Fall 2018

Local Government

Supreme Court’s Decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop Provides Little Guidance on Religious and LGBT Rights

By Sam Schwartz-Fenwick

The Supreme Court’s highly anticipated decision was limited to the facts and does not place rights to the free exercise of religion over LGBT rights or other civil rights.

Immigration

City & County of San Francisco v. Trump: Ninth Circuit Finds No Authority for Trump’s Sanctuary Cities Executive Order

By Leon Rodriguez

Recent sanctuary cities litigation reveals that courts will scrutinize closely federal government claims of implied conditions to federal grants and contracts.

First Amendment

Court Rules City of Charlottesville Had Standing to Bring Injunctive and Declaratory Actions against Planned Demonstrations by Unite the Right; Case Now Settled

By Marilyn J. Harbur

Although the Virginia court concluded that the City and any plaintiffs directly affected by the August 2017 Unite the Right Rally violence had standing and that the allegations were sufficient for trial on the merits, all defendants settled with the plaintiffs, mooting the need for trial.

Government

2017–18 Law Student Awards

The Section recognizes outstanding law students working in the areas of land use law and local government law.

Government

Juan Thomas Appointed General Counsel of Morehouse College National Alumni Association

The Section recognizes one of its members.

Local Government

NSBA Council of School Attorneys Honors Former Section Chair Jim Hanks for Service to School Boards and Colleagues

The Section recognizes one of its members.

Government

Jordan Lesser Named 2018 Albany 40 Under 40 Rising Star

The Section recognizes one of its members.

Local Government

Section AG & DJ Issues Committee Seeks Chapter Authors for Consumer Protection Book

Please contact the Section if you are interested in authoring a chapter on one of the suggested topics or have further topic ideas.

Local Government

New Cannabis Subcommittee in Government Operations

The Subcommittee will identify and explore emerging legal issues faced by regulators, industry representatives, and researchers, and develop and implement Section programming.