Aaron Littman
@aaronlittman.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Law @law.ucla.edu
Faculty Director of Prisoners’ Rights Clinic
Deputy Director of Behind Bars Data Project
Scholarship at ssrn.com/author=1925841
Faculty Director of Prisoners’ Rights Clinic
Deputy Director of Behind Bars Data Project
Scholarship at ssrn.com/author=1925841
Reposted by Aaron Littman
This is full-on fascist propaganda that bears an uncanny resemblance to the "Letter Box," a feature of the notorious Nazi newspaper Der Stürmer highlighting lurid accounts of alleged "Jewish crimes."
December 16, 2025 at 8:46 PM
This is full-on fascist propaganda that bears an uncanny resemblance to the "Letter Box," a feature of the notorious Nazi newspaper Der Stürmer highlighting lurid accounts of alleged "Jewish crimes."
In every age, a hero or sage came to our aid. This year, his name is Ahmed. Wishing you a zissen Chanukah.
December 14, 2025 at 6:07 PM
In every age, a hero or sage came to our aid. This year, his name is Ahmed. Wishing you a zissen Chanukah.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
It's been truly remarkable to see the grand jury system actually act as a real line of defense.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
JUST IN: Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Snell just confirmed, at the prodding of U.S. Magistrate Judge Keri Holleb Hotaling, that this motion for dismissal followed a "no bill" from a grand jury.
That means the grand jury refused to indict.
That means the grand jury refused to indict.
U.S. prosecutors in Chicago are dropping another case tied to Operation Midway Blitz, "without prejudice."
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
It's USA v. Nathan Griffin. Below is the motion, followed by excerpts from the complaint.
The feds don't say why they're dropping it, but they had until today to secure an indictment.
December 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It's been truly remarkable to see the grand jury system actually act as a real line of defense.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
Especially since--as I bet most non-lawyers don't know--the only legal person in the GJ room is the prosecutor: no defense, no judge.
There is NO place more favorable to the state. And they keep losing.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The best thing about this isn't the merits so much as the fact that @raskin.house.gov is socializing serious structural reform. This is the register we need to be in in preparation for the aftermath.
News -- > Rep Jamie Raskin is introducing a proposal today to require ranked choice voting in all congressional races. He's drawing attention to the idea even as corrupt Trump/GOP gerrymandering exposes current system's deep flaws.
Raskin discusses this on our pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2042...
Raskin discusses this on our pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2042...
December 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The best thing about this isn't the merits so much as the fact that @raskin.house.gov is socializing serious structural reform. This is the register we need to be in in preparation for the aftermath.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The LA jails have just posted their 45th in-custody death for the year, a 22 year old man who died in the hospital.
It's LASD's 3rd in-custody death in two days.
It's LASD's 3rd in-custody death in two days.
December 10, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The LA jails have just posted their 45th in-custody death for the year, a 22 year old man who died in the hospital.
It's LASD's 3rd in-custody death in two days.
It's LASD's 3rd in-custody death in two days.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The Illinois Bivens Act is now law - people can sue under state law for ICE’s constitutional violations. Which state is next? When the feds fall down on their obligations to protect people’s rights, it is time for states to step up.
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill to Protect Immigrants from Unjust Federal Actions
HB 1312 enacts protections for immigrants as the Trump Administration terrorizes Illinois communities
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
The Illinois Bivens Act is now law - people can sue under state law for ICE’s constitutional violations. Which state is next? When the feds fall down on their obligations to protect people’s rights, it is time for states to step up.
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
Excited to see this new complaint on behalf of West Virginia prisoners and their families, challenging Aramark’s scheme to profit off prison food: www.nclc.org/class-action... A valuable use of consumer law to protect people behind bars from @nclcv.bsky.social @mtstatejustice.bsky.social and Relman.
Class Action Filed Against Aramark to Halt Illegal Scheme to Profit off Prison Food
“Food is a uniquely powerful tool, and Aramark is using it to exploit a captive consumer market."
www.nclc.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Excited to see this new complaint on behalf of West Virginia prisoners and their families, challenging Aramark’s scheme to profit off prison food: www.nclc.org/class-action... A valuable use of consumer law to protect people behind bars from @nclcv.bsky.social @mtstatejustice.bsky.social and Relman.
Follow the invaluable, shoestring @boltsmag.org newsroom—you’ll learn a lot and help concretely to support their work.
I'm not exaggerating when I say following @boltsmag.org rn will unlock money for our journalism.
A generous reader, @russ41.bsky.social, has offered to donate $1 for every 1-person increase to our follower count.
If you're not following @boltsmag.org yet, it'll directly help fund our reporting!
A generous reader, @russ41.bsky.social, has offered to donate $1 for every 1-person increase to our follower count.
If you're not following @boltsmag.org yet, it'll directly help fund our reporting!
December 6, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Follow the invaluable, shoestring @boltsmag.org newsroom—you’ll learn a lot and help concretely to support their work.
A beautiful portrait of a home in rural Georgia that welcomes the loved ones of immigrants detained nearby, where I once stayed for a week with a bunch of of law students to help draft bond motions: www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/05/i...
The Small House Offering Aid in the Shadow of an ICE Detention Center
Amid rising ICE arrests, volunteers provide aid — a meal, a bed, gas money — to anyone visiting someone detained in remote rural Georgia.
www.themarshallproject.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:23 PM
A beautiful portrait of a home in rural Georgia that welcomes the loved ones of immigrants detained nearby, where I once stayed for a week with a bunch of of law students to help draft bond motions: www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/05/i...
Reposted by Aaron Littman
I mean, this is an execution
December 5, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I mean, this is an execution
Reposted by Aaron Littman
“I want their morale as low as possible because a team with low morale is ineffective.”
Meet the veteran who chases ICE on a scooter
Meet the veteran who chases ICE on a scooter
Meet the veteran who chases ICE on a scooter
Clifford “Buzz” Grambo patrols the streets of Baltimore to keep his neighbors safe—and make federal agents uncomfortable.
www.motherjones.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“I want their morale as low as possible because a team with low morale is ineffective.”
Meet the veteran who chases ICE on a scooter
Meet the veteran who chases ICE on a scooter
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The crime is not what we were doing protesting in the 10th floor elevator lobby of 26 Federal Plaza.
The crime is what ICE agents are doing on the other side of the door.
The crime is what ICE agents are doing on the other side of the door.
NEW: Brad Lander says he wants a trial, not a deal to drop his charge stemming from an arrest by ICE.
After Arrest by ICE, City Comptroller Rejects Deal and Seeks Trial
Other officials arrested while protesting at 26 Federal Plaza in September will have their federal charges dropped if they avoid arrest inside a federal building for six months.
www.thecity.nyc
November 18, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The crime is not what we were doing protesting in the 10th floor elevator lobby of 26 Federal Plaza.
The crime is what ICE agents are doing on the other side of the door.
The crime is what ICE agents are doing on the other side of the door.
Huge congrats to my friend Calvin!
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan wins Orleans clerk of court race - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan, a political newcomer and former prisoner, defeated incumbent Darren Lombard by a wide margin in Saturday's runoff.
veritenews.org
November 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Huge congrats to my friend Calvin!
Reposted by Aaron Littman
Brad Lander is at the victory party and, folks, he has the custom one-of-one “GOOD FUCKING RIDDANCE” shirt.
November 5, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Brad Lander is at the victory party and, folks, he has the custom one-of-one “GOOD FUCKING RIDDANCE” shirt.
Cheers for AFPDs Abe and Ohm, and their client Ms. Reid, guardians of democracy all three.
Wow. Sidney Reid, the DC woman just found not guilty of assaulting an FBI agent, issues a withering and gutsy statement on Trump through her attorneys.
"I feel sorry for the prosecutors really, who must be burdened by Trump's irrational and unfounded hatred for his fellow man."
It's a must-read:
"I feel sorry for the prosecutors really, who must be burdened by Trump's irrational and unfounded hatred for his fellow man."
It's a must-read:
October 16, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Cheers for AFPDs Abe and Ohm, and their client Ms. Reid, guardians of democracy all three.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
No.
Signed, a criminologist (for all intents and purposes)
Signed, a criminologist (for all intents and purposes)
As President Trump ramps up efforts to send federal officers and troops into cities, criminologists are watching closely. Are the feds doing this in a smart way?
National Guard presence may deter crime, but experts warn of the long-term costs
As President Trump ramps up efforts to send federal officers and troops into cities, criminologists are watching closely. Are the feds doing this in a smart way?
n.pr
October 3, 2025 at 4:44 AM
No.
Signed, a criminologist (for all intents and purposes)
Signed, a criminologist (for all intents and purposes)
Reposted by Aaron Littman
It is funny for sure. The reason for the difference is that the closer analogy here is between Columbia's board and ABC's executives, who responded similarly. Kimmel is more like Columbia faculty who have resisted their bosses' capitulation. The recurring pattern is: management cowers, labor fights.
It is really funny that Jimmy Kimmel Live showed more moral fortitude and adherence to a system of values than Columbia University
September 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
It is funny for sure. The reason for the difference is that the closer analogy here is between Columbia's board and ABC's executives, who responded similarly. Kimmel is more like Columbia faculty who have resisted their bosses' capitulation. The recurring pattern is: management cowers, labor fights.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
I'm just gonna keep reposting this inane BS from Justice Kavanaugh's concurrence on the roving immigration patrol case from LA.
September 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I'm just gonna keep reposting this inane BS from Justice Kavanaugh's concurrence on the roving immigration patrol case from LA.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The irony is not lost on me. Chin up, Jimmy. 🙏
September 20, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The irony is not lost on me. Chin up, Jimmy. 🙏
Reposted by Aaron Littman
🚨 150 University of California law professors (and counting) have now signed this open letter to the UC Regents and other officials, explaining the flagrant illegality of the Trump Administration’s UCLA funding cut offs, and urging the UC to fight back. sites.google.com/view/uclawfa...
August 15, 2025 at 6:52 PM
🚨 150 University of California law professors (and counting) have now signed this open letter to the UC Regents and other officials, explaining the flagrant illegality of the Trump Administration’s UCLA funding cut offs, and urging the UC to fight back. sites.google.com/view/uclawfa...
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The thing is, it’s a more important piece of white American history.
A very important piece of Black American History.
August 15, 2025 at 1:07 AM
The thing is, it’s a more important piece of white American history.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The mayor and the governor should be threatening now to use every newton of power they have to punish Harvard if they do this. Eye-watering state and local endowment taxes, zoning and land use, litigation, you name it.
Harvard University is nearing a $500 million settlement with the Trump administration, in what would be the largest payout the White House has won so far in its campaign to punish universities that it says failed to stop antisemitism on campus.
Harvard, Trump Administration Near Deal for $500 Million Settlement
Agreement would restore funding and stop litigation between the school and White House.
on.wsj.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The mayor and the governor should be threatening now to use every newton of power they have to punish Harvard if they do this. Eye-watering state and local endowment taxes, zoning and land use, litigation, you name it.
Reposted by Aaron Littman
The billion dollars is the least of it. It’s universities’ autonomy, independence, and integrity that Trump is really after. www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/p...
Trump administration seeking $1 billion settlement from UCLA | CNN Politics
The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from the University of California, Los Angeles, CNN has exclusively learned, marking the latest effort by the White House to shape higher ed...
www.cnn.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:53 PM
The billion dollars is the least of it. It’s universities’ autonomy, independence, and integrity that Trump is really after. www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/p...
Reposted by Aaron Littman
Chancellor Julio Frenk is the child of German refugees who fled to Mexico from Nazi Germany. He has not been shy about addressing bias where it exists.
Meanwhile, using the pretext of antisemitism to take money away from my employer is the most antisemitic thing ever to have affected me personally.
Meanwhile, using the pretext of antisemitism to take money away from my employer is the most antisemitic thing ever to have affected me personally.
The federal government is suspending certain research funding to the University of California at Los Angeles, citing concerns about antisemitism and bias on campus, according UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk
Trump Administration Suspends UCLA Grants After Rights Probe
The federal government is suspending certain research funding to the University of California at Los Angeles over concerns about antisemitism and bias on campus, hitting one of the most prestigious public higher-education systems in the US.
bloom.bg
August 2, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Chancellor Julio Frenk is the child of German refugees who fled to Mexico from Nazi Germany. He has not been shy about addressing bias where it exists.
Meanwhile, using the pretext of antisemitism to take money away from my employer is the most antisemitic thing ever to have affected me personally.
Meanwhile, using the pretext of antisemitism to take money away from my employer is the most antisemitic thing ever to have affected me personally.