Creating new policy initiatives that address pressing international issues is a key Section function. We aim to produce high quality work, engaging the expertise of relevant committees and fostering opportunities for our younger members to get involved and learn how policies, statements and other actions are formulated and approved in the context of the greater ABA. To accomplish these goals, we have established three deadlines for receipt by the Rule of Law Officer, of Rule of Law (ROL) Letter requests, with accompanying ABA President statement drafts and evidence that relevant committees have considered those requests. The deadlines are:
- For a routine request in respect of an event involving an international issue (such as an upcoming election) the ROL Letter request should be submitted at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed statement publication date.
- For a standard request in respect of a scheduled date or activity such as one listed on the Human Rights Calendar the ROL Letter request should be submitted at least thirty (30) days in advance of the date or activity.
- For truly extraordinary / emergency circumstances involving unforeseen events the Rule of Law Officer must have the request at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the proposed publication.