Frederick Wiseman’s Reality Fictions
Frederick Wiseman's 42nd documentary in 50 years of film-making has just been released. What's he making movies about, anyway?
The Infamous Tale of the Murderous Chemistry Professor
The murder of Dr. George Parkman on the campus of Harvard College was one of the most famous crimes in nineteenth century America.
Why the Presidential Inauguration is in January
The Presidential Inauguration is January 20th as a result of a twentieth century change to the U.S. Constitution. Originally, it was March 4th.
To Fix Fake News, Look To Yellow Journalism
Fake news has plenty of precedents in the history of mass media, and particularly, in the history of American journalism.
The Ongoing Legal Plight of LGBTQ Refugees
Until governments recognize the right to freely express sexual and gender identity, safe haven for LGBTQ refugees is uncertain at best.
Happy Flag Day! (What is Flag Day?)
What is Flag Day, again? Early American flags were all over the place. There was no consensus about the flag until 25 years after the Revolution.
The Right to Legal Counsel
Adequate legal counsel is not provided to many of the poor accused of crimes.
The Politics of the Louisiana Purchase
Much of what the young American Republic did was without precedent, and the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was ...
Did You Hear the Joke about the Lawyer?
Why lawyer jokes typically involve the killing or maiming of lawyers.
Ballpoint Pen CSI
A short history of the ballpoint pen and early debates about its impact on handwriting.