Military Law

Chelsea Manning leaves prison after sentence in leaks case is commuted

The U.S. soldier sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking classified information was released Wednesday as a result of a commutation granted by former President Barack Obama. Chelsea Manning was released from Fort Leavenworth military prison in Kansas after serving seven years, report the Associated Press, the New York…

May 17, 2017 9:41 AM CDT

Chatbot to help victims of military sex trauma wins Tech for Justice hackathon event

The traditional Saturday morning plenary session of ABA Techshow served as a wrap-up of activities that took place during the preceding three days, and underscored the main themes of the conference.

Mar 18, 2017 4:09 PM CDT

Veterans hackathon and startup competition kick off ABA Techshow

March Madness has come to ABA Techshow. The annual extravaganza kicked off on Wednesday from the Hilton Chicago with a couple of competitions: A tournament-style pitch contest between legal startups and a Hackathon focused on improving access to justice for veterans. Tech For Justice Hackathon+Veterans will take place over the…

Mar 16, 2017 6:30 AM CDT

The Brain Defense: Vets with head trauma, stress find mercy in court

Lawyer Brock Hunter, at left, has developed a specialty in representing veterans charged with crimes outside the military justice system. He and his colleagues in this area offer a version of the brain defense, an approach that considers the possible influence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and traumatic brain injury caused by their military experience on their clients’ criminal behavior.

Mar 1, 2017 11:20 AM CST

Vital mission: Hackathon for military veterans seeks volunteers

Do you have computer coding skills, knowledge of veterans’ legal issues—or maybe just the desire to help America’s vets (and maybe win a cash prize)? Tech for Justice and the ABA Techshow are putting out a call for your support.

Feb 14, 2017 10:40 AM CST

ABA supports efforts in Congress to bolster legal services for homeless veterans

At first blush, legal assistance might not appear to be one of the most pressing needs facing veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. But like so many first impressions, that one is wrong.

Dec 1, 2016 1:00 AM CST

Veterans Day offers lawyers opportunity to aid those who protect our rights and freedoms

Phyllis, an elderly veteran in Wyoming, was disabled, homeless and losing hope. While living on the streets, Phyllis had lost her identification card and all her personal paperwork. As a result, she was unable to apply for food stamps, housing and other assistance.

Nov 1, 2016 4:00 AM CDT

A seismic shift in how the US wages war, and what it means for the American public (podcast)

What is war? Is it a state that is entirely distinct from peace? Has it changed over the years to become something else? In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Georgetown law professor Rosa Books shares the experiences she had in the U.S. government which led her to write her new book, “How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything: Tales from the Pentagon.”

Sep 21, 2016 8:04 AM CDT

Did Hillary Clinton fudge a detail in her LSAT recollection?

Some critics are raising questions about Hillary Clinton’s recollection of a negative experience before she took the Law School Admission Test. Clinton wrote at the Humans of New York blog that she was one of only a few women waiting to take the test when men in the exam room…

Sep 19, 2016 10:18 AM CDT

Military OKs gender reassignment surgery for Chelsea Manning; unclear whether it will cover costs

The United States military will allow Chelsea Manning, a transgender soldier serving a 35-year prison sentence for leaking government documents, to undergo gender reassignment surgery while she is incarcerated. The Army has not said whether it will cover costs of the surgery, the New York Times reports. During the 2013…

Sep 14, 2016 3:20 PM CDT

Education, veterans’ rights and expanding services for ABA members will be focus of Klein’s term

In ABA President Linda A. Klein’s inaugural speech on Monday at the association’s annual meeting in San Francisco, she outlined three ambitious initiatives for her year-long term. These initiatives will help veterans with legal problems; ensure children get quality educations; and assist lawyers, especially small-firm and solos, in getting the…

Aug 8, 2016 9:25 PM CDT

Can Donald Trump make it happen? Expanding presidential powers could pave the way for his policies

Donald Trump has made some sweeping promises as he campaigns for president. He wants to build a wall, suspend immigration from some countries, repeal the Affordable Care Act and execute cop killers. But how much can he accomplish on his own? Presidential scholars say Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush…

Aug 2, 2016 8:00 AM CDT

Aug. 10, 1964: Gulf of Tonkin resolution begins the Vietnam War

Flawed naval intelligence in 1964 leads to increased, prolonged U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Aug 1, 2016 12:30 AM CDT

Pentagon lifts ban on transgender troops

The Pentagon lifted a ban on transgender troops Thursday, effective immediately. Out of 1.3 million active-duty members, between 2,500 and 7,000 are transgender, the Military Times reports. Many have kept it a secret to avoid discharge, according to the New York Times. “Although relatively few in number, we’re talking about…

Jun 30, 2016 4:36 PM CDT

Why the nightclub shooter was able to buy guns despite two FBI probes of possible terrorist links

The gunman who opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others, was able to buy an assault weapon and handgun in the weeks before the assault even though he was investigated twice by the FBI for possible ties to terrorism. The…

Jun 13, 2016 7:25 AM CDT