Fighting Corruption through International Cooperation
Public corruption investigations have resulted in record fines, numerous prison sentences, and even political fallout in several Latin American countries. The investigation and prosecution of Odebrecht scandal illustrates some of the ways that countries can work together to reduce public corruption.
Ethics Corner: Prosecutors and PowerPoints
With courts embracing the use of modern technology during trials, prosecutors have turned to PowerPoints in closing arguments to summarize the evidence presented to the jury. The Ethics Corner summarizes cases where appellate courts found that prosecutors had committed professional misconduct in those presentations and gives practice points as to how prosecutors might use presentations ethically and effectively.
Protecting Veterans’ Access to Housing
Once the Washington Attorney General’s Office heard that landlords were turning veterans away from housing because they were using Veterans Affairs Supporting Housing vouchers to pay rent, the office’s Civil Rights Unit sent investigators out to determine the extent of the problem and ensure that such discriminatory conduct ceased. A new Washington law specifically prohibiting such discrimination gives the Civil Rights Unit the authority to insist that recalcitrant landlords come into compliance and end discriminatory practices.
Recent Powers and Duties Decisions
This article reports on the latest decisions across the country affecting the powers and duties of state and territory attorneys general.
Ethics Corner: Survey of “Ethics Gurus” in AG Offices Reveals Priorities
Amie Ely, director of NAGTRI's Center for Ethics & Public Integrity (CEPI), writes about assembling a cadre of "ethics gurus" from attorneys general offices and summarizes some of the ethics issues that have been identified. One issue addressed is whether prosecutors can ethically advise law enforcement in undercover operations that involve the use of subterfuge.
Litigation, Legislation and Policy – Two Years of Reaction to NC Dental
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners v. FTC has now been on the books for two years, and the time seems ripe for an update on litigation, legislation, and advocacy that address the exception from application of federal antitrust laws known as state action immunity.
Recent Powers and Duties Decisions
This article reports on recent decisions across the country affecting the powers and duties of state attorneys general.
Jury Selection and Bull: Tips from the TV Program and Observations from a Practitioner
Can the new CBS television program Dr. Bull provide jury selection tips for AG prosecutors? An experienced and successful trial attorney with over 40 years' experience and 300 trials under his belt reviews the key principles from the program and offers his own suggestions for a revealing, informative, and persuasive voir dire.
Bridging the Gaps to Reduce Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse and Misuse
While being in the throes of a national opioid abuse epidemic, a recently released NAGTRI report offers best and promising practices generated from a November 2016 Summit with law enforcement and public health officials. The link to a free website copy is provided.
Teaching the Logistics of Legislative Drafting in Ethiopia: Part II
Jeromy Pankratz, Assistant Attorney General, South Dakota Attorney General’s Office It was with no small amount of astonishment that I listened to the class discuss with much solemnity their proposed legislation to prevent children of the kingdom from entering the forest while under threat of dragon attack. Wait. It may make more sense to start…
