Collection: OBJAI Explainers

Federal grand jury records do not automatically become public when a case ends. This explainer shows how Rule 6(e) limits disclosure and why secrecy can

U.S. border agents can generally search a traveler’s phone without a warrant, even when the traveler is an American citizen. This explainer covers the border-search

Police may use some deception during interrogations, while knowingly lying to federal investigators can sometimes be a federal crime. This explainer separates the rules and

Civil asset forfeiture can allow the government to seize and keep property without charging its owner with a crime. This explainer shows how the civil

Banks can generally close customer accounts, and anti-money-laundering rules may limit what they can disclose. This explainer separates lawful account closures from the limits on

Qualifying churches occupy an unusual position in U.S. tax law: they can be tax-exempt without seeking IRS recognition and generally do not file Form 990.

Congress ordered the FAA to establish minimum airline seat dimensions, but the rule never took effect. This explainer traces the legal and regulatory path that