Lawful or Landmine? Court Rules on First Amendment Snares -
Municipalities throughout the country regulate signs and set policy for flag-flying on public property. Done right, these are lawful functions of local...more
SCOTUS Sets Aside New York Limits on Religious Gatherings-
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to halt, on First Amendment grounds, enforcement of New York’s COVID-19-related restrictions on indoor worship services...more
Part 2 in a PublicCEO Series -
Previously, we discussed local governments’ response to the novel coronavirus and the tension between governmental authority for emergency response and individual liberty. How does that...more
Part 1 in a PublicCEO Series -
The government’s broad powers to protect the public during declared emergencies are well-established, but this power is not unfettered. Emergency powers exist against a backdrop of individual...more
A California Federal Court Weighs-In on Religious Group’s Challenge -
A federal court in California refused to stop enforcement of state and county COVID-19 health orders that barred large gatherings, including religious...more
As November elections and some major ballot measures loom, and as 2016 general election candidates start copping to “thinking about a run,” now seems a good time to revisit the impartiality required of public agencies and...more
California law allows public agencies to expend public money and resources to educate voters on matters included on an upcoming election ballot. State law does not permit using public money or resources to advocate on behalf...more
Matthew "Mal" Richardson, who serves as city attorney of Stanton and assistant city attorney of Lake Forest, talks about the Brown Act, ethics training for public officials and other important laws and regulations that ensure...more