Local
Georgia sues man for publishing the state’s laws online
The state of Georgia is suing Carl Malamud, the owner of the website public.resource.org, for posting an annotated version of the state’s law online. Georgia’s basic legal code is accessible both on and offline, but according to the state, the annotated version, which is frequently used by the courts, is copyright information. According to theregister.co.uk, Malamud decided the annotated version should be made available online since it is used to make decisions of law.
National
Obama administration issues final decision on transgender bathroom issue
According to the New York Times, the Obama administration is issuing a nationwide directive to every public school district to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity. A letter went out to schools Friday, May 13, describing what schools should do to prevent student discrimination. There is no force of law behind it, but it does contain an implied though not clearly expressed threat: Schools that do not follow the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law may face lawsuits or loss of federal aid.
Global
Britain possibly leaving the European Union
According to bbc.com, a vote will be held on Thursday, June 23, to decide whether Britain should leave or stay in the European Union (EU), an economic and political partnership comprised of 28 European countries. British Prime Minister David Cameron promised to hold the vote if he won office, and argued that Britain had not had a say since deciding to stay in the EU in 1975. United Kingdom citizens of voting age will ultimately determine whether or not the Brexit will occur by answering a single question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
