Section Newsletters

Articles From Junaid Afeef

Minority Representation in the Judiciary: What More Needs To Be Done? By Junaid Afeef Bench and Bar, September 2025 A discussion of increasing diversity in the judiciary, including how far we've come, the progress that still needs to be made, and a few potential solutions. 
Minority Representation in the Judiciary: What More Needs To Be Done? By Junaid Afeef Human and Civil Rights, August 2025 A discussion of increasing diversity in the judiciary, including how far we've come, the progress that still needs to be made, and a few potential solutions. 
A Brief Summary of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory By Junaid Afeef Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 On July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice rendered an advisory opinion concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. 
Is Free Speech for Everyone in America? By Junaid Afeef Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 It sounds like a rhetorical question; of course, it is. Right? For decades, flag burning, hate group marches, vile protests at servicemembers’ funerals, and more were deemed protected under the First Amendment. The idea was to ensure all political speech remains uncensored; to do so, we must tolerate polarizing, offensive, or even hateful speech. Although noncitizens enjoy First Amendment protections, the government's plenary authority over immigration allows it to penalize them in ways that effectively chills free speech.
No More Backsliding: It Is Time to Push Forward By Junaid Afeef Diversity Leadership Council, June 2025 The article explores why the U.S. legal profession remains predominantly white and male despite long-standing diversity efforts. It argues that historical exclusion and structural barriers—not lack of merit—explain the imbalance. It refutes claims that DEI undermines merit, showing that diversity can improve fairness and performance. The Illinois State Bar Association’s past work is highlighted as a basis for renewed commitment in the face of current backlash.
Is Free Speech for Everyone in America? By Junaid Afeef International and Immigration Law, May 2025 It sounds like a rhetorical question; of course, it is. Right? For decades, flag burning, hate group marches, vile protests at servicemembers’ funerals, and more were deemed protected under the First Amendment. The idea was to ensure all political speech remains uncensored; to do so, we must tolerate polarizing, offensive, or even hateful speech. Although noncitizens enjoy First Amendment protections, the government's plenary authority over immigration allows it to penalize them in ways that effectively chills free speech.
Is Free Speech for Everyone in America? By Junaid Afeef Human and Civil Rights, April 2025 It sounds like a rhetorical question; of course, it is. Right? For decades, flag burning, hate group marches, vile protests at servicemembers’ funerals, and more were deemed protected under the First Amendment. The idea was to ensure all political speech remains uncensored; to do so, we must tolerate polarizing, offensive, or even hateful speech. Although noncitizens enjoy First Amendment protections, the government's plenary authority over immigration allows it to penalize them in ways that effectively chills free speech.
What a Difference a Word Can Make: Understanding the Rule of Law By Junaid Afeef Human and Civil Rights, April 2025 The rule of law ensures that legal frameworks are applied equally, uphold fundamental rights, and constrain government power. It “describes a political ideal in which the executive arm of the state exercises coercive power against individuals only when this is authorized by settled principles of law.” In contrast, rule by law describes a system where laws exist primarily as tools of the state to exert control, often benefiting the ruling elite rather than protecting citizens. Rule by law allows for arbitrary governance, where the law is selectively applied to maintain power rather than to ensure justice.
A Brief Summary of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory By Junaid Afeef Human and Civil Rights, October 2024 On July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice rendered an advisory opinion concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. 
A Brief Summary of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory By Junaid Afeef International and Immigration Law, September 2024 On July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice rendered an advisory opinion concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. 
Title: A Different ‘Hail Mary’ on the Gridiron By Junaid Afeef Human and Civil Rights, September 2022 Kennedy v. Bremerton School District re-imagines the gridiron understanding of the “Hail Mary” at public school football games.

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