September 2019 Washington Letter

Competing for Jobs Despite a Criminal History

Despite bicameral, bipartisan support in the 114th and 115th Congresses, the ABA and other backers of the Fair Chance Act were unable to overcome opposition. The bill has now returned in the 116th Congress where three times may be the proverbial charm for the Act and for the millions of people it could help.

Access to Court Records

Legislation has been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate this Congress that requires free public access to federal court records through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system and instructs the federal judiciary to institute one uniform electronic filing system for all federal courts.

Recent Court Cases Question Rights of State Bars

Does requiring lawyers to join a state bar as a condition of licensure violate their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association? This question is increasingly under consideration by the courts, and recent decisions are noteworthy.

Government

Fines and Fees

Fines and fees are a necessary part of any judicial system, but in some cases this method of funding can itself cause injustice. American Bar Association policy development has given new life to the debate about the appropriate use of fines and fees, and states are using our policy to help inform their efforts.

Reducing Gun Violence

A report released on September 18th by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee shows that almost 40,000 people were killed by a gun in 2017, 60% of whom died by suicide and 36% by firearm homicide. About 2,500 of these deaths involved school-age children.

Supreme Court Update

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday evening allowed a Trump administration rule to take effect that effectively bans asylum applications by most immigrants at the southern border.