Community & Economic Development

A tale of 2 appeals courts on constitutionality of 158-year-old home distilling ban

A U.S. appeals courts has called a 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling a “necessary and proper” way of collecting taxes on home-brewed spirits, shortly after another appeals court concluded differently.

Apr 23, 2026 11:05 AM CDT

158-year-old home distilling ban is unconstitutional, federal appeals court rules

A federal appeals court ruled Friday that a 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling was unconstitutional because it allowed Congress to unfairly use its taxing authority.

Apr 13, 2026 1:27 PM CDT

Future Forward: How lawyers can embrace sustainability

Sustainable development means more than “being green,” says John Dernbach, an emeritus professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School and the founding director of its Environmental Law and Sustainability Center. Rather, he says, sustainable development balances environmental protection, economic development and social justice.

Apr 1, 2025 3:00 AM CDT

Law firms team up to encourage racial equity and economic mobility in the Carolinas

Two dozen BigLaw, regional and local law firms have joined together to form the Carolinas Social Impact Initiative, a new effort that seeks to tackle systemic racism in the region.

Sep 3, 2021 9:47 AM CDT

Building for good: ABA construction lawyers give back to their communities

Building for Good was launched in October 2019 by members of the ABA Forum on Construction Law. Their mission is to offer construction lawyers more pro bono opportunities and relieve the financial burden on organizations that need construction law services.

Nov 23, 2020 8:50 AM CST

What happens to gig workers when a California Assembly bill meets the coronavirus?

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a spotlight on the underbelly of the United States economy. With many Americans following orders to stay at home, gig workers have moved into the forefront of the marketplace. Delivery workers, truck drivers and other independent contractors are still going out into the world to work and to keep the world working.

May 7, 2020 8:00 AM CDT