December 10, 2019, Marks the 71st Human Rights DayHuman and Civil Rights, December 2019The United Nations commemorated Human Rights Day on December 10, 2019, marking the 71st year since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
New Legislation Advances Human Rights in IllinoisBy Ronald S. LangackerHuman and Civil Rights, September 2019During an era where individual human rights are under siege on a national level, the state of Illinois has enacted significant legislation to not only protect existing human rights, but also to enhance them.
ConTextos provides creative outlet for pre-trial detaineesBy Ronald S. LangackerHuman and Civil Rights, March 2019One of the objectives of the human rights movement is to reinforce that every individual deserves protections, while concurrently finding a way to balance the individual’s needs against the needs of a criminal justice system that protects society at large.
Cases to watchBy Ronald S. LangackerHuman and Civil Rights, December 2018Nielsen v. Preap challenged the government’s interpretation of a 1996 mandatory detention law requiring that non-citizens be detained for the duration of their deportation proceedings—without a hearing—because they have criminal records.
Juliana v. United States: The constitutional side of the fight against climate changeBy Bhavani RaveendranHuman and Civil Rights, December 2018In Juliana v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court heard argument on whether it should stay a group of children and young adults’ attempt to hold the federal government accountable for not doing enough to stabilize our climate.
A human rights decision in disguise?By Michael J. MaslankaHuman and Civil Rights, October 2018An overview of People v. Kochevar, a recent appellate case.
Recent amendments to the Illinois Human Rights ActBy Ronald S. LangackerHuman and Civil Rights, October 2018An overview of amendments made to the Illinois Human Rights Act, which will help to streamline the charge filing process and provide more avenues through which to seek remedies for discrimination.
The United States left the Human Rights Council…. So what?By Bhavani RaveendranHuman and Civil Rights, October 2018The withdrawal of the United States from the Human Rights Council of the United Nations may have a far greater effect than envisioned.
Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights CommissionBy Kathryn EisenhartHuman and Civil Rights, August 2018A summary of the U.S. Supreme Court opinion Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, in which the Court ruled that it is lawful under the First Amendment to refuse to create a cake for a same-sex couple to celebrate same-sex marriage based on religious beliefs.
A call for downstate bail reformBy Evan BrunoHuman and Civil Rights, December 2017Human Rights Section Chair Evan Bruno argues that "If Cook County can survive with a $100 cap on all 'bail bond costs,' surely other Illinois counties can as well."
Fourteenth Amendment: The world’s first human rights lawBy Kathryn E. EisenhartHuman and Civil Rights, December 2017The 150th anniversary of the adoption of the 14th Amendment gives us, as members of the bar, an opportunity to educate the people of Illinois on the amendment’s history and its everyday application in the laws and courts of this country.
Did your mother ever tell you to wear clean underwear because… ?By Michael J. MaslankaHuman and Civil Rights, April 2017A summary of Mulvania, et al. v. Sheriff of Rock Island County, et al., currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
Justice delayed is justice deniedBy Kathryn EisenhartHuman and Civil Rights, April 2017Until very recently the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, like all Federal Courts of Appeal, had held that “sex” under Title VII did not include sexual orientation or sexual preference.
Punishing poverty: Part IIBy Michelle A. JenkinsHuman and Civil Rights, April 2017The second of this two-part look at Illinois' bail bond system, in which author Michelle Jenkins argues that the current system ultimately burdens those it intends to protect.
Punishing Poverty: Part IBy Michelle A. JenkinsHuman and Civil Rights, March 2017In the first of this two-part look at Illinois' bail bond system, author Michelle Jenkins argues that the current system ultimately burdens those it intends to protect.
Comments from the ChairBy Shannon ShepherdHuman and Civil Rights, December 2016Section Chair Shannon Shepherd shares her thoughts on the post-election impact on human rights.
Justice deniedBy Kathryn E. EisenhartHuman and Civil Rights, December 2016Newsletter Editor Kathryn Eisenhart poses the question, "How does the denial of access to the courts affect human rights and what can I do about it?"
Case summary: Blumenthal v. BrewerBy Kathryn E. EisenhartHuman and Civil Rights, September 2016This case addresses the division of assets and property jointly owned by a same-sex couple.
Commentary on Blumenthal v. BrewerBy Kathryn E. EisenhartHuman and Civil Rights, September 2016Newsletter Editor Kathryn Eisenhart shares her opinion on the court's decision.
Human Trafficking Task Force ActBy Michael J. MaslankaHuman and Civil Rights, September 2016Illinois House Bill 2822 has become Public Act 99-0864, effective August 22, 2016.
Despite recent progress, criminal records remain a neglected human rights issueBy Ken StalkfleetHuman and Civil Rights, June 2016With HUD recently issuing new guidance on the use of criminal history information by housing providers, now is a good time to discuss the human rights issues attendant to criminal records.
