Case could widen the grounds for asylum: a young woman's fear of being mutilated could pave way for gender-based petitions
Article Abstract:
The asylum request of Fauziya Kasinga of Togo, to be heard before the Board of Immigration Appeals, may establish gender as an accepted basis for political asylum claims. Kasinga emigrated to the US to avoid female genital mutilation and forced marriage, practices widespread in Togo and other African nations. At present, the five grounds for asylum do not include gender so her attorneys are arguing that the women in her tribe constitute a particular social group subject to persecution.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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A presumption of inadequacy?
Article Abstract:
The Louisiana Supreme Court has found the state's legal assistance to the poor of such bad quality that trial judges have been ordered to apply a rebuttable presumption of ineffective assistance of counsel to all defendant-clients of public defenders. Trial judges are even authorized to stop proceedings if necessary. This is seen as a message to state legislatures that they must reform indigent defense so as to guarantee defendants' constitutional rights.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1993
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Term reveals pragmatic Supreme Court; not given to speculation, the court addresses only the issues directly before it, say observers
Article Abstract:
The 1995-96 term of the US Supreme Court was very conservative, practical and yet sometimes not to be predicted on issues that divide the country. The court's is relatively young in that five of the nine justices ascended to that bench in the last eight years and thus results are sometimes difficult for observers to predict. Rulings during this term involved equal protection, free speech and criminal law.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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