 95 justices, application tips, deadlines, judge-specific requirements—it’s all there, and more.
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Today @hankjohnson.house.gov introduced the TERM Act—a bill to create 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices. The bottom line is this: no one should hold too much power for too long. 1/
May 21, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Today @hankjohnson.house.gov introduced the TERM Act—a bill to create 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices. The bottom line is this: no one should hold too much power for too long. 1/
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
NEW: Our latest essay spotlighting state constitutions comes from Steven Steinglass, who dives deep into the history that shaped the Ohio Constitution—including major events in 2023 and 2024—and the uncertainty of its future.
The Ohio Constitution: Its History and Its Future
Recent amendments, and fights against them, demonstrate the importance of the state constitution.
statecourtreport.org
May 21, 2025 at 5:37 PM
NEW: Our latest essay spotlighting state constitutions comes from Steven Steinglass, who dives deep into the history that shaped the Ohio Constitution—including major events in 2023 and 2024—and the uncertainty of its future.
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Back in 2018, nearly a hundred judges wrote to the Trump Admin to say that when ICE shows up to courthouses it scares away people who need to access the courts to keep them and their communities safe: 2/2
Former Judges Denounce Immigration Arrests at Courthouses
Judges from across the country call on ICE Director to halt courthouse arrests.
www.brennancenter.org
April 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Back in 2018, nearly a hundred judges wrote to the Trump Admin to say that when ICE shows up to courthouses it scares away people who need to access the courts to keep them and their communities safe: 2/2
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Arresting a judge for something like this is dangerous and wrong. We know that ICE's presence in courthouses makes our communities less safe. 1/2
Breaking News: FBI Director Kash Patel said that agents arrested a Wisconsin county judge and accused her of obstructing immigration enforcement, a major escalation in the Trump administration’s battle with local authorities over deportations.
Wisconsin Judge Arrested, Accused of Shielding Immigrant From Federal Agents
Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on suspicion that she “intentionally misdirected federal agents away from” an immigrant being pursued by the authorities, the F.B.I. director said in a social media pos...
www.nytimes.com
April 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Arresting a judge for something like this is dangerous and wrong. We know that ICE's presence in courthouses makes our communities less safe. 1/2
With state courts now deciding many of the most important cases in our democracy, legislators across the country are responding by taking aim at judicial independence. Must-read reporting from Montana which is facing "an avalanche of bills to reshape the judiciary." www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/u...
‘Buckle Up’: In Montana, Republican Lawmakers Target the Judiciary
Republicans in Montana and other states complain that liberal judges are tossing out the laws they pass. Now, conservative legislators are trying to change the rules, and the judges.
www.nytimes.com
March 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
With state courts now deciding many of the most important cases in our democracy, legislators across the country are responding by taking aim at judicial independence. Must-read reporting from Montana which is facing "an avalanche of bills to reshape the judiciary." www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/u...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
CJ Roberts is exactly right re: judicial impeachment: "For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose." /1 thehill.com/regulation/c...
Roberts issues rare public pushback after Trump calls for judge’s impeachment
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement Tuesday pushing back after President Trump called to impeach a federal judge that ruled against his administration in a high-profile deport…
thehill.com
March 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
CJ Roberts is exactly right re: judicial impeachment: "For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose." /1 thehill.com/regulation/c...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
In advance of an Alien Enemies Act proclamation, I want to state as clearly as possible:
The president will say this is about targeting members of Tren de Aragua, but it is not. Immigration law already allows the deportation of members of that group. /1
The president will say this is about targeting members of Tren de Aragua, but it is not. Immigration law already allows the deportation of members of that group. /1
March 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM
In advance of an Alien Enemies Act proclamation, I want to state as clearly as possible:
The president will say this is about targeting members of Tren de Aragua, but it is not. Immigration law already allows the deportation of members of that group. /1
The president will say this is about targeting members of Tren de Aragua, but it is not. Immigration law already allows the deportation of members of that group. /1
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Don't lose sight of states when talking about checks & balances! I wrote in @statecourtreport.bsky.social about how states play a bigger role than many people realize in determining whether & how federal policies get implemented — & in curbing abuses of power. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
States and the Balance of Power
States—and their courts—quietly shape and check federal power.
statecourtreport.org
February 12, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Don't lose sight of states when talking about checks & balances! I wrote in @statecourtreport.bsky.social about how states play a bigger role than many people realize in determining whether & how federal policies get implemented — & in curbing abuses of power. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
I'm excited to share NYU Law Review's new symposium issue, which came out of @brennancenter.bsky.social & @statecourtreport.bsky.social's February conference The Promise & Limits of State Constitutions. It's a who's who of top scholars discussing state con law. /1 nyulawreview.org/issues/volum...
Volume 99, Number 6 Archives - NYU Law Review
nyulawreview.org
January 15, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I'm excited to share NYU Law Review's new symposium issue, which came out of @brennancenter.bsky.social & @statecourtreport.bsky.social's February conference The Promise & Limits of State Constitutions. It's a who's who of top scholars discussing state con law. /1 nyulawreview.org/issues/volum...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
This is just a tremendous resource for anyone interested in learning more about US territories’ courts and governing structures. Check out @milov-cordobam.bsky.social in @statecourtreport.bsky.social, now featuring a major new ruling from Guam.
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Territorial Courts, Constitutions, and Organic Acts, Explained
There are five inhabited U.S. territories, each with its own court system and governing documents.
statecourtreport.org
January 8, 2025 at 4:33 PM
This is just a tremendous resource for anyone interested in learning more about US territories’ courts and governing structures. Check out @milov-cordobam.bsky.social in @statecourtreport.bsky.social, now featuring a major new ruling from Guam.
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Despite never getting a SCOTUS appointment, Jimmy Carter left a major imprint on the federal judiciary. He appointed Ginsburg and Breyer to lower court seats and broke down the existing old boys network in order to bring greater diversity to the bench. An important (and often overlooked) legacy.
December 29, 2024 at 10:38 PM
Despite never getting a SCOTUS appointment, Jimmy Carter left a major imprint on the federal judiciary. He appointed Ginsburg and Breyer to lower court seats and broke down the existing old boys network in order to bring greater diversity to the bench. An important (and often overlooked) legacy.
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
SCOTUS’s state criminal appeals docket has virtually disappeared. I’m thrilled to feature @stevevladeck.bsky.social in @statecourtreport.bsky.social explaining the trend and why it should trouble you. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
SCOTUS’s Declining State Criminal Appeals
The disappearance of state criminal appeals from the high court’s docket is profoundly problematic for the rights of criminal defendants and civil rights plaintiffs.
statecourtreport.org
December 17, 2024 at 9:07 PM
SCOTUS’s state criminal appeals docket has virtually disappeared. I’m thrilled to feature @stevevladeck.bsky.social in @statecourtreport.bsky.social explaining the trend and why it should trouble you. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
In ten states, voters have passed abortions rights constitutional amendments. I wrote for @statecourtreport.bsky.social about what happens next, including the legal & political fights that can happen when it comes to giving meaning to those rights. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
So You Passed a State Constitutional Amendment Protecting Abortion. Now What?
Voter approval of an amendment is often just one step in lengthy legal and political wrangling over state abortion rights.
statecourtreport.org
December 12, 2024 at 4:19 PM
In ten states, voters have passed abortions rights constitutional amendments. I wrote for @statecourtreport.bsky.social about what happens next, including the legal & political fights that can happen when it comes to giving meaning to those rights. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
After Skrmetti, what about state constitutions? Truly exceptional NYU Law student Morgan Munroe read every single state court trans rights case so you don't have to.
Verdict: It's a mixed bag. Montana's been protective, TX not so much, and so on. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Verdict: It's a mixed bag. Montana's been protective, TX not so much, and so on. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
December 11, 2024 at 4:53 PM
After Skrmetti, what about state constitutions? Truly exceptional NYU Law student Morgan Munroe read every single state court trans rights case so you don't have to.
Verdict: It's a mixed bag. Montana's been protective, TX not so much, and so on. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Verdict: It's a mixed bag. Montana's been protective, TX not so much, and so on. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
Two big state supreme court args to listen to this week:
1) Dec. 10: what’s the base amt NH must spend per kid for an adequate education?
2) Dec. 12: can FL sentence ppl to death by only 8 of 12 jurors?
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
1) Dec. 10: what’s the base amt NH must spend per kid for an adequate education?
2) Dec. 12: can FL sentence ppl to death by only 8 of 12 jurors?
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in December
Issues on the dockets include school funding, protection of children in foster care, and the death penalty.
statecourtreport.org
December 8, 2024 at 5:11 PM
Two big state supreme court args to listen to this week:
1) Dec. 10: what’s the base amt NH must spend per kid for an adequate education?
2) Dec. 12: can FL sentence ppl to death by only 8 of 12 jurors?
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
1) Dec. 10: what’s the base amt NH must spend per kid for an adequate education?
2) Dec. 12: can FL sentence ppl to death by only 8 of 12 jurors?
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
Reposted by Mike Milov-Cordoba
NEW: The window to implement congestion pricing in New York is narrowing. John Surico has a fascinating new piece in State Court Report laying out one piece of the puzzle: the litigation landscape. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
What's at Stake with Congestion Pricing in the Courtroom?
As Gov. Kathy Hochul announces she’s reviving the program, litigation over the plan is ongoing.
statecourtreport.org
November 15, 2024 at 4:19 PM
NEW: The window to implement congestion pricing in New York is narrowing. John Surico has a fascinating new piece in State Court Report laying out one piece of the puzzle: the litigation landscape. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...