Washington Letter April 2014

Featured Articles

Federal Government

ABA urges increased funding for Legal Services Corporation

ABA President James R. Silkenat urged a House Appropriations subcommittee March 31 to fund the LSC at no less than $430 million in fiscal year 2015 – the same amount requested by President Obama.

Civil Rights & Constitution

ABA urges withdrawal of 2008 immigration opinion

The ABA is urging U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to withdraw what the ABA calls an “ill-reasoned and pernicious” Justice Department opinion issued in 2008 in Matter of Silva-Trevino that permits an immigration judge to consider evidence outside the record of a noncitizen’s conviction when determining immigration consequences of criminal convictions.

Courts & Judiciary

Judicial Conference accepts ABA’s proposed grand jury change

Accepting a change recommended by the ABA, the Judicial Conference of the United States approved an amendment in March to the federal judiciary’s Model Grand Jury Charge that clarifies that grand jurors must consider charges against each person separately when charges are brought against more than one person.

Civil Rights & Constitution

Senate fails to move forward on Paycheck Fairness Act

The Senate failed this month to garner the 60 votes necessary to proceed to consideration of the proposed Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill supported by the ABA.

Election

ABA president concerned about recent campaign finance decision

ABA President James R. Silkenat said this month that the recent Supreme Court 5-4 decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, 572 U.S. ___ (2014), “will result in significant additional money pouring into the campaign finance system and is bound to increase the public concern over undue influence in governmental decision making.”

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association