PSJD Public Interest News Digest – April 21, 2023
Sam Halpert, NALP Director of Public Service Initiatives
Hello, interested public!
This week I am flying solo, and there are some big stories being covered. First, the Editor’s Choice this week focuses on the growing situation surrounding Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Second, the Supreme Court has allowed access to the abortion pill mifepristone until it can decide on the case. Third, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is facing allegations from former staff and the Missouri Attorney General as she tries to implement a progressive prosecutorial mindset in her office. And finally, strides have been made toward greater access to healthcare for immigrants, those seeking abortions, and those seeking gender-affirming care.
As always, these stories and more are in the links below.
Happy reading,
Brittany
Editor’s Choice(s)
-
To catch everyone up on the latest news involving Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, The Guardian has provided a summary of all of Justice Thomas’s actions that are currently under scrutiny, including a case brought before and amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court that involved businesses affiliated with Justice Thomas’s friend and Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow.
-
Regarding Congressional action on the judicial ethics questions, “[t]he chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee [(Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill)] on Thursday requested that Chief Justice John Roberts testify at a hearing next month about ethical rules that govern the nation's highest court, a response to recent revelations about Justice Clarence Thomas accepting lavish travel from a GOP megadonor.”
Eye on AI
-
As new strides are made in discovering the capabilities of AI in the legal professional realm, studies delve into the legal and regulatory implications of using AI appropriately:
Student Loans & Student Debt
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, & Reproductive Rights
-
In the United States, advances in medical reproductive technology may allow for a new method for LGBTQ+ families to have biological children, but there are of course legal and ethical implications.
-
In the United States, “[t]he Supreme Court is leaving women’s access to a widely used abortion pill untouched until at least Friday, while the justices consider whether to allow restrictions on the drug mifepristone to take effect.”
-
In Jackson County, MO, “[a] Kansas City hospital is suing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey…[for demanding] that the hospital provide records on any prescriptions for hormone blocks as well as surgeries for transgender patients….”
Immigration & Refugee Issues
-
Also in the United States, “[d]elays in issuing U visas—or even adding applicants to a wait list that comes with those interim benefits—leave victims vulnerable to deportation and workplace exploitation while they wait.”
Environmental Crisis
-
In the United States, [in accord with a consent decree signed by a federal court, t]he Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to review its regulations on dangerous air pollution from oil and gas equipment.”
Access to Justice – Civil & Economic
-
Also in Florida, “[t]he Legislature has signed off on “Greyson’s Law,” a bill that would permit judges to consider an ex-partner’s threats when deciding custody and child visitation.”
-
In Ulster County, NY, “[b]eginning in May, Ulster County residents in danger of being forced from their homes can get free legal representation from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.”
Access to Justice – Criminal
-
In Solano County, CA, “[the] Public Defender’s Office in the coming days will hold the county’s first-ever ‘Clean Slate Day,’ an event that aims to help people clear past records of felony and misdemeanor arrests and convictions.”
-
In Jefferson County, FL, “[State Attorney Jack] Campbell confirmed the authenticity of a document…[that] says to exclude those with ‘Extensive Criminal History and/or Hispanic’ from diversion programs, or to have adjudication withheld.”
-
In Mississippi, “[t]he state’s highest court approved a mandate on Thursday that criminal defendants who can’t afford their own attorney must always have one before an indictment.”
-
In St. Louis County, MO, “St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner could be held in contempt of court after a prosecutor in her office no-showed a murder trial Monday morning.”
-
The prosecutor who did not appear in court was ACA Natalia Ogurkiewicz who “resigned Friday, citing an unbearable work load and a lack of support.”
-
This news occurs days before the first hearing on Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s case seeking to oust Gardner from office.
-
For details on the AG’s complaint against Gardner, “Bailey outlines 10 counts alleging Gardner has performed so poorly that it has left St. Louis residents at risk.”
-
For context regarding Gardner’s controversial politics which have pitted her against the Missouri AG: “Gardner is often associated with the progressive prosecutor movement, a national trend in which, in general, officeholders focus less on low-level crimes and more on diversion programs that help keep people out of jail.”
-
-
Criminal Justice Reform and Counter-Reform
-
Following up on last week’s coverage, in Contra Costa County, CA, “Antioch City Council unanimously approved audits of the Police Department’s internal affairs unit, its hiring and promotional practices, and the department’s culture…. “[District Attorney] Becton said she is reviewing cases for potential dismissal or resentencing. It’s unclear how many cases are at stake.”
-
These actions by the City Council and District Attorney follow the release of “[t]he first 21-page report…on April 13, followed by the second 14-page report on Monday [detailing the messages exchanged by Antioch police officers].”
-
-
In California, “California legislators are grappling over how to deal with facial recognition technology in policing [as two opposing bills are being discussed.]”
Public Safety
-
Following up on last week’s coverage, in Washington State, “a bill [was passed] to ensure that gun manufacturers and dealers must take reasonable steps to prevent their products from getting into the hands of those that the state determines are dangerous individuals….”