ACLU Challenges Missouri’s Probation Restrictions on Medical Marijuana, Alleging Constitutional Rights Violations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, in partnership with Stinson LLP, has filed a lawsuit against Missouri state officials, contesting probation conditions that prohibit the use of medical marijuana, despite its legality under state law. The legal challenge centers on the case of Sharon Stewart, a probationer whose prescribed use of medical cannabis has repeatedly put her in conflict with state probation rules. The ACLU argues that such restrictions defy the constitutional amendments passed by Missouri voters, which protect the rights of registered patients to use medical marijuana. These amendments, … Read more

Texas Schools Under Scrutiny as ACLU Identifies 51 Districts Violating Anti-Hairstyle Discrimination Law

Austin, Texas — A significant number of Texas school districts are under scrutiny for failing to comply with a new state law designed to prevent discrimination based on hairstyles associated typically with Black and other minority students. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas announced this week that it has issued warnings to 51 school districts that are reportedly not enforcing the Texas CROWN Act. The CROWN Act, which stands for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” was signed into law last year. It aims to safeguard individuals against bias in schools, … Read more

ACLU Lawsuit Highlights Extensive Delays in Psychiatric Evaluations for North Carolina Jail Detainees

Raleigh, N.C. — In North Carolina, numerous detainees awaiting trial are being held in jails for extended periods without undergoing necessary psychiatric evaluations, a new lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACCDLU) alleges. This delay is said to significantly impact their legal proceedings and overall mental health. The ACLU claims that these detainees, some of whom may not be competent to stand trial, are languishing in jail cells for months, waiting for state-mandated evaluations that would determine their competency. This practice not only infringes on the rights of the incarcerated but also places … Read more

Delaware Supreme Court Reinstates Permanent Absentee and Early Voting, ACLU Pushes for Constitutional Support

Dover, Delaware — The Delaware Supreme Court recently resurrected both permanent absentee voting and early voting on account of a narrowly focused legal aspect, leaving broader constitutional questions about these electoral processes unanswered. Though the court did not delve into whether the laws align with Delaware’s constitution, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Delaware views the reinstatement of these voting options as a win for voter accessibility in the upcoming elections. Andrew Bernstein, ACLU of Delaware’s Cozen Voting Rights Fellow, expressed mixed feelings about the court’s oversight. “While it’s disheartening that the court sidestepped … Read more