U.S. law

Critics have argued that lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers on the high seas may violate international law and U.S. law.

Under U.S. federal law, federal civilian employees are entitled to receive back pay for missed pay periods once a federal government shutdown ends.

U.S. law is legally unclear about whether the executive branch can use a funding shutdown to terminate federal employees, and courts have historically often deferred to presidential administrations on related personnel disputes.

Under U.S. law, unlawfully retaining, storing, or transmitting classified information can lead to criminal charges and indictment.

Under U.S. law, lawmakers may redraw electoral maps for partisan reasons, but redistricting that constitutes a racial gerrymander can be challenged and invalidated in court.