Michael Avitzur

@mikeavitzurbba.bsky.social

As if that weren't enough, seeking the #deathpenalty is excessively costly and will inevitably result in the execution of innocent people—if it hasn't already. In the words of former BBA & ABA President John J. Curtin, Jr., "A system that takes life must first give justice." 2/x

President Biden, MLK III, and others who take a clear-eyed look at capital punishment in the US know the death penalty is imposed disproportionately against racial and ethnic minorities -- a reflection of disparities throughout the system. Our report: bit.ly/4ehxhRk 1/

We congratulate Justice Amy Blake on her history-making confirmation as chief justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court! We look forward to working with the Chief—a former co-chair of the Boston Bar Journal's Board of Editors—in her new role.

Yet enactment of a permanent program, in statute, is still called for, covering low-income tenants and owner-occupant landlords. That's why @BostonBar is part of a broad coalition advocating for such a solution: massrtc.org Our report: bit.ly/3ZZRfvl 3/x

Publication of this resource not only provides support for unrepresented litigants but also sheds light on the need for #AccessToCounsel in these cases, so they needn't go it alone. Fortunately, the FY25 state budget creates and funds a statewide pilot program to do just that. 2/

Big thanks to @MassLive for compiling this free, comprehensive guide—and to the frontline groups who made it possible: @BostonLegalAid @HarvardLegalAid @CityLife_Clvu @MaTrialCourt @MassLegalHelp, Harvard Tenant Advocacy Project, and Poynter-Koch Media & Journalism Fellowship. 1/

Thank you, @cindycreem, for your years of work on this important issue for Massachusetts children! And thanks to @BostonGlobe for publicizing the urgent need for enactment of the UCCJEA. We appreciate the Senate passing the bill and urge the House to do likewise!

Meanwhile, @MichaelLinhorst reports in @NewRepublic on a case being considered by the Supreme Court that "asks the justices to decide whether a federal judge—or a justice—must recuse from a case whenever the judge’s impartiality is reasonably in doubt": bit.ly/3Y7J7aY

"How can it be that the highest court in the land operates with such lax ethical rules, while the lowest courts in MA...are held to the most stringent of standards? That Supreme Court justices may accept luxury vacations but municipal judges cannot accept tickets to a ballgame?"

Here, @NUSL Prof. Andrew Haile argues—as @BostonBar has—for a SCOTUS ethics code. "The judicial branch’s very legitimacy rests on the public perception that judges are independent actors, unswayed by favors or the views of those who give them." Our take: bit.ly/3KwuU04

With the start of October—recognized by both the BBA Council and @MassGovernor as Pro Bono Month—we are excited to present a broad slate of opportunities for members to take part: bostonbar.org/events/list/?t…

@RepRuthBalser @statehousenews @CivilLegalAid (In case you needed convincing that speaking to your legislators on #WalkToTheHill Day—this January 23rd at 11am—really does make a difference!)

In a new Q&A, @RepRuthBalser tells @statehousenews she's especially proud of being lead sponsor of @CivilLegalAid budget amendments—and her constituents who do Walk to the Hill because they "care about making sure low-income people have access to justice": bit.ly/3XXYrH7

Looking forward to @BostonBar Annual Meeting on November 14—including the opportunity to honor, and thank, @RepRuthBalser for her steadfast leadership on funding for @CivilLegalAid throughout her 26-year legislative career! More here: bit.ly/3TIDAF2