The Posse Comitatus Act bars the armed forces from serving as civilian police, but loopholes and exceptions undermine its effectiveness.

For decades, the federal government used its grant-making power to spur states to incarcerate more people and to impose longer sentences. It should now use that power to reverse course.

Staggered 18-year terms would bring regular turnover to the bench. The result would be a Court that better reflects prevailing public values.

State legislators, local administrators, and advocates must strengthen and clarify election processes, preempt disinformation, and enact stronger measures against intimidation.