Statute Explainers

How the FAA channels disputes out of court and into arbitration - and where the exemptions bite.

How AEDPA limits federal habeas review of state convictions.

REAL ID Act of 2005

How the REAL ID Act channels all removal-related claims into circuit courts and strips district court jurisdiction over immigration habeas.

28 U.S.C. § 1491

The Tucker Act

How the government argues its way out of district court in grant-termination cases, and why the Court of Federal Claims can write a check but cannot restart a program.

50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.

International Emergency Economic Powers Act

The authority behind the 2025 tariffs, and why the Supreme Court held in February 2026 that it never authorized tariffs at all.

19 U.S.C. § 2132

Trade Act of 1974, Section 122

The balance-of-payments surcharge: capped at 15 percent, gone in 150 days unless Congress acts, and used for the first time in history the day IEEPA fell.

19 U.S.C. § 1862

Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 232

The national security authority. Sectoral rather than country-based, built on an agency record, and with no sunset clock.

19 U.S.C. § 2411

Trade Act of 1974, Section 301

The retaliation authority, run through the Trade Representative. No rate ceiling and no expiration date, which is why it matters more after February 2026.

19 U.S.C. § 1338

Tariff Act of 1930, Section 338

A dormant retaliation power against countries that discriminate against U.S. commerce, never once used, and back in the conversation now.