Commission Urges Changes in Forced Addiction Treatment

​On July 1 the “Section 35“ Commission issued a report on involuntary commitment of drug addicts in Massachusetts. Among other recommendations one calls for an end to sending men to correctional facilities for treatment even if they have not been convicted of a crime. Read Full Article

Vote for Social Law in Continuing Legal Education, Legal Research Provider and Web Design Categories!

The Social Law Library has been nominated in several categories of the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2019 Readers Rankings poll. We are hoping that you have enjoyed our services and would be willing to take a few brief minutes of your time to log on and vote. Voting is open until Monday, July 15th! Read Full Article

SOCIAL LAW MEMBERS GET EXPANDED ACCESS TO KEY CONGRESSIONAL REPORTS

At some point every lawyer will need to search for the legislative history of a federal law. Locating that Congressional House or Senate report that may shed light on the legislative intent behind a particular enactment has traditionally been a frustrating and time-consuming process. Read Full Article

Improper Jury Selection Leads to Reversal

​On June 21 the United States Supreme Court reversed the murder conviction of Christian Flowers. The High Court found that Mississippi prosecutors had violated Flowers constitutional right to a fair trial by using their peremptory challenges to exclude African Americans from the jury. Read Full Article

Reference Librarian, Brian J. Harkins Celebrates 30 Years at Social Law

Chances are if you have called the Social Law Library with a reference question over the years you've had the pleasure to be helped by Brian Harkins. Today we celebrate the 30th work anniversary of Brian at the Library. Brian, thanks for all that you do for both your co-workers and the Social Law members. Read Full Article