But this tactic lacks finishing power.

BBC: Mali: French troops head north into unknown

U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin, who has already said in earlier rulings that she is deeply concerned about the tactic, has the power to order reforms on how it is used, which could bring major changes to the nation's largest police force and other departments.

WSJ: NYC officer testifies on stop challenged in suit

The controversial tactic in effect gives directors of companies the power to thwart a takeover even after they have been ousted from their positions by shareholders.

ECONOMIST: Merger dirge

The regulations also bar federal agencies from assessing emissions of the gases blamed for global warming on species and habitats, a tactic environmentalists have tried to use to block new coal-fired power plants.

CNN: Bush set to relax endangered species rules