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Current Legal Topics

The guides listed below provide legal commentary and recommended resources on issues and events with legal significance.

Children's Rights

The international and national laws and practices are detailed and analyzed for sixteen nations.

Constitution Day

Constitution Day is observed each year to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. This guide provides selected resources intended for educators and the general public.

Cuba: Legal Implications of Casto's Resignation

On February 19, 2008, Granma published a message from Fidel Castro in which he announced that, due to his poor health, he could no longer serve as President of Cuba. After Castro resigned, the National Assembly of People's Power (Cuba's legislative body) convened in order to elect a new president.

European Union: Lists of Terrorist Persons or Organizations

This research report discusses the legal basis for the UN/EU and the EU lists of terrorist individuals and organizations. It also reviews procedures for listing and delisting names and several cases in which listings were challenged.

Iraq: Legal History and Traditions

Present day Iraq exists on land known to the ancient world as Mesopotamia. The territory was defined by its position between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates. The region experienced many types of rule and many formal and informal legal systems.

Iraq: Saddam Hussein Trial

Find information on the tribunal and its historical background with articles related to key legal issues. It includes print and Web citations to relevant treaties, laws, and references on the subject.

Japan: Article 9 of the Constitution

This research report analyzes Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution and its possible amendment.

John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial of 1770

In 1770 young lawyer John Adams, future President of the United States, served as defense counsel in the trial of eight British soldiers accused of murder during a riot in Boston. Adams's impassioned speech in defense of the soldiers resulted in their acquittal. This page shows the covers of five reports and transcripts of the court proceedings, and includes the full text of three of these items from the Law Library of Congress's Rare Book Collection.

Law Day

Law Day is a national day to celebrate the rule of law and its contributions to the freedoms Americans enjoy. This guide provides commentary and recommended resources concerning Law Day.

Lebanon: The Hariri Assassination

The investigation and potential prosecution of those involved in the assassination of Rafiq Hariri, former Prime Minister of Lebanon, could become a case study in the rapid development of international criminal law. In addressing such issues, the Law Library of Congress provides information and legal analysis reflecting the actual state of international law.

Lebanon: Presidential Election and the Conflicting Constitutional Interpretations

Lebanon may face its first major constitutional crisis since its creation in 1920, following World War I in which the Ottoman Empire lost its Arab provinces to the Allied Forces.

Pakistan: Proclamation of Emergency

On November 3, 2007, General Pervez Musharraf, then Chief of Army Staff and the President of Pakistan issued a Proclamation of Emergency in Pakistan followed by the Promulgation of Provisional Constitution Order and the Oath of Office (Judges) Order, 2007. An analysis of the constitutionality of the Proclamation of Emergency follows.

Pakistan: Crisis in the Judiciary

Find information and analysis of the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Presidential Signing Statements

An introduction to research on official pronouncements issued by the President at or near the time a bill is signed into law. Provides a topical guide to resources.

Russia: Parliamentary Elections

On December 2, 2007, elections for the State Duma (lower house of the legislature) were held in Russia. For the first time in Russian history, all 450 parliamentary seats were divided between representatives of political parties elected by federal and regional party lists under a proportional electoral system.

United States: Constitutional Law

Assembled here are books, articles, and congressional testimony regarding separation of power issues in the United States: executive privilege, war powers, and presidential inherent powers.

War Powers

Guide to research on the War Powers Act passed on November 7, 1973. A topical guide to resources is included.

Last Updated: 04/14/2008