Law Library of Congress: News and Events

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First the Law Library of Congress was on Twitter (http://twitter.com/LawLibCongress), and now we are on Facebook. Become a fan for information on our upcoming events, new legal research reports, and conversation. Our Facebook page includes our location, our hours, and where else on the web you can find the Law Library of Congress.

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Native American Heritage Month, Key Note Program

The Law Library of Congress is co-sponsoring the Native American Heritage Month. Dawn Sturdevant Baum, a staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), will deliver the keynote address at 2pm in the Whittal Pavillion located in the Jefferson Building on November 18, 2009. Reservations are not needed to attend the address.

National American Indian Heritage Month, November 2009

National American Indian Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the United States.

Visit our website to read more about National American Indian Heritage Month from the Law Library of Congress.

Event Reminder: Law Library of Congress Event: Kellogg Lecture on Jurisprudence

Professor Ronald Dworkin, professor of jurisprudence at University College London and the New York University School of Law, will deliver the inaugural Frederic R. and Molly S. Kellogg Biennial Lecture on Jurisprudence at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress.

The Law Library of Congress is on Twitter

The Law Library of Congress can now be found on Twitter. Follow us for news, events, and other information.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments in the workplace of men and women with disabilities and reaffirms the commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities to all citizens.

Visit our website to read more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month from the Law Library of Congress.

October Orientations to Legal Research & THOMAS

The Law Library of Congress will host a THOMAS Orientation and an Orientation to Legal Research in October.

Orientation to THOMAS
Friday, October 16, 2009, 10:00am-12:30pm
Adam Building, LA 100
The THOMAS Orientation is designed to give a basic overview of the THOMAS website through lecture and hands-on exercises.

Orientation to Legal Research
Thursday, October 22, 2009, 10:00am-12:30pm
Madison Building, Multimedia Center, LM 240
Orientation to Legal Research and the Use of Law Library Collections is designed to give a basic introduction to legal sources and research techniques.

Visit our website to read more about and RSVP for the Orientations to Legal Research & THOMAS from the Law Library of Congress.

Kellogg Lecture on Jurisprudence

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, September 17

In celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, the Law Library of Congress presents this guide providing commentary and recommended resources.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787 and "recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens."

Visit our website to read more about Constitution Day and Citizenship Day from the Law Library of Congress.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Law Library of Congress presents this guide providing commentary and recommended resources.

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture and to honor five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their Independence days in September.

THOMAS Launches Two New RSS Feeds: House & Senate Floor Today

In addition to the Daily Digest, the House Floor Today and Senate Floor Today are now available as RSS feeds or Email updates from THOMAS. The new Floor Today feeds are two of several RSS feeds available from the Law Library of Congress.

The Law Library of Congress feeds include:
THOMAS: Daily Digest
THOMAS: House Floor Today
THOMAS: Senate Floor Today
Current Legal Topics
Global Legal Monitor
Over 300 Global Legal Monitor Topics & Jurisdictions RSS Feeds
News & Events
Webcasts

Roberta I. Shaffer Appointed Law Librarian of Congress

Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington has named Roberta I. Shaffer to be the next Law Librarian of Congress. She brings an extensive education and diverse work experience to the position, which begins on August 30th, 2009.

Recent Updates in Current Legal Topics

The Law Library of Congress has added several items recently to the Current Legal Topics page.

Campaign Finance
This report examines campaign finance laws, including those governing the length of the campaign period, funding sources and disclosure requirements, restrictions on contributions and expenditures, and free speech implications of such restrictions, in Australia, France, Germany, Israel, and the United Kingdom.

State Legislation on Comprehensive Health Care Coverage
As the national debate on health care continues, state laws provide small scale models of legislation that might be implemented on a larger scale. State Legislation on Comprehensive Health Care Coverage provides an overview of certain legislation in Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont as well as links to state codes.

Sex Selection & Abortion
This report provides an analysis of laws on the subject of sex selection and abortion in Australia, Canada, India, and New Zealand.

Habeas Corpus Rights
This report analyzes the right available to persons in Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Kingdom, and Yemen to challenge the legality of their arrest or detention.

Supreme Court Nominations: Sonia Sotomayor
Sotomayor was confirmed on August 6, 2009 by a vote of 68-31.

Law Library of Congress Job: Librarian (Law)

Librarian (Law) (Vacancy #: 090111)

The Law Library of Congress is seeking a Legal Information Analyst who has experience analyzing, abstracting (summarizing) and indexing US federal and/or state legal and legislative information and documents to support the Global Legal Information Network (www.glin.gov) and other legal / legislative information systems. The successful incumbent will demonstrate through progressively responsible work experience a proficiency in (1) analyzing, synthesizing summarizing and indexing federal laws, regulations, court decisions, treaties and executive agreements, bills, congressional committee reports and congressional hearings; (2) developing, managing and routinely using legal and legislative thesauri; and (3) acquiring, organizing and disseminating legal and legislative information.

GS-11 - Law Library - $60,989.00 - $79,280.00
Promotion Potential: 13
Closing Date: Aug 17, 2009
Availability: Open to all

Law Library of Congress Job: Foreign Law Specialist (Turkey)

Foreign Law Specialist (Turkey) (Vacancy #:090116)

The employee in this position serves as a Foreign Law Specialist for Turkey and other Turkic-speaking jurisdictions for the Law Library of the Library of Congress. These jurisdictions include but are not limited to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Foreign Law Specialist is responsible for providing advice and assistance on foreign legal issues, questions, or situations related to the countries of assigned jurisdiction to the United States Congress, Executive Branch Agencies, the Judiciary, and other constituencies, including the general public. In that capacity, the Specialist conducts legal research and analysis and prepares or contributes to legal opinions, briefs, reports, memoranda, and comparative analyses related to the laws and legal systems of assigned foreign legal jurisdictions. In addition, the Specialist assists in the development of the Law Library's Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) and recommends acquisitions to the Law Library's collections related to assigned jurisdictions. Individuals with a law degree from a Turkey and Turkic-speaking jurisdiction and/or experience as an attorney in a Turkey and Turkic-speaking jurisdiction are encouraged to apply.

GS-11 - Law Library- $60,989.00- $79,280.00
Promotion Potential: 15
Closing Date: 10-AUG-09
Availability: Open to all

Event Reminder: Law Library of Congress Event: Legal Challenges Facing NATO at 60

To mark NATO's 60th anniversary, the Law Library of Congress will host a panel discussion on the legal challenges facing NATO today. The program, sponsored jointly with the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library's James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Panel will focus on NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe, its training mission in Afghanistan and its anti-piracy operations off the coastline of Somalia. Panelists include Richard L. Prosen, a senior foreign-policy professional with more than 20 years' experience in increasingly responsible national-security positions; Peter Roudik, formerly a legal adviser to the Russian Parliament and currently assistant director of legal research in the Law Library of Congress; and Maj. Gen. Melvin G. Spiese, U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Advance reservations are recommended (Barbara Moore, 202-707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov).

Law Library of Congress Job: Pacific Common Law Specialist

Foreign Law Specialist (Pacific Common Law) (Vacancy #:090112)

The Foreign Law Specialist for Pacific Common Law is responsible for providing advice and assistance on foreign legal issues, questions, or situations related to the countries of assigned jurisdiction (including Australia & New Zealand) to the United States Congress, Executive Branch Agencies, the Judiciary, and other constituencies, including the general public.

In that capacity, the Specialist conducts legal research and analysis and prepares or contributes to legal opinions, briefs, reports, memoranda, and comparative analyses related to the laws and legal systems of assigned foreign legal jurisdictions. In addition, the Specialist assists in the development of the Law Library's Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) and recommends acquisitions to the Law Library's collections related to assigned jurisdictions.

Individuals with a law degree from a Pacific Common Law jurisdiction and/or experience as an attorney in a Pacific Common Law jurisdiction are encouraged to apply.

GS-11 - Law Library- $60,989.00- $79,280.00
Promotion Potential: 15
Closing Date: 13-JUL-09
Availability: Open to all

Law Library of Congress Event: Legal Challenges Facing NATO at 60

Founded in 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance of member nations that agree to mutual defense in response to attack upon one or all members. To mark NATO's 60th anniversary, the Law Library of Congress will host a panel discussion on the legal challenges facing NATO today.

The program, which is sponsored jointly with the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library's James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Advance reservations are recommended (Barbara Moore, 202-707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov).

The panel will discuss NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe, its training mission in Afghanistan and its anti-piracy operations off the coastline of Somalia.

Panelists include Richard L. Prosen, a senior foreign-policy professional with more than 20 years' experience in increasingly responsible national-security positions; Peter Roudik, formerly a legal adviser to the Russian Parliament and currently assistant director of legal research in the Law Library of Congress; and Maj. Gen. Melvin G. Spiese, U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command.

The Global Legal Monitor Adds Jurisdiction & Topic RSS Feeds

The Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library of Congress now has more than three hundred RSS feeds available. Each topic and jurisdiction now has a dedicated RSS feed.

The Global Legal Monitor provides timely news on legal developments from around the world. Legal developments can be viewed by topic and by jurisdiction. Each legal development has its own permanent link for easy access, sharing, and bookmarking.

Event Reminder: The Approach of the Halakah and Sharia' to Contemporary Legal Issues

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 12:30-2:00 pm
Location: Mumford Room, Madison Bldg., 6th Floor
101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The Law Library of Congress and the African and Middle Eastern Division are proud to present a 90-minute program titled "The Approach of the Halakah and Sharia' to Contemporary Legal Issues." The program will be moderated by Don Wallace, chairman of the International Law Institute and professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Panelists include Rabbi Sholml Yaffee and Issam Michael Saliba.

The Approach of the Halakah and Sharia' to Contemporary Legal Issues

The Law Library of Congress and the African and Middle Eastern Division are proud to present a 90-minute program titled "The Approach of the Halakah and Sharia' to Contemporary Legal Issues."

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 12:30-2:00 pm
Location: Mumford Room, Madison Bldg., 6th Floor
101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.
Contact: Leon Scioscia, (lsci@loc.gov)

The program will be moderated by Don Wallace, chairman of the International Law Institute and professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Panelists include Rabbi Sholml Yaffee and Issam Michael Saliba. In addition to explaining the historical development of Judaic and Islamic law, the program will explore adaptations of these laws that could benefit policymakers in their legislative work on foreign policy and other areas affecting religiously oriented communities.

Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202)707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov

New Resource on Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor

The Law Library of Congress launched a new website on Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor. The site contains information on articles and books by Sotomayor, Congressional documents, cases, and web resources.

President Barack Obama was given an early opportunity to leave his stamp on the United States Supreme Court after Justice David Souter's retirement announcement on May 1, 2009. His first choice is Sonia Sotomayor, a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since 1998.

The site contains selected resources, additional material will be added.

United States: The Constitution

The Law Library of Congress launched a new website on the United States Constitution. The site combines various items from the Law Library of Congress in one centralized location.

The website includes sections on Constitutional Interpretation, Executive Privilege, Military Tribunals, Presidential Inherent Powers, Presidential Signing Statements, Second Amendment, State Secrets Privilege, War Powers, War Powers Resolution, and Additional Constitutional Resources.

THOMAS Launches First RSS Feed

The Daily Digest is now available as the first RSS feed from THOMAS. The THOMAS: Daily Digest feed is one of five RSS feeds available from the Law Library of Congress.

Event Reminder: Law Day, Friday, May 1

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Location: Members' Room, Jefferson Bldg.
Contact: Barbara Moore, (bmoo@loc.gov)

The Law Library of Congress and the Friends of the Law Library of Congress celebrate Law Day & the Emancipation Proclamation. What effect did the Emancipation Proclamation have on the Civil War? What inspired President Lincoln to undertake such a sweeping executive order in his first term? Did it have a broader effect on the slave trade throughout the Americas and Europe? These questions and many more will be discussed by Congressmen G.K. Butterfield and Jesse Jackson Jr., Dean Kurt Schmoke and Professor Emeritus Roger Wilkins, with congressional correspondent Kwame Holman moderating.

In addition to material from Rare Books on display, the Manuscripts division as well as Prints and Photographs will display material relating to slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is very limited and advance reservations are suggested at (202) 707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov.

For more information on Law Day, visit: http://www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/law-day.php

For more information on Lincoln and the Law, visit: http://www.loc.gov/law/help/rare-books/lincoln.php

Event Reminder: Domestic and International Human Environment Challenges with Barry Hill, Monday, April 27, 2009

Date: Monday, April 27, 2009
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Location: Library of Congress, Whittall Pavilion
Contact: Barbara Moore, (bmoo@loc.gov)

The Law Library of Congress presents an address on domestic and international human environment challenges with Barry Hill. In his talk, Barry Hill will define "human environment challenges," and discuss the relationship between the rule of law and government enforcement of protective environmental laws to address these challenges.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is very limited and advance reservations are suggested at (202) 707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov.

Legal Reference/Web Services Librarian Position Available at the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress seeks a legal reference librarian with education and experience (1) providing legal and legislative information services to diverse and demanding clients in a large law library or similar legal information organization; and (2) creating, organizing and managing web content for dynamic websites. Qualified candidates with both Juris Doctor and Masters in Library/Information Science degrees from accredited universities with appropriate training and experience are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful incumbent will demonstrate progressively responsible work experience or combination of education & work experience and proficiency in (1) providing concise and thorough oral and written research guidance utilizing creative methodologies to respond to complex inquiries; (2) applying a strong public service demeanor when providing legal and legislative information services to diverse and demanding clientele; (3) developing, organizing and managing legal and legislative collections (websites, blogs and online resources); (4) creating, organizing and managing legal and legislative content for dynamic websites; and (5) using time management skills to complete multiple time-sensitive assignments and projects.

GS-11 - Law Library- $60,989.00- $79,280.00
Opening Date: 20-APR-09
Closing Date: 20-MAY-09
Availability: Open to all

Law Day / Emancipation Proclamation Event

The Law Library of Congress and the Friends of the Law Library of Congress celebrate Law Day & the Emancipation Proclamation.

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Location: Members' Room, Jefferson Bldg.
Contact: Barbara Moore, (bmoo@loc.gov)

What effect did the Emancipation Proclamation have on the Civil War? What inspired President Lincoln to undertake such a sweeping executive order in his first term? Did it have a broader effect on the slave trade throughout the Americas and Europe? These questions and many more will be discussed by Congressmen G.K. Butterfield and Jesse Jackson Jr., Dean Kurt Schmoke and Professor Emeritus Roger Wilkins, with congressional correspondent Kwame Holman moderating.

Please join the staff and Friends of the Law Library of Congress for this important discussion celebrating the 52nd observance of Law Day, a day set aside annually by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to draw attention to the principles and practices of law and justice. For more information, contact Christine Herrmann at cher@loc.gov or (202) 707-9866.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is very limited and advance reservations are suggested at (202) 707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov

Domestic and International Human Environment Challenges with Barry Hill

The Law Library of Congress presents an address on domestic and international human environment challenges with Barry Hill.

Date: Monday, April 27, 2009
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Location: Library of Congress, Whittall Pavilion
Contact: Barbara Moore, (bmoo@loc.gov)

In his talk, Barry Hill will define "human environment challenges," and discuss the relationship between the rule of law and government enforcement of protective environmental laws to address these challenges.

Acting Law Librarian Donna Scheeder will introduce Mr. Hill, a distinguished public servant, author and academic, who in his present position is responsible for coordinating the EPA's capacity-building initiatives for foreign governments in environmental law and policy. Additionally, he is responsible for enforcement and compliance assurance and helps to train foreign judges in environmental law. He will introduce his recently released textbook/handbook, "Environmental Justice: Legal Theory and Practice" (March 2009), published by the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), a leading think tank in environmental law and policy.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is very limited and advance reservations are suggested at (202) 707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202)707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

Legal Blawgs

The Law Library of Congress is pleased to announce the launch of the Legal Blawgs web archive. Harvesting began in 2007 and the archive has grown to more than 100 items covering a broad cross section of legal topics.

Event Reminder: Legislating in Heels, Tomorrow, March 18

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 P.M.
Location: Whittall Pavilion in the Jefferson Building
Library of Congress, Washington, DC

In celebration of National Women's History Month 2009, the Law Library of Congress presents Legislating in Heels - An Anecdotal Journey with the Honorable Connie Morella on March 18, 2009.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Christine Herrmann at cher@loc.gov or (202) 707-9866. Advance reservations are suggested, (202) 707-9834 or bmoo@loc.gov.

Global Legal Monitor Reaches Milestone

The Global Legal Monitor by the Law Library of Congress recently surpassed 1,000 items available on legal news and developments worldwide. As the Global Legal Monitor has grown, so have the number of subscribers. Over 3,000 subscribers are alerted by email when the Global Legal Monitor is updated.

The Global Legal Monitor has the ability to view legal developments by topic (more than one hundred) and by jurisdiction (over one hundred and fifty). The content of the Global Legal Monitor can also be searched through its advanced search interface.

Each legal development has its own permanent link for easy access, sharing, and bookmarking. To keep up to date on new legal developments in the Global Legal Monitor subscribe to its RSS feed or email update (http://www.loc.gov/law/news/rss.php).

Kellogg Biennial Lecture on Jurisprudence Call for Nominations

The Law Library of Congress seeks nominations for a scholar to give the inaugural lecture for the Frederic R. and Molly S. Kellogg Biennial Lecture on International Jurisprudence at the Library of Congress. The lecture, to be held at the Library of Congress, is planned for Oct. 30, 2009.

All nominations and materials must be faxed or e-mailed by April 10:
fax: 202-707-1820
e-mail: cher@loc.gov

For more details of the nomination procedures, see our website.

Legislating in Heels - An Anecdotal Journey with the Honorable Connie Morella

In celebration of National Women's History Month 2009, the Law Library of Congress presents Legislating in Heels - An Anecdotal Journey with the Honorable Connie Morella on March 18, 2009.

Please join Acting Law Librarian Charles Doyle and Associate Librarian of Congress Deanna Marcum in honoring all women with a lively presentation by this distinguished former Congresswoman and Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The event will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 between 1:00 and 2:30 pm at the Whittall Pavilion, located in the Jefferson Building on 1st Street SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Streets in Washington, D.C.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Christine Herrmann at cher@loc.gov or (202) 707-9866. Advance reservations are suggested, (202) 707-9834 or bmoo@loc.gov.

Women's History Month, March 2009

In celebration of Women's History Month, the Law Library of Congress presents this guide providing an overview, legislative branch documents, and executive branch documents.

Women's History Month honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States.

Visit our website to read more about Women's History Month from the Law Library of Congress.

Event Reminder: Looking Beyond Gitmo, Tomorrow, February 18

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Location: Library of Congress, Madison Building, 6th Floor Mumford Room

The Law Library of Congress will sponsor a panel discussion titled Looking Beyond Gitmo: U.S. and Foreign Approaches Toward Legal Treatment of Terrorist Suspects Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1-2:30 p.m. The Mumford Room, on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited and advance reservations are suggested at (202) 707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov.

Panelists will include: Charles D. Stimson, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and Law Library of Congress legal specialists Clare Feikert, Louis Fisher and Ruth Levush. The panel will be moderated by Peter Roudik, assistant director of legal research and head of the Eastern Law Division in the Law Library of Congress.

Lincoln and the Law from the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress is pleased to present a newly digitized collection to celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The collection covers three eras including nine items in the Lincoln the Lawyer collection, five on Habeas Corpus and the War Powers of the President, and eight covering The Assassination: Trials.

Lincoln's effort to restore the Union and his contributions to American political thought and its ideals of freedom often obscure the fact that he had been a successful attorney. Lincoln himself admitted his ambition lay in politics and not in the law, "My forte is as a Statesman, rather than a Prosecutor." Even if the law was Lincoln's "secondary" avocation, it was indelibly linked to him in life... and death.

Visit our website to read more about Lincoln and the Law and view the newly digitized rare books from the Law Library of Congress.

Looking Beyond Gitmo: U.S. and Foreign Approaches Toward Legal Treatment of Terrorist Suspects

February 18, 2009, 1:00 - 2:30 P.M.
Mumford Room, 6th Floor, Madison Building
Library of Congress, Washington, DC

On January 22, 2009, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order directing the Central Intelligence Agency to close the GuantÃ¡namo Bay detention camp in Cuba within a year. Some individuals and groups view this as a risky step because the facility known as "Gitmo" is perceived as a secure location to conduct trials of terrorist suspects. Others welcome the move, but believe it could take longer than one year to accomplish.

The Law Library of Congress will sponsor a panel discussion titled "Looking Beyond Gitmo: U.S. and Foreign Approaches Toward Legal Treatment of Terrorist Suspects." The 90-minute program will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building at 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited and advance reservations are suggested at (202) 707-9834, bmoo@loc.gov.

Featuring Law Library's Specialists
Clare Feikert - Speaking on "The UK's Approach to Suspected Terrorists"
Lou Fisher - Speaking on "Detainees, Interrogation, and Military Tribunals"
Ruth Levush - Speaking on "Non-Criminal Detention of Persons Suspected in Posing Terrorism Threats - Israeli Experience", and
Charles "Cully" D. Stimson - The Heritage Foundation, former Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for Detainee Affairs - Speaking on a broad base of detention topics
Moderator Peter Roudik

National African American History Month, February 2009

In celebration of National African American History Month, the Law Library of Congress presents this guide providing an overview, legislative branch documents, executive branch documents, and web resources.

National African American History Month in February celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history.

Visit our website to read more about National African American History Month from the Law Library of Congress.

The Law Library of Congress Panel Discussion on the 60th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Today, December 10, 2008, the Law Library of Congress will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with a panel discussion entitled "An Aspirational Illusion or a Blueprint for Continuing Reform?" This special event, which is presented on this landmark anniversary, provides a unique opportunity to reflect upon a groundbreaking document that was adopted in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Event details:
Wednesday - December 10, 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Law Library Multimedia Center (LM240)
James Madison Building, Library of Congress
Free and Open to the Public
Limited Seating /Advance Reservations Suggested
Please contact Barbara Moore at bmoo@loc.gov or 202-707-9834

National American Indian Heritage Month, November 2008

In celebration of National American Indian Heritage Month, the Law Library of Congress presents this guide providing commentary and recommended resources.

National American Indian Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the United States.

Visit our website to read more about National American Indian Heritage Month from the Law Library of Congress.

Redesigned Global Legal Monitor Launched

The Law Library of Congress is pleased to announce the launch of the redesigned Global Legal Monitor. The Global Legal Monitor has transformed from a monthly published PDF to a dynamic continuously updated website. The new Global Legal Monitor has the ability to view legal developments by topic (more than one hundred so far) and by jurisdiction (over one hundred and fifty). The content of the Global Legal Monitor can also be searched through its advanced search interface.

Each legal development has its own permanent link for easy access, sharing, and bookmarking. To keep up to date on new legal developments in the Global Legal Monitor subscribe to its RSS feed.

The Global Legal Monitor is an online publication from the Law Library of Congress covering legal news and developments worldwide. It draws on information from the Global Legal Information Network, official national legal publications, and reliable press sources.

15th Annual GLIN Directors' Meeting, September 23-25, 2008

The 15th Annual Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) Directors' Meeting will be held from September 23-25, 2008. This event, hosted by the Law Library of Congress, will bring together representatives from GLIN member countries, national and international organizations, and observers representing 22 different nations to discuss the year's accomplishments in building GLIN, an Internet-based, multilingual legal information system.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, September 17

In celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, the Law Library of Congress presents this guide providing commentary and recommended resources.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787 and "recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens."

Visit our Web site to read more about Constitution Day and Citizenship Day from the Law Library of Congress.

Legal Research/Reference Librarian Position Available at the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress seeks a legal research/reference librarian with education and experience (1) providing legal and legislative information services to diverse and demanding clients in a large law library or similar legal information organization; (2) creating and organizing web content; and (3) developing and managing legal and legislative electronic resources. Qualified candidates with both Juris Doctor and Masters in Library/Information Science degrees from accredited universities with appropriate training and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Librarian (Law) (Vacancy #:080252)
GS-11 - Law Library- $58,206.00- $75,669.00
Closing Date: 03-OCT-08

Program Specialist Position Available at the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress is recruiting for a Program Specialist who assists the Special Assistant for Outreach and Development in his/her efforts in support of the Law Library's outreach/development efforts. Performs assigned tasks or guided projects necessary to facilitate development and promotion efforts. Actively supports the Special Assistant's efforts in promoting the services of the Law Library to Congress and other constituencies, and to maintain its prestige and stature as the National Law Library, and increasing its presence in the international legal research and law library communities. The incumbent reports directly to, and acts in a confidential capacity with, the Special Assistant to the Law Librarian (Outreach and Development).

Law Library of Congress Brochure Garners Marketing Award

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) has named the Law Library of Congress the winner of the 2008 AALL/Thomson West Excellence in Marketing Award in the Best Brochure category. The award honors oustanding achievement in public relations activities that serve to raise the visibility of law librarianship and the AALL.

Law Library of Congress Safety Drill Tomorrow June 25, 2008

The Law Library of Congress and the Madison Building will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, June 25, 2008, from 10:00-11:30 for a safety drill that will require all people within the building to "Shelter-In-Place." If you are in the Law Library when the drill begins, you will be required to proceed with staff to a designated location where you will not be able to conduct any research and you will have to remain in that location for the duration of the drill. The Law Library will resume regular services when the drill is complete.

Foreign Law Research Center Opens at the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress officially opened its new Foreign Law Research Center on Monday, June 9, 2008. The Center may be used by members of the public and will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Foreign Law Research Center houses the unified foreign law reference collection used by Law Library legal specialists, research support, and reference staff to conduct needed research for members of Congress and other priority clients.

Law Library of Congress Safety Drill to Impact Use of the Madison Building

The Law Library of Congress and the Madison Building will be closed on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 10:00-11:30 for a safety drill that will require all people within the building to "Shelter-In-Place." If you are in the Law Library when the drill begins, you will be required to proceed with staff to a designated location where you will not be able to conduct any research and you will have to remain in that location for the duration of the drill. The Law Library will resume regular services when the drill is complete.

Senator Lindsey Graham to Join Law Library of Congress's Law Day 2008 Panel Discussion on May 1

The Law Library of Congress is pleased to announce that Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina, will be participating in the Law Day panel discussion on Thursday, May 1 at the Library of Congress.

"The Rule of Law in Established and Emerging Countries"
Thursday, May 1, 2008
1:00pm - 2:30pm, a reception will follow
Northeast Pavilion, 2nd Floor
Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress
Advance reservations are required as this program is open to the public and seating is limited. Please e-mail Barbara Moore at bmoo@loc.gov or phone 202-707-9834.

Speakers include: Dr. Rubens Medina, Law Librarian of Congress; Lindsey Graham, United States Senator, South Carolina; Harry T. Edwards (Moderator), Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit; Rob Boone, Director, American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative; Rosa Brooks, Professor of Law, Georgetown Law School; Thomas Carothers, Vice President for Studies-International Politics and Governance, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Kurt L. Schmoke, Dean, Howard University School of Law and former Mayor of Baltimore.

For more information on the history of Law Day, please visit our Web site at: http://www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/law-day.html

Legal Information Analyst Position Available at the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress is recruiting for a Legal Information Analyst who has appropriate education and/or experience providing legal and legislative reference services to diverse and demanding clients in a law library or similar legal information organization AND preparing written legal analysis of court decisions, proposed legislation, regulatory schemes and/or government programs. The successful incumbent will demonstrate through progressively responsible work experience or a combination of education and work experience a proficiency in (1) providing concise and thorough oral and written guidance and/or substantive responses to requests for legal and legislative information; (2) applying creative legal and legislative research methodologies to respond to complex inquiries demonstrating a broad knowledge of the latest print materials and electronic databases including web-based resources; (3) applying a strong public service demeanor when providing legal and legislative information services to diverse and demanding clientele; (4) preparing reports, memos, correspondence and other documents analyzing legal issues and requiring interpretation and/or summaries of bills, committee reports, statutes, regulations, court decisions, background studies and policy reports; and (5) completing on time multiple time-sensitive assignments and projects requiring exceptionally developed time management skills.

Qualified candidates with both Juris Doctor and Masters in Library/Information Science degrees from accredited universities and law library reference and legal research/analysis training and/or experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Law Day Program at the Library of Congress on May 1

The Library of Congress will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Law Day with an examination of what the Rule of Law means to established and emerging countries. The panel discussion will be held at the Library from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 in the Northeast Hall and Pavilion on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. A reception will follow.

Sponsored by the Law Library of Congress, the program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance reservations are required [contact Barbara Moore at bmoo@loc.gov or (202)707-9834 by April 25].

Featured speakers include Harry T. Edwards (Moderator), Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit; Rob Boone, Director, American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative; Thomas Carothers, Vice President for Studies-International Politics and Governance, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Kurt L. Schmoke, Dean, Howard University School of Law and former Mayor of Baltimore; and Jane E. Stromseth, Faculty Director, Human Rights Institute and Professor of Law, Georgetown Law School.

Karamah Joins the Global Legal Information Network

The Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) is pleased to announce the addition of Karamah to its membership. Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization. GLIN, a cooperative international legal database administered by the Law Library of Congress, has a membership of 36 government agencies and international organizations.

Orientation to Legal Research

Orientation to Legal Research
Date: April 10, 2008
Time: 10am - 12:30pm

An overview of the basic methods of conducting federal legal research focusing on using the Law Library's federal collections. The Law Library's resources for locating these items in print and automated formats are presented.

Reservations Required.

To register, sign up in person in the Law Library Reading Room (LM 201), call (202) 707-9801, or complete the Seminar form on our Web site to register. Prior to attending a class, you need to obtain a Library of Congress Registration Card.

Book Talk by Mickey Edwards

Book Talk by Mickey Edwards
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Time: 1pm - 2:00pm
Location: Law Library Multimedia Room (LM 240)
Madison Building, Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, DC

Former Congressman Mickey Edwards will present a talk on his newly published book "Reclaiming Conservatism: How a Great American Political Movement Got Lost-and How It Can Find Its Way Back." A book signing will follow.

Reservations Required. Contact: Alisa Carrel, acar@loc.gov

News Item from the Law Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress announces the availability of RSS feeds and e-mail delivery. Available feeds cover: Law Library News and Events, Law Library Webcasts, Legal Research Reports, and the Global Legal Monitor.