Afternoon Briefs: Judge’s husband heads to prison; Stephen Miller’s new legal group to sue over Biden policies

Husband of appeals judge goes to prison Suspended lawyer Charles McCullough, the husband of a Pennsylvania appeals judge, reported to prison Tuesday after he was convicted of stealing $50,000 from an elderly widow. McCullough is married to Patricia McCullough, who is running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.…

Apr 8, 2021 4:45 PM CDT

In 325-page opinion, en banc 5th Circuit splits on preference for tribes in Native American adoptions

A case challenging a federal law giving Indian tribes preference in Native American adoptions could wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court, after a federal appeals court issued a fractured, 325-page en banc opinion Tuesday.

Apr 8, 2021 12:32 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Judge admonished partly for remote hearing impatience; ABA files brief opposing rigid cash bail

Judge admonished for impatience, guilt remark A California judge has been admonished for a “display of impatience and irritation” and a remark about an acquitted defendant’s guilt. Judge Patrick E. Connolly appeared irritated during a remote hearing because defense lawyers could not show him paperwork, according to the California Commission…

Apr 6, 2021 4:14 PM CDT

Georgia lawmakers pass bill to revamp citizens arrest law, once used to justify lynchings

The Georgia legislature on Wednesday banned most arrests by private citizens in a reworking of a citizens arrest law that was cited in the past to justify lynchings.

Apr 2, 2021 11:38 AM CDT

Police are often first responders to mental health crises, but tragedies are prompting change

Cases such as Quintonio LeGrier’s have prompted demands around the country to reform how police respond to people in mental health crises, a movement that advocates believe can help avert such deadly confrontations.

Apr 1, 2021 4:00 AM CDT

Advocate for important issues by engaging Congress online at ABA Day 2021

Apr 1, 2021 12:20 AM CDT

Voluntarily intoxicated rape victims aren’t ‘mentally incapacitated,’ top state court rules

Victims who willingly consume alcohol or drugs before they are sexually assaulted aren’t “mentally incapacitated,” the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

Mar 26, 2021 12:27 PM CDT

Georgia governor signs bill overhauling state’s elections

Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed sweeping voting restrictions into law on Thursday, just months after a Democrat won the presidential election in the state for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Mar 26, 2021 10:59 AM CDT

Virginia becomes the first Southern state to eliminate the death penalty

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill ending the death penalty Wednesday, making Virginia the 23rd state to eliminate capital punishment and the first Southern state to do so.

Mar 25, 2021 2:28 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: BigLaw firm offers gifts on top of bonuses; second state adopts consumer privacy law

Associates at this BigLaw firm get pricey gifts Associates at Davis Polk & Wardwell are getting a choice of gifts as a thanks for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gift choices include an outdoor adventure excursion for two, a $1,000 Marriott gift card along with a Tumi suitcase,…

Mar 4, 2021 4:30 PM CST

ABA House urges Congress to pass judicial security bill

After last year’s deadly attack on a New Jersey federal judge’s home, the ABA House of Delegates adopted a resolution Monday calling on Congress to push for greater protections for members of the judiciary.

Feb 22, 2021 1:38 PM CST

7 key areas of legislative and policy successes by the ABA in the 116th Congress

Despite tumultuous and politically charged events during the 116th Congress, the ABA Governmental Affairs Office worked with ABA leadership, entities and grassroots advocates to successfully advance the ABA’s positions on policy issues.

Feb 3, 2021 9:01 AM CST

Justice for All: ABA acts to expand civil legal assistance

Feb 1, 2021 2:30 AM CST

Successful ballot measures for marijuana and other drugs create opportunities for lawyers

Feb 1, 2021 1:30 AM CST

New laws aim to quash racial profiling in 911 calls

Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Black member of the Oregon House of Representatives, was inspired to sponsor a bill against racial profiling in 911 calls after someone called the police on her as she went door-to-door in a Portland suburb to speak to constituents in an effort to keep her seat in the state house. The incident prompted her to co-sponsor a bill to deter biased 911 calls, allowing civil claims for up to $250 in damages.

Feb 1, 2021 1:20 AM CST