Washington Letter March 2014

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Civil Rights & Constitution

ABA cites growing concerns about solitary confinement

The ABA expressed concerns to a Senate subcommittee last month about the negative effects of solitary confinement on prisoners and emphasized that the impact on juveniles is especially pronounced.

Federal Government

Senate Judiciary Committee approves recidivism bill

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved another significant cost-savings criminal justice proposal March 6 when it reported a bill that would allow lower-risk inmates to participate in programs aimed at earlier transfer to pre-release custody arrangements such as house arrest and halfway houses.

Federal Government

ABA concerned over possible surveillance of U.S. law firms

ABA President Silkenat wrote to National Security Agency’s (NSA) Director General Keith B. Alexander and General Counsel Rajesh De on Feb. 20 to express the ABA’s concerns about alleged foreign government surveillance of American attorney communications with foreign clients and the potential harm this might cause to the attorney-client privilege.

Federal Government

ABA Legislative and Governmental Priorities for 2014

The ABA Board of Governors has approved Legislative and Governmental Priorities for the Second Session of the 113th Congress. The selection of the priorities is based on a survey of bar leaders and ABA members and a joint recommendation from the Standing Committee on Governmental Affairs and the Governmental Affairs Office.

Military & Veterans

ABA urges greater coordination for adult guardianship programs

In a comments submitted March 4 to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the ABA cited the need for greater coordination between the VA fiduciary program and state courts that have jurisdiction over adult guardianships and conservatorships.

Federal Government

Senate rejects Adegbile nomination for civil rights post

Prior to the Senate’s failure to invoke cloture March 5 of the nomination of Debo Adegbile to head the Justice Department Civil Rights Division, ABA President James R. Silkenat expressed alarm over the harsh criticism the nominee had received regarding the legal representation he provided to a death-sentenced prisoner.

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Washington Letter March 2014

Fiscal year 2015 appropriations process begins on Capitol Hill

Featured Articles

ABA cites growing concerns about solitary confinement

Senate Judiciary Committee approves recidivism bill

ABA concerned over possible surveillance of U.S. law firms

ABA Legislative and Governmental Priorities for 2014

ABA urges greater coordination for adult guardianship programs

Senate rejects Adegbile nomination for civil rights post

ABA Resources

The ABA

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Renew Your ABA Membership

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association

Washington Letter March 2014

Fiscal year 2015 appropriations process begins on Capitol Hill

Featured Articles

ABA cites growing concerns about solitary confinement

Senate Judiciary Committee approves recidivism bill

ABA concerned over possible surveillance of U.S. law firms

ABA Legislative and Governmental Priorities for 2014

ABA urges greater coordination for adult guardianship programs

Senate rejects Adegbile nomination for civil rights post

ABA Resources

The ABA

Connect