Legislation & Lobbying

ABA lobbying efforts are an important member service

One of the most valuable benefits enjoyed by every member of the American Bar Association—and indirectly, by every attorney in America—is the ABA’s advocacy on their behalf in Washington, D.C.

Aug 1, 2021 12:15 AM CDT

Abortion providers sue judicial officials over citizen-enforced Texas abortion law

Several abortion rights advocates and providers have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Texas law that permits private citizens to sue doctors, clinics and anyone else who knowingly helps a pregnant person get an abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Jul 15, 2021 9:30 AM CDT

Ethics opinion gives NY attorneys green light to advise on, partake in cannabis

The New York State Bar Association has announced in an ethics opinion that lawyers may provide legal services to clients in compliance with the state’s new recreational marijuana law.

Jul 12, 2021 12:50 PM CDT

In New York, a 7-year-old is arrested for rape; should the age for juvenile prosecutions be raised?

Children in New York can be charged as juvenile delinquents beginning at age 7, which explains why a boy of that age could be charged with rape in March in upstate Brasher Falls, New York.

Jun 4, 2021 12:24 PM CDT

BigLaw partner is charged with securities fraud in connection with alleged Ponzi scheme

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz health care partner Jon Darrell Seawright has been charged along with a former lobbyist at the firm for their roles in an alleged Ponzi scheme involving fake timber purchases.

May 24, 2021 9:51 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Law school cuts John Marshall name because of slavery link; 2 appellate nominees advance

Following scholarship about John Marshall’s support for slavery, law school removes his name The name of John Marshall, a former U.S. Supreme Court chief justice who wrote seven majority opinions rejecting freedom for slaves, will be removed from a Chicago law school. The John Marshall Law School was a private,…

May 21, 2021 3:33 PM CDT

Momentum builds for ‘second look’ legislation that allows inmates to get their sentences cut

"Second look" legislation has been introduced in 25 states that would authorize reevaluation of lengthy prison sentences, according to a report released last week by the Sentencing Project.

May 19, 2021 2:41 PM CDT

What is the potential impact of the abortion case before the Supreme Court?

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Monday to review Mississippi’s ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy has raised hopes and fears that Roe v. Wade will be overturned and its viability standard eliminated.

May 19, 2021 11:26 AM CDT

Outgoing immigration judge says he encountered ‘soul-crushing bureaucracy’

The assistant chief immigration judge who oversaw judges and staff members in San Francisco has quit in frustration after only 14 months on the job.

May 19, 2021 10:00 AM CDT

In unusual lineup, Supreme Court sides with immigrant challenging removal

The U.S. Supreme Court’s three liberal justices joined with three conservatives Thursday to rule for an immigrant who claimed that the government’s notices to appear for removal proceedings didn’t follow the statutory mandate.

Apr 30, 2021 9:30 AM CDT

Afternoon briefs: Search of Giuliani’s home is ‘legal thuggery,’ says his lawyer; top legal officer earns $50.9M

Search of Giuliani’s home is ‘legal thuggery,’ his lawyer says Federal agents searched lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s New York City apartment and office early Wednesday. Giuliani’s lawyer, Robert Costello, told the New York Times the searches were “legal thuggery” and unnecessary. Costello said his client had offered to answer prosecutors’ questions,…

Apr 28, 2021 4:25 PM CDT

SCOTUS will consider Second Amendment right to carry a gun outside the home

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether the state of New York violates the Second Amendment when it denies law-abiding citizens the right to carry handguns outside the home for self-defense.

Apr 26, 2021 10:31 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: ABA Journal Board of Editors selects next leader; associate hiring drops during pandemic

Meet the next chair of the ABA Journal Board of Editors The ABA Journal Board of Editors has selected a new Chair, retired Judge Herbert B. Dixon Jr., who will take over the post from the current Chair, Alice E. Richmond, after the ABA Annual Meeting in August. Dixon is…

Apr 21, 2021 4:06 PM CDT

How Florida’s new anti-riot law could run afoul of the First Amendment

Legal experts see First Amendment problems with Florida’s new anti-riot bill, signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday.

Apr 21, 2021 12:13 PM CDT

Democrats introduce bill to expand Supreme Court; opponents warn of ‘politicians in robes’

Democrats introduced legislation Thursday to expand the U.S. Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices. According to Politico, the bill “is all but guaranteed to prompt attacks from Republicans.”

Apr 15, 2021 10:44 AM CDT