Legal
Legal matters are a core focus for local and state government agencies, encompassing the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of laws and regulations that govern public affairs. Legal frameworks ensure that government actions are consistent with the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. Though by no means a perfect system – enforcement inequities continue to make the headlines – local leaders strive to create laws that work fairly for all.
The court ruled that monetary bail is not the “only means to ensure criminal defendants appear for trials or the only means to protect the public”
Under the revised policy, police and firefighters can retire at age 55 or with 25 years of service, whichever comes first
Citizens can file a complaint if they feel the officer violated the new ordinance; an internal review of the complaint will determine if disciplinary action is warranted
The state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore differ in how they want to pursue Baltimore police reform, further investigating police corruption and changing extensive due process rights for police officers under state law.
The law requires use of the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck system developed by Kansas; the injunction claims violation of the National Voting Rights Act (NVRA).
While marijuana is illegal in the state of Georgia, Savannah City Council votes unanimously to decriminalize marijuana possession.
Thomas Homan, ICE acting chief, said the Justice Department is looking into a potential obstruction of justice against Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.
The Cook County Criminal Court is still on paper while nearby suburban areas have modernized records. With accusations flying among officials, some say paper records are more ‘feature’ than state legal delay.
The drop in gun homicide rates are the subject of much debate as gun control conversations and mass shooting incidents increase. Here’s five things to know about firearms in the United States.
Philadelphia is talking to potential operators of a safe injection site for IV drug users as a way to reduce opioid overdose deaths, but there are many legal and social questions.
By retroactively applying new state marijuana decriminalization laws, thousands of San Francisco residents could see their criminal convictions completely erased without having to do a thing.
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster will oversee negotiations over 250+ Federal opioid lawsuits filed against the pharmaceutical industry in state courts. He’s called the opioid epidemic “man-made.”
After the death of Mayor Ed Lee, London Breed, the city’s Board of Supervisors president, served as interim mayor. But the board voted to replace her with mayoral candidate Mark Farrell.
Is it time to address home sharing in your town? Learn about and access short term rental regulations from small towns and cities
Mayors weigh in on changes with the Trump Administration’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Many report the relationship between the federal government and cities is rapidly devolving.
On a site proposed for Amazon HQ2, developers receive zoning approval to begin transforming protected industrial land along the Chicago River into a massive mixed use development.
Here are some basic issues local governments need to think about in developing policies and choosing solutions that reduce liabilities from employee text messaging.
The cities of Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and others have adopted resolutions, passed zoning provisions and created partnerships to establish tiny house villages to shelter the homeless
Every state legislature that has introduced restrictive voting bills in 2018 has also introduced expansive bills. The voter laws frenzy happens every year, according to the NYU center that tracks it.
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- Portland leaders condemn ongoing violence by ‘anarchists’
- Ga. health system partners with university to address EMT, nurse shortages
- Calif. county tests AI technology to combat wildfires
- Police chief says Miami partying ‘couldn’t go on any longer’
- Ark. county threatens aggressive ambulance billing if cities don’t split EMS costs