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Showing posts from June, 2025

SCOTUS Narrows Universal Injunctions

  The United States Supreme Court, in a 6–3 decision, recently ruled on the scope of universal injunctions issued by federal courts. The case stemmed from legal challenges to an executive order issued by President Trump concerning birthright citizenship. However, the Court's majority opinion, authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, did not address the constitutionality of the executive order itself. Instead, the ruling focused on the authority of federal courts to issue nationwide blocks against government policies. The Court determined that such universal injunctions likely exceed the equitable authority historically granted to federal courts, emphasizing that relief should generally be tailored to the specific plaintiffs involved in a case. This decision impacts how future challenges to executive actions may be litigated, requiring lower courts to reconsider the breadth of their injunctions and allowing 30 days for President Trump's birthright citizenship order to take effect,...

Legal Aid Cleveland: 120 Years of Justice

  The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland marked its 120th Founders Day on June 12 , recognizing individuals who consistently support its mission of providing access to justice. The organization has significantly expanded since 2005, growing from 55 to 145 staff members, including 75 lawyers. This expansion has fueled a 44% increase in clients and cases served, with Legal Aid handling 9,700 cases annually. This enhanced capacity directly helps more people stay in their homes, manage their finances, and ensure personal and family safety. Check out the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s website for additional information on services, volunteer sign-ups, and giving opportunities.

New Legal Resources from the Ohio Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Ohio has launched Resources for the Bench , a new online collection of bench cards, guides, and toolkits to help judges, lawyers, and the public navigate Ohio's legal system. These resources cover various topics from remote hearings to domestic violence protections, offering accessible summaries of Ohio statutes and court decisions to enhance understanding and support courtroom decision-making. To learn more about this valuable initiative, check out Court News Ohio for additional details .

Let’s Redirect the Youth in Ohio

  An Ohio Supreme Court task force has reviewed local courts' diversion of juveniles. It recommends that courts formalize their practices when redirecting juveniles to intervention services before an initial court appearance. Diversion is an informal alternative that redirects youths away from involvement in the juvenile justice system to address the root causes of delinquent behavior. These causes may include food and housing insecurity, joblessness in the home, inadequate educational resources, and unmet mental health needs. By examining these root causes, juveniles are still held accountable for their behavior without the court system imposing any formal legal sanction or confinement. Research shows that youth who are formally involved with the juvenile justice system and those who spend time in detention are far more likely to engage in criminal activities as adults. To create written guidelines for the diversion process, a survey of juvenile court judges conducted for the task...

New Bluebook Includes Tribal Law

  The 22nd edition of The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation now includes rules for citing Tribal law. This addition, spearheaded by a group of law librarians , helps standardize how legal professionals cite Tribal Nations and their legal materials, including treaties. This change is a significant step toward recognizing Tribal Nations as sovereign entities and promoting the study and use of Tribal law in legal education and practice.

Understanding Birthright Citizenship

  In this episode of Law Library Insights , we take a closer look at birthright citizenship in the United States. From the drafting of the 14th Amendment to recent legal challenges and executive actions, we break down where the law stands—and where it may be headed as the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in.

Please Welcome New Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Antonino S. Nicholson

  Hon. Antonio S. Nicholson is a Solon native with the ambition and drive to fill a vacant seat in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Governor Mike DeWine proudly appointed Judge Nicholson to the bench. He will assume office on July 14, 2025, finishing the term of Judge Deena Calabrese, who was elected to the Eighth District Court of Appeals. To maintain his seat, Judge Nicholson will need to run for election in November 2025. He is currently preparing for his campaign while also gearing up for his responsibilities on the bench. Judge Antonio S. Nicholson began his law career in private practice in 2014 and now operates his own law firm. With over 10 years of direct trial experience ranging from misdemeanors to high-profile felony cases, he has built a well-rounded legal career. His extensive background as a public defender and hands-on involvement with the judicial system highlight his commitment to addressing bias and advocating for rehabilitative justice. He emphasizes t...