Join Us. Whatever your area of specialization, CRSJ has a place for you. Over the past five decades, the Section and its members have worked on hundreds of issues addressing a broad range of civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights. Today, the Section continues to promote policies affecting racial equality, environmental and economic justice, LGBT rights, gender equity, and other significant civil rights issues.
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Human Rights Magazine - New Issue Available!
Volume 50, No. 1/2: Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice
Vol. 50, No. 1/2 of Human Rights Magazine focuses on Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice, and recognizes the disproportionate harm suffered by communities of color, low-income populations, and Indigenous communities from environmental hazards.
This special issue of Human Rights Magazine focuses on combating antisemitism, the incidence of which has grown nine-fold in the past decade. In this issue, you will hear from scholars, activists, and legal experts who shed light on the many faces of antisemitism and the efforts to dismantle it.
This special issue of Human Rights Magazine focuses on combating islamophobia. In this issue, you will hear from scholars, activists, and legal experts who shed light on the many faces of Islamophobia and the efforts to dismantle it.
Maya D. Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Thurgood Marshall Award. A nationally respected civil rights attorney and advocate, Maya has dedicated her career to advancing equity and justice across philanthropy, non-profits, government, and higher education. She will receive the award on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during a dinner celebration in Toronto, Canada, as part of the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting.
2025 Father Drinan Award, Honoring Richard A. Soden
The Section will honor longtime Section leader Richard A. Soden with its Father Robert F. Drinan Award for Distinguished Service on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:30 - 7pm ET. The award will be presented at a virtual reception during the Section's Midyear Council Meeting. We invite friends and colleagues to join us as we honor his legacy with the Section.
PART 4 | Criminalizing Birthing Outcomes in a Post-Dobbs World
From the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 until Dobbs decision in 2022, there were more than 1,800 cases across the country in which law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare workers, family regulation workers, and judges have deprived pregnant people of their constitutional right under the guise of protecting “unborn life.” Even before Dobbs, people have been increasingly criminalized for their pregnancies, regardless of birth outcome. Join our experts as they discuss the who and why birthing people are being criminalized, the impact of birth people and their communities, and access to maternal healthcare.
Recent Decisions of Interest Concerning LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia, Poland and Latvia
This article examines three recent decisions by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that impact LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, Poland, and Latvia. Each decision marks a significant ruling in favor of LGBTQ+ individuals while also revealing ongoing challenges related to family law, prisoners' rights, and the criminal prosecution of hate crimes. The article highlights the cases of Savinovskikh and Others v. Russia, W.W. v. Poland, and Hanovs v. Latvia, discussing the implications of each ruling under the European Convention on Human Rights.
ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section Chair Lacy L. Durham recently released her next column of the Bar year, discussing the results of the November election.
Two Years After Dobbs: Pregnant Peoples’ Lives are Still on the Line and the Texas Supreme Court Looks Away
Two years ago today, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the United Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade and held that the right to abortion is not a fundamental liberty under the federal constitution.
The Section deeply thanks each generous sponsor of the 2024 Thurgood Marshall Award Celebration for its support that enables the Section to advance its programs and publications and better serve our community of advocates nationwide working to protect civil rights and social justice.
The Legal and Social Ramifications of Pandemics on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Check out the newest publication of the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice! This guide is a one-stop resource for attorneys, legislators, and others to understand how COVID-19 affected the most vulnerable populations in the U.S., and examines important efforts necessary to promote and protect civil rights and civil liberties during crisis. The framework presented--by 30 attorney experts--sets the stage for how to approach and best provide support during times of pandemic.
As a part of our multi-component voting rights initiative, CRSJ has created a Voting Rights Toolkit to provide technical assistance to you as you serve your community and our country in various ways. We have included information to help you identify election-related issues encountered by vulnerable populations and work toward solutions.
Attention new and interested CRSJ members! Join Section leaders and staff on the first Monday of every other month for a 30-minute event to learn more about the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, our projects and initiatives, committee membership, and opportunities to get involved or get published! This event is open to all ABA members and non-members. This recurring membership orientation will typically occur on the first Monday of every other month at 3:00 p.m. ET, barring any rescheduled dates.
We are proud to showcase the work and accomplishments of our esteemed members. Check out our spotlights of some of our more active members, and learn more about their work, goals, and achievements.
Whatever your area of specialization, CRSJ has a place for you. By joining us today, you can help ensure that the world’s largest voluntary professional association continues to uphold the Bill of Rights and the ideals it embodies.
Over the past five decades, the Section and its members have worked on hundreds of issues addressing a broad range of civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights. Today, the Section continues to promote policies affecting religious freedom, LGBT rights, gender equity, and other significant civil rights issues. Your gift will help make our efforts possible for the next fifty years!