Autonomy for ALJs; bills would create independent corps of administrative law judges

Article Abstract:

Legislation pending before Congress would give administrative law judges (ALJs) independence from the agencies they review, creating a separate ALJ corps for the 1,100 ALJs currently employed by 32 federal agencies. A chief judge chosen by the president would head the corps, which would comprise eight divisions. Each division would be headed by a division chief judge, also appointed by the president. These eight judges would be members of the Council of the Corps, which would establish standards and regulations, and develop peer review procedures and ALJ educational programs.

Author: McMillion, Rhonda
Administrative agencies, Government agencies, Examiners (Administrative procedure), Administrative law judges

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Opening doors; bills would bolster assistance to law students

Article Abstract:

Congress is close to passing a law extending the Higher Education Act of 1965, and legal education programs should be enhanced by the five-year extension. Authorization legislation usually establishes maximum funding levels for educational programs, but Congress may appropriate funds up to those levels under each annual federal budget. The Assistance for Training in the Legal Profession Program would be reauthorized under both the House and Senate versions of the bill, and the Clinical Legal Experience Program is also included.

Author: McMillion, Rhonda
Analysis, Law students, Student financial aid, Federal aid to education, Government aid to education

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Fairness in civil forfeiture; ABA backs bills that seeks to avoid punishing 'innocent' property owners

Article Abstract:

The ABA is backing the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act, HR 1916 offered by Henry Hyde, a bill which stops the extensive use of civil forfeiture against innocent property owners. The bill makes possible an 'innocent owner' defense if the owner used reasonable means to forestall illegal use of the property. The bill would help the more than 3/4 of property owners losing property in civil forfeiture without having been charged with a crime. Other provisions of the bill are listed.

Author: McMillion, Rhonda
United States, Forfeiture

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Subjects list: Laws, regulations and rules
This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.