Local Government

58 ABA Journal Local Government articles.

Afternoon briefs: Search of Giuliani’s home is ‘legal thuggery,’ says his lawyer; top legal officer earns $50.9M

Search of Giuliani’s home is ‘legal thuggery,’ his lawyer says

Federal agents searched lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s New York City apartment and office early Wednesday. Giuliani’s lawyer, Robert Costello, told the…

Apr 28, 2021 4:25 PM CDT

Costly municipal fines and fees spark a movement for reform

Across the country, Americans are being hit with hefty fines and fees for petty violations, advocates for reform say, igniting a movement pressing for change. “Code enforcement exists to promote public health and safety, but the way we’re seeing it happen across the country right now is to make money,” Institute for Justice attorney Kirby Thomas West says.

Apr 1, 2021 1:50 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Multistate suit challenges coronavirus relief provision; Crowell combines with boutique

Lawsuit challenges tax provision in COVID-19 relief bill

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit challenging a tax provision in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The provision…

Mar 18, 2021 4:33 PM CDT

Pandemic worsens already-growing debt problem with many legal remedies on hold

While many Americans remain jobless, some companies have increased their collection efforts on old debt as they grapple with less revenue amid the sluggish economy. But with government offices and courts closed, it’s hard for attorneys to move cases along.

Mar 2, 2021 12:52 PM CST

District attorney is accused of dropped-charges bribery, lying about fantasy statements

A district attorney in Paulding County, Georgia, has been charged with bribery for allegedly dropping charges against the client of a prosecutor in a neighboring county in the hopes of influencing the prosecutor’s decision in a pending case.

Feb 18, 2021 9:55 AM CST

Florida lawyer is arrested after refusing to put mask back on at city meeting

A lawyer in Gainesville, Florida, was arrested Thursday when he refused to put his face mask back on while addressing the city commission.

Feb 8, 2021 11:01 AM CST

Pennsylvania DA is charged with sexually assaulting clients before his election

A Pennsylvania district attorney has been charged with sexual assault and indecent assault in connection with alleged coerced sex acts with five women who were his clients when he was in private practice.

Feb 4, 2021 9:51 AM CST

Mayor of Portland, Oregon, pepper-sprays lawyer in parking lot

Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler pepper-sprayed a lawyer who confronted him in a restaurant parking lot Sunday about COVID-19 risks, according to police.

Jan 27, 2021 12:05 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Biden lifts transgender military ban; Boston doesn’t have to fly Christian flag, court says

Biden lifts transgender military ban

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Monday that lifts the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people in the military. “What I’m doing is enabling…

Jan 25, 2021 4:27 PM CST

Ban on therapy to change sexual orientation in minors violates First Amendment, 11th Circuit rules

A federal appeals court on Friday blocked two ordinances on First Amendment grounds in Florida that ban licensed therapists from providing “conversion therapy” to minors.

Nov 23, 2020 1:17 PM CST

Foster care agencies that contract with the government shouldn’t discriminate, ABA says in amicus brief

When contracting with the city of Philadelphia to provide foster care services, Catholic Social Services must adhere to the government’s nondiscrimination policies, the ABA told the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday.

Aug 21, 2020 3:00 PM CDT

Activists are fighting new voter suppression tactics in court

Despite legislative achievements, it wasn’t long until end runs were made around voter protection laws, and those efforts are alive and well, election law attorneys and voting rights advocates say.

Aug 1, 2020 2:00 AM CDT

After lawyers charged for waving guns at protesters, Missouri attorney general plans to intervene

Husband and wife lawyers Mark and Patricia McCloskey were each charged with unlawful use of a weapon Monday for waving guns at protesters outside their St. Louis home last month. The Missouri governor and attorney general opposed the charges.

Jul 21, 2020 11:48 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Michael Cohen sent back to jail; former state chief justice’s suit against actor can proceed

Trump’s former personal lawyer returns to jail after refusing home confinement terms

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, was returned to jail Thursday after refusing to sign a…

Jul 10, 2020 4:56 PM CDT

Judge requests reduced charge for man who slapped his hand over face mask order, DA says

A Texas man who was shown on video in an altercation with a county judge and a hardware store employee over an order to wear a face mask saw his felony charge of assault on a public servant reduced Thursday.

Jun 26, 2020 2:40 PM CDT

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