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. *
Opinion Summaries Published by Justia, Week Ending November 22, 2024
During the week ending November 22, 2024 we have received listings of 17 Government and Administrative Law Summaries, 15 Constitutional Law summaries, 57 Criminal Law Summaries, 1 White Collar Summary, 1 Intellectual Property Summary, and 1 Internet Law Summary We plan is to continue posting opinion summaries, under corresponding areas of law, weekly whenever possible in order to keep blog readers updated. To gain access to these case summaries, click on the corresponding links below:
Opinion Summaries Posted for Week Ending November 22, 2024:
Akhil Amar on the Courts and the Constitution 2024
A New Jersey Institute of Legal Education (NJICLE) event sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Date: December 19, 2024, 9:00AM – 12:00PM.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick and Online.
The Potential Impact of Forced Chrome Divestiture on Legal Research in Law Libraries: Some Thoughts
The Justice Department’s potential move to compel Google to sell its Chrome browser could significantly reshape the digital landscape, with direct and indirect consequences for the ability of law libraries to utilize computer-assisted legal research (CALR) to serve patrons effectively. This essay explores how such a divestiture might affect CALR resources, access, and functionality, while also considering implications for law libraries’ broader operational frameworks.
- Changes in Browser Compatibility with CALR Platforms
Most computer-assisted legal research tools, such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law, are optimized for popular web browsers, including Chrome. Google Chrome’s dominance in the browser market (approximately 60% as of recent statistics) has led developers to prioritize compatibility with Chrome over other browsers. If Chrome’s ownership changes, there is a possibility that its development priorities, security protocols, or support for certain legal research tools could shift. This could necessitate costly adjustments by CALR providers and law libraries.
David Badertscher Retired Law Librarian Honored at the 14th Annual FellowshipLIFE Foundation Gala
David Badertscher Honored at the 14th Annual FellowshipLIFE Foundation Gala
David Badertscher, a resident of Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and former resident of Westfield, and publisher of the Criminal Law Library Blog was honored at the 14th Annual FellowshipLIFE Foundation Gala. The event took place at the Heidrich Hotel in New Brunswick, where David was recognized with the following citation:
David Badertscher, Fellowship Village Gala Honoree Citation:
Opinion Summaries Published by Justia: Week Ending November 15, 2024
During the week ending November 15, 2024 we have received listings of 7 Government and Administrative Law Summaries, 9 Constitutional Law summaries, 21 Criminal Law Summaries, 1 Medical Malpractice Summary, and 1 Intellectual Property Summary. We plan is to continue posting opinion summaries, under corresponding areas of law, weekly whenever possible in order to keep blog readers updated. To gain access to these case summaries, click on the corresponding links below:
Opinion Summaries Posted for Week Ending November 15, 2024:
Testimony on How CBO Supports Congress
From Congressional Budget Office (CBO):
CBO’s Budget Director, Philip Swagel, testified before the House Committee on the Budget, September 11, 2024.
Summary of Testimony:
Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024, S. 3757
From the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)*.
As reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee on June 18, 2024.
Summary:
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.
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