Public Interest

Justices discuss international legal roots and ongoing legacy of the Declaration of Independence at ABA Annual Conference

Four experienced jurists from the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdon discussed the Declaration of Independence, human rights and the rule of law at the American Bar Association Annual Conference July 31 in Chicago.

Aug 2, 2026 2:00 PM CDT

American Bar Association honors civil legal aid champion John M. Rosenberg with 2026 ABA Medal

John M. Rosenberg, executive director emeritus of the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund, was awarded the 2026 ABA Medal, the association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding lifetime service in the law and jurisprudence, during the American Bar Association “Architects of Justice: Lawyers Advancing American Ideals 250th Anniversary Gala” on July 31 at the ABA Annual Conference in Chicago.

Aug 2, 2026 10:00 AM CDT

Is Jimothy the raccoon too popular to be owned? IP attorneys weigh in

Soon after Jimothy, a wild Seattle raccoon with a shortened spine, became a viral sensation, trademark claims were filed to cover his name for stuffed animals and his image for baby products. But does anyone actually own Jimothy, and can they claim the rights to him?

Jul 31, 2026 10:08 AM CDT

Former Queens Defenders executive director sentenced to 43 months in prison

The co-founder and former executive director of Queens Defenders, a New York City legal services group for indigent defendants, was sentenced to 43 months in prison Tuesday after she admitted that she and her ex-husband stole from the organization.

Jul 29, 2026 9:36 AM CDT

Chemerinsky: How the Supreme Court’s decisions have had an impact on democracy

If I was to find a theme for the U.S. Supreme Court term, which ended June 30, it would be about the impact of its decisions for American democracy.

Jul 29, 2026 9:10 AM CDT

Lobster defamation case wades into free speech concerns at 1st Circuit

A panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Boston raised apprehensions Monday over the Maine lobster industry’s defamation lawsuit alleging that a seafood watchdog group’s sustainability report tanked the price of lobster.

Jul 28, 2026 12:25 PM CDT

Supreme Court public approval rating hits all-time low

The U.S. Supreme Court’s public approval rating has sunk to a record low.

Jul 28, 2026 9:26 AM CDT

Strengthening Our Democracy: ABA advocates to strengthen democracy

As the ABA gathers for its 2026 Annual Conference and joins the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this historic milestone serves as a timely reminder that the founders regarded self-government not as a settled achievement but as an ongoing responsibility that depends on laws, institutions and sustained civic engagement to endure.

Jul 28, 2026 9:08 AM CDT

SCOTUSblog founder Tom Goldstein gets prison time; court filing details big spending, loans

Following a federal conviction of tax evasion and making false statements on loan applications, lawyer and SCOTUSblog co-founder Tom Goldstein has been sentenced to a six-year prison sentence. He was taken into custody Friday.

Jul 27, 2026 1:49 PM CDT

Congressman calls for impeaching dead federal judge

Senior U.S. District Judge John E. “Jay” Steele, who served on the federal court for the Middle District of Florida, died July 14. And one day later, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Republican from Sarasota, Florida, introduced articles of impeachment against him.

Jul 24, 2026 9:49 AM CDT

Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s unwanted calls provision doesn’t include texts, 7th Circuit says

A federal appeals court ruled last week that the federal law allowing people to sue for unwanted marketing calls does not extend to text messages.

Jul 22, 2026 9:43 AM CDT

County prosecutor removed from office amid accusations of sexual misconduct on the job

A Missouri county prosecutor has been removed from office after being accused of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate relationships with a criminal defendant and a defense attorney whom she was trying cases against.

Jul 22, 2026 9:29 AM CDT

What BigLaw gets wrong about who needs legal help

Imagine a family that is in their early 30s with two children under 10, a house loan and maybe a bit of work on the side. If the parents were to die tonight, who would raise the children? Who gets the house? Who's in charge of their accounts while their estate is being probated?

Jul 22, 2026 9:12 AM CDT

Pastor engaged in unauthorized law practice, California state bar finds

The State Bar of California’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel has seized a business operated by a pastor who is alleged to have used his influence in the Filipino community to recruit clients and illegally practice law.

Jul 21, 2026 10:30 AM CDT

Attorneys begin filing lawsuits over contaminated lettuce linked to outbreak of cyclospora

Attorneys have filed at least four consumer lawsuits against Taylor Farms, which has been implicated in the recent outbreak of cyclospora in shredded iceberg lettuce—much of it sold at Taco Bell.

Jul 21, 2026 9:39 AM CDT