For more than 12 years, Jonathan was a researcher and writer at the Cato Institute, where he focused on criminal law, policing policy, and civil liberties. In late 2019, he left the think tank world to pursue independent writing projects and other research ventures outside of the strictly libertarian mold.
Jonathan is thrilled to work with Clause 40 Foundation to explore the ways the due process principles of Magna Carta can inform and protect individual rights and civil liberties today.
Before coming to Washington, D.C. in 2007, Jonathan worked full-time as a bartender to put himself through Indiana University-Bloomington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in history and African-American studies. He was persuaded to forgo law school but is nevertheless mistaken for a lawyer at dinner parties and on the Internet.
Jonathan lives with his better half, who is an immigration journalist and podcaster, and their adorable grey tabby. In his spare time, Jonathan watches entirely too many sporting events, including Major League Baseball, professional and college football and basketball, open-wheel auto racing, and Premier League soccer. He also plays poker and absurdly complicated board games when given the opportunity.
Favorite Fun Fact: Cleopatra’s reign is far closer in time to the present day than it is to the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
You may reach Jon at jpblanks@protonmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @BlanksSlate.
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