Press Releases
Justice
FOIA Lawsuit Seeks Bush-Era DOJ Opinion
The Brennan Center for Justice filed a federal lawsuit to compel release of a long-suppressed Bush-era legal opinion; the opinion in question purportedly acknowledges that a federal law—which requires organizations receiving federal grants for HIV/AIDS work to pledge opposition to prostitution—may be unconstitutional.
– 10/15/09
Large Number of People Who Face Foreclosures Don’t Have a Lawyer
New York - A new in-depth study by the Brennan Center for Justice released Oct. 6, 2009, shows that disturbing numbers of families face foreclosure proceedings without the aid of legal counsel.
– 10/06/09
People Forced to Appear in Court Without Interpreters, Violating Federal Law
A new study of 35 states exposes the failure of many state courts to provide interpreters to people with limited proficiency in English (LEP) - often in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of the United States . . .
– 07/04/09
Senate Appropriations Committee Votes to Repeal “Poison Pill” Restriction on Federal Legal Services
On June 25, 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to lift the “LSC poison pill restriction” - the federal appropriations provision that encumbers up to $490 million in state, local, and charitable private contributions raised by legal services nonprofits that receive federal funding from the nation’s Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
– 06/29/09
New Study Urges Congress to Remove Federal Restrictions on Legal Aid
Federal funding restrictions on legal aid for the poor are wasting money and undercutting the ability of families to fend off foreclosure and other legal problems amid the economic crisis, according to a white paper released today by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law . . .
– 06/19/09
Bermuda Accepts Detainees as U.S. Starts Dismantling Guantanamo
The Brennan Center welcomes the Burmudan government’s decision to resettle four Guantánamo Uighurs.
– 06/16/09
President’s Budget Calls for Removal of Three Outdated Restrictions on Legal Services for the Poor
Cost-free measure would expand access to legal assistance amid economic crisis.
– 05/07/09
Executive Privilege System Broken, Report Finds
Center proposes new legislation to resolve executive privilege disputes.
– 05/01/09
On Transparency, Obama Succeeds and Disappoints in First 100 Days
Detailed 30-Page Report Card reveals Obama’s need to improve accountability in cases of government misconduct.
– 04/27/09
DOJ Releases Four OLC Memos on Torture Techniques
Brennan Center holds the view that while the memos’ release is a significant victory for transparency, the actual content of the memos is chilling and highlights the urgent need for a commission of inquiry
– 04/16/09