Criminal Law Library BlogFrom the Senior Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association:
National Town Hall on Scams and Older Adults
Watch an update on scams targeting elders sponsored by CFPB, FDIC and AARP.
Articles Posted in American Bar Association
ABA: 2024 A Year of Accomplishments, 2025 A New Year of Challenges
A special message from American Bar Association President William R. Bay:
“Our country is turning 249 years old in 2025, and the American Bar Association has been part of it for 147 years. Throughout that time, we have seen many changes as we strive to be a stronger nation and association.
The ABA has a wonderful tradition and history, but we are grateful that we are an association and profession that has embraced change. Unlike when the ABA was founded, we now welcome all who wish to become part of the profession. One thing has not changed. The ABA is committed to the rule of law and the cause of justice. This remains our goal tomorrow and for 100 years from tomorrow. As ABA president, I have emphasized the challenges we face as a profession and reiterated that the biggest challenge is the challenge of change. But change will not alter our core values and beliefs. Instead, it will allow us to extend our reach.
Congratulations to the 2025 Alexander Awards Recipients
The American Bar Association Council for Diversity in the Educational is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Awards for Excellence in Pipeline Diversity. These awards honor the legacy of Raymond Pace Alexander, the first African American graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a trailblazing judge, and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in the United States and the first woman to receive a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Articles and Comments from Jurimetrics Journal, Spring 2024 Issue.
About Jurimetrics Journal:
The Jurimetrics Journal is published quarterly “Jurimetrics is the oldest and most widely circulated peer-reviewed journal in its field and is proud to be the official journal of the American Bar Association Science & Technology Law Section. Currently, the journal is housed at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU Law) and cosponsored by ASU Law’s Center for Law, Science and Innovation (LSI). An LSI Center faculty fellow advises the Jurimetrics executive board and editorial staff. The journal provides scholars and researchers with a wealth of thoughtful articles. It is frequently cited in opinions of state and federal courts, legal treatises, textbooks, and scholarly articles in a wide range of other journals. These distinctions support Jurimetrics’ claim of being the premier peer-reviewed journal of law, science, and technology.”
Human Rights Day: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now!
A webinar presented by the International Human Rights Committee of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association on December 10, 2024 at 12:–pm ET. This presentation is in observance of the 76th anniversary of Human Rights Day.
| “ABA International Law Section leaders will discuss urgent human rights issues around the world, including the plight of Rohingya refugees, crimes against humanity in Sudan, abuses against women in different parts of the world, the situation of human rights defenders, and work to advance the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States. Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on the tenth day December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt December tenth of each year as Human Rights Day. Moderator: Kerry McLean, Director, Human Rights and Public International Law, Columbia Law School; Committee Co-Chair, International Human Rights Committee, International Law Section. Speakers:” Daniel L. Appelman, Senior Advisor, International Human Rights Committee, International Law Section. Elizabeth Barad, International Human Rights Lawyer; Committee Co-Chair, Africa Committee, International Law Section. Regina Paulose, International Criminal Law Lawyer; Committee Co-Chair, International Criminal Law Committee, International Law Section. The Honorable Delissa Ridgway, US Court of International Trade; Senior Advisor, Women’s Interest Network and Middle East Committee, International Law Section. Sara Sandford, Mediator/Attorney, Benchmark International ADR, LLC; Senior Advisor, International Human Rights Committee, International Law Section. Elizabeth M. Zechenter, International Law Attorney, Social Scientist; Committee Co-Chair, International Human Rights Committee.This webinar observance is free and open to all. |
| REGISTER HERE ⟶ |
Recent Books From the ABA Criminal Justice Section
Received 11-27-2024
Judicial Ethics on Trial: Exploring the Supreme Court’s New Ethics Code and Legislative Proposals
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the integrity of the U.S. Supreme Court has faced increasing scrutiny amid reports of unreported financial dealings and alleged ethical lapses by some of its justices. In response, the Court issued its first-ever formal ethics code on November 13, 2023, marking a historic shift toward greater transparency. However, this self-imposed code relies on internal enforcement, leaving critics to question its effectiveness and it’s ability to compare it to more robust measures proposed in Congress. Legislative efforts, such as the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2023 and the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigation Act of 2024 underscore a growing demand for external oversight and standardized accountability.
This article explores the intersection of these developments, examining whether the Court’s new ethics code sufficiently addresses public concerns or if legislative interventions remain necessary to restore trust in the nation’s highest judicial body. By tracing the origins, goals, and limitations of these initiatives, we aim to provide an overview of the ongoing debate over judicial ethics and reform. *
Courts Grapple with AI in Litigation: A Patchwork of Orders and Guidelines Emerge to Address New Risks
As artificial intelligence, including generative AI, becomes increasingly common in litigation, judges across the United States are working to establish guidelines to prevent its misuse in court. Since Judge Brantley Starr of the Northern District of Texas issued the first standing order on AI in legal filings in 2023, more than 200 state and federal judges have followed suit, creating new standing orders, local rules, and pretrial guidance to address AI use and its potential pitfalls. Just last month, the newly established Texas Business Court included a caution on AI in its inaugural Local Rules.
This rapidly shifting landscape reflects judges’ efforts to address both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents. However, no uniform approach has yet emerged, with judges charting individual courses in their courtrooms and some broadening their orders to cover evidentiary concerns amid growing fears of deep fake evidence. While some judges are exploring ways to integrate AI responsibly, their primary focus remains on curbing its misuse. Practitioners should stay informed, as courts continue to adapt to this evolving frontier.
References:
Technology Standardization Policy Update, Webinar
Sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA), Science and Technology Section.
November 21, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00pm ET.
“The ABA Science & Technology Law Section’s Technical Standardization Committee (TSC) invites you to a webinar briefing with the latest developments in public policy around technical standards. Prompted by rapid technology developments like those related to artificial intelligence (AI), Congress and the executive branch are working quickly to address observed and potential opportunities and risks posed to tech developers and consumers.”
Webinar: Prosecutorial Evidence and the Rule of Law
American Bar Association:
Register for the upcoming webinar, Prosecutorial Independence and the Rule of Law, at: www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/445186848/
“We are living in a pivotal moment when democratic norms and the rule of law are being challenged in novel and unexpected ways as we struggle to adapt to rapid technological and cultural changes that have changed our relationships and dialogue with each other. In maintaining the rule of law, prosecutorial discretion and independence are essential. Yet not everyone believes that prosecutorial independence exists or understands why it matters. In this panel, former Department of Justice leaders and veteran prosecutors will explore recent challenges to prosecutorial independence and the rule of law at the federal level, including the Project 2025 proposal by the Heritage Foundation.”