Author

Michael Coard
Opinion contributor Michael Coard, an attorney and radio host, is a columnist for the Philadelphia Tribune. His work appears biweekly on the Capital-Star’s Commentary Page. Readers may follow him on Twitter @michaelcoard.
Pennsylvania’s dangerous landlord-tenant law persists | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - August 23, 2023
Back in April, I wrote about the serious problem of landlord-tenant officers in Pennsylvania, who have extraordinary power with very little training. I detailed the March case of 35-year-old Angel Davis, shot in the head and nearly killed by a so-called landlord-tenant officer while he served her with eviction papers in Philadelphia. At a rally […]
Pa.’s probation reform bill actually weaponizes it | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - July 9, 2023
Yes, there's an urgent need to fix a flawed system. This equally flawed bill isn't it.
Ten reasons why Black people shouldn’t celebrate Independence Day | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - July 4, 2023
Some 247 years later, we're still waiting for true freedom and liberation.
Appellate court ruling on Philly cops’ social media posts sends a dangerous message | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - June 20, 2023
We need far more than just mere reform to fix a broken system.
You have the right to remain silent. You should exercise it | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - June 15, 2023
The 'Miranda Warning,' a bedrock principle of law, turned 57 years old this week. Here's why you should still care about it.
Here’s how to stop Black gun crime – and white gun crime, too | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - June 6, 2023
To end our plague of violence, we need to make it nearly impossible for Americans to own guns.
Progressives make gains in Pa.’s biggest counties – despite establishment Dems | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - June 2, 2023
In Philly and Allegheny County, progressives seized the moment on Primary Day. We're here to stay.
Want more Pa. Black voters to vote progressive? Here’s how | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - May 21, 2023
It starts with Black voters taking charge of their own progressive movement - and white progressives not being so paternalistic.
Four decades later, embers of Philly’s MOVE bombing still smoldering | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - May 16, 2023
A West Philly neighborhood went up in flames, taking lives and property with it. We're still waiting for accountability.
Want to pass real gun reform? Give more law-abiding Black people guns | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - May 7, 2023
It would happen faster than when Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday pulled their guns at the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Are influential anti-DEI Trumpers trying to turn Pa. into Florida? | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - April 25, 2023
The signs are there. Be aware -- and then vote.
Pa.’s landlord-tenant law literally can get you killed | Michael Coard
By: Michael Coard - April 7, 2023
Officials have a lot of explaining to do in the shooting of a Philadelphia woman.