Introduction: Law libraries are undergoing a transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI isn’t replacing law librarians, it has become a powerful tool that is changing how legal research is conducted and how libraries serve their patrons Modern law librarians leverage AI in various domains – from advanced legal…
Articles Posted in Commentary and Opinion
American Association of Law Libraries Public Statement Supporting Access to Legal Information
FROM: Jenny S. Silbiger, AALL Vice President. “I am so grateful to all of our members who make AALL an informed, educated, and wholehearted organization. I know we are not alone in the work that we do, as access to legal information impacts all aspects of the legal profession, and I…
Beyond Remorse: Understanding Those Who Do Not Regret Their Actions
“Beyond remorse” refers to, individuals who exhibit a lack of regret or guilt for their actions, often associated with a personality disorder like antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), where people may not understand the harm they cause others and therefore do not feel remorseful, even when confronted with the consequences of…
Potential Impacts of Government Efficiency Reforms Led by Elon Musk on U.S. Government Libraries
Introduction Materials consulted in preparing this posting were curated from various sources including the recently introduced Deep Research by OpenAI. With Elon Musk at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency, various agencies within the U.S. government may experience restructuring aimed at streamlining operations, reducing costs, and integrating advanced…
The ABA Supports the Rule of Law
A message from William R. Bay, President of the American Bar Association, February 10, 2025: It has been three weeks since Inauguration Day. Most Americans recognize that newly elected leaders bring change. That is expected. But most Americans also expect that changes will take place in accordance with the rule…
ABA Privacy and Computer Crime Webinar on UN Cybercrime Convention
From the ABA Cybercrime Committee of the Criminal Justice Convention “Please see attached abstract and registration information for a webinar our committee is putting on with the Cybercrime Committee of the Criminal Justice Section on the newly adopted UN Cybercrime Convention: Overview & Impact. I hope you will be able…
Reactions to Trumps First Days as a Second Term President: Perspectives from the Right and Left
President Donald Trump’s second term began with a whirlwind of executive actions, sparking sharply divided reactions from the left and right. While Trump’s policies focused on immigration, energy, federal employment, and high-profile pardons, the responses have highlighted ideological divides: The Right’s Perspective: Many on the right criticized Trump’s sweeping pardons…
A Unique Perspective of Daily Life in New York City’s Most Notorious House of Correction
Rikers Island, a symbol of New York City’s fraught relationship with justice and incarceration, houses a complex social world that remains hidden from public view. While most of its detainees are awaiting the resolution of their cases, a smaller group serves sentences too brief for the state prison system, known…
Introduction to Volume one of the Department of Justice Report Submitted by Special Counsel Jack Smith
On November 18, 2022, the Attorney General appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith to investigate potential violations of law related to efforts to interfere with the lawful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election and the certification of the Electoral College vote on January 6, 2021. This investigation culminated on…
Why Does the United States Continue Imposing Death Sentences?
For much of its history, the death penalty in the United States has been framed as a tool of justice—a way to hold the most vicious criminals accountable for their heinous acts. Stories of grisly murders and the suffering of victims’ families dominated the narrative, overshadowing questions about fairness or…