publiclawlibrary.org

Surge in Book Bans Across U.S. Schools Hits Record High, Nearly 10,000 Titles Censored Last Academic Year

by

Nearly 10,000 books have been banned from U.S. public schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a significant increase from prior years. This escalation follows the enactment of new censorship laws by Republican-led states, reflecting a troubling trend in the restriction of academic resources. A study conducted by PEN America, a nonprofit committed to upholding free expression, indicates an almost threefold rise in the number of banned books, up from 3,362 in the previous year. The surge is documented amid heightened legislative actions that have influenced local education systems across the country. The research highlights … Read more

“Moloka’i Bound” Shines with Dual Wins at 44th Hawaii International Film Festival, Highlighting Indigenous Talent and Local Narratives[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0mRPMX-WCc[/embed]

by

Honolulu, Hawaii – The stunning backdrop of Oahu set the stage for the 44th annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) held from October 3-13 at Consolidated Theatres Kāhala. The festival spotlighted a mix of local and international films, closing with a private awards gala at the illustrious Halekūlani Hotel on October 12. The winners of the festival’s juried awards were announced during the gala, signaling a successful competition especially for films made in Hawai‘i. A highlight of this year’s festival was the impressive showing of Hawai‘i films. Local filmmakers particularly shone brightly, taking home a … Read more

Majority of Lawyers Support Increased Consideration of Domestic Abuse in Divorce Settlements

by

Many legal experts advocate for courts to more thoroughly consider issues of domestic abuse during financial rulings in divorce and separation cases. The term “domestic abuse” in these contexts extends beyond physical violence, encompassing exploitative behaviors such as capitalizing on legal delays, withholding financial disclosures, violating court orders, and protracting mediations to exhaust the opposing party. The call for systemic change in handling these cases reflects concerns among legal representatives, particularly those who defend less financially equipped parties. Typically, these clients are women who find themselves financially disadvantaged post-separation. Conversely, lawyers who cater to very … Read more

Judge Bars DeSantis Administration From Intimidating Businesses Over Abortion Advertising

by

A federal judge recently intervened against actions by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration, ordering a halt to its threats of penalties aimed at a company for running advertisements supportive of abortion services. The ruling underscores the growing legal confrontations stemming from differing state policies on abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. The legal challenge originated when advertisements from a company featuring information on how to access abortion pills triggered objections from Florida officials. The state argued that such advertisements could potentially mislead women about the legality and availability of abortion … Read more