Revamping

Connecticut Lawmakers Debate Revamping Hate Crime Laws, With Proposed Changes Sparking Free Speech Concerns

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HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut lawmakers are currently evaluating a proposal by Governor Ned Lamont to streamline and fortify the state’s response to hate crimes through the creation of a new, dedicated chapter in state law. This new chapter aims to simplify the process by which police and legal authorities can charge and pursue legal action against hate crime offenders, an initiative buoyed by a reported surge in these crimes. The bill, HB 6872, stemming from recommendations by the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, seeks to adjust the burden of proving intent by removing the necessity … Read more

Revamping Northern Ireland’s Alcohol Licensing: New Recommendations Seek to Boost Pub Sector and Curb Anti-Competitive Practices

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Belfast, Northern Ireland – A comprehensive independent study undertaken by the University of Stirling has discovered significant challenges with Northern Ireland’s current alcohol licensing framework, suggesting it favors existing businesses and hinders competition. Commissioned by tStormont’s Department for Communities, the report highlights several “deep-seated problems” in the current system, affecting its design, operation, and enforcement. The review proposes sweeping changes aimed at liberalizing the licensing process. One of the more pivotal recommendations includes preventing existing businesses, such as pubs, from objecting to new license applications, a practice that has been criticized for stifling new entrants … Read more

Revamping Jury Pay: A Push to Bridge the Racial Gap in Connecticut’s Jury Pools

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Hartford, CT — Recent discussions around jury summoning reforms in Connecticut have refocused attention on systemic issues within the state’s legal apparatus, particularly regarding disparities in jury pools. Despite past recommendations from a specialized task force aimed at addressing these issues, legislative inertia has persisted, particularly around the vital topic of juror compensation. The task force, previously led by former Chief Justice Robinson, engaged deeply with the process of summoning jurors—a critical step that has proved resistant to improvement. Insights from Harry Weller, a retired senior assistant state’s attorney who co-chaired the committee on this … Read more

Revamping Legal Education: The Impact of Loper Bright on Teaching Statutory Interpretation in Administrative Law

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New Haven, Connecticut – In the ever-evolving field of law, the way statutory interpretation is taught in administrative law courses has undergone a significant transformation, particularly following the influential Loper Bright decision. This landmark case has catalyzed a reassessment of traditional teaching methods, integrating more dynamic and practical approaches to understanding and applying legal principles in the realm of administrative law. Educators at leading law schools, including Yale University, are at the forefront of adapting their curricula to better prepare future lawyers for the complexities of statutory interpretation. This involves not only a deeper dive … Read more