Daily Source Bias Check: Above the Law

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias.  They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes.  These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate Above the Law Left-Center Biased based on story selection and editorial positions that moderately favors the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact check record.

Detailed Report

Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 48/180

History

Above the Law (often abbreviated ATL) is a news website about law, law schools, and the legal profession. Established in 2006, the site is owned and published by Breaking Media. According to their about page “Above the Law takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of law. The site provides news and insights about the profession’s most colorful personalities and powerful institutions, as well as original commentary on breaking legal developments.” The current Executive Editor is Elie Mystal.

Funded by / Ownership

Above the Law is owned by Breaking Media, which owns six other websites. Revenue is derived through advertising, website servicing and marketing.

Analysis / Bias

In review, Above the Law primary publishes news and information that is geared toward law professionals. For example, they give career advice as well as firm salaries and rankings. Essentially, this is considered an insider publication for attorneys.  Most stories do not contain loaded emotional language such as this AI in healthcare has spurred exciting applications and collaboration. This story is properly sourced. 

Editorially, Above the Law does not have a favorable opinion of President Trump with stories such as this: International Law Expert Thinks Donald Trump Might Not Understand How Any Of This Works. While ATL is not overtly left biased by any means, they certainly do not favor the current administration. In general, the information on this website is factual with a left leaning bias in story selection.

A factual search reveals they have not failed a fact check.

Overall, we rate Above the Law Left-Center Biased based on story selection and editorial positions that moderately favors the left. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact check record. (D. Van Zandt 1/31/2017) Updated (1/17/2020)

Source: https://abovethelaw.com/