In April 2022, Maryland enacted legislation to allow voters to decide whether the state should legalize and regulate adult cannabis use. HB 1 refers the legalization question to the November 2022 ballot. HB 837, which is contingent on a majority of Marylanders voting in favor of cannabis legalization, establishes some regulations related to removing criminal penalties for low-level possession and cultivation and creating assistance funds for small and minority-owned businesses. If voters approve the ballot question, legalization will take effect on July 1, 2023. NACDL, NACDL joined a host of organizations, including the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition, in urging Maryland to legalize the possession and retail sale of marijuana for adults 21 and older.
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The Champion
March/April 2025
What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?
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Amicus Brief
Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice
Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.
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News Release
News Release ~ Law Enforcement Executive Order
NACDL Warns Executive Order's Dangerous Overreach Undermines Community Safety and Trust in Police – Washington, DC (April 29, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expressed deep concern regarding the Executive Order titled "Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens," cautioning that several of its proposals represent a dangerous overreach that undermines these goals by jeopardizing individual rights and the legitimacy of law enforcement in the eyes of the community.
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Event
Trial Tactics for Pregnancy-Related Cases: Skills for Every Defender
LOCATION: The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
DATE: May 16-17, 2025
COST: FREE (registration is required)
CLE Credit: Up to 14.5 credits -
Webinar
Collaborative Approaches to Appellate Defense: Recognizing Clients' Legal Expertise
WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 3:00-4:30pm ET / 12:00-1:30pm PT
CLE CREDIT: not available
COST: Free
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A Defender's Guide to Federal Evidence - 2nd Edition
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