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Ten Things Lawyers Can Do
to Support Human Rights
1. Start a Legal Support Network (LSN) group in Your Area.
Traditionally, Amnesty members are organized into local groups that meet once or twice a month. You can join a local group or organize an LSN group with members from your area law firms, area lawyers, and law students. Among other things, an LSN group could sign up for campaigns, work for the release of a lawyer who is a prisoner of conscience, write letters, lobby congress, educate the public, take on pro bono asylum cases and organize fundraisers. The possibilities are endless. If you are interested in starting a group, contact the LSN at legal@aiusa.org.
2. Write an Article for Your State Bar Journal.
State and local bar journals provide a good opportunity to share information on human rights law with colleagues who might not otherwise be aware of current issues. Because these articles are less extensive than law review articles, you can make a valuable contribution even if you are not a scholar in a particular area. Topics of recent interest include the International Criminal Court, detention facilities for asylum seekers, the use of domestic law to remedy foreign human rights violations, and ratification of the Convention for Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In addition, your regional office will have reports concerning the human rights situation in most countries. You can also contact a member of the LSN Steering Committee for additional ideas and guidance in writing your article.
3. Volunteer Some Time to the Center for Justice ad Accountability.
The Center for Justice & Accountability (CJA) is an AIUSA-initiated project designed to close off the United States as a safe haven for violators of human rights. CJA coordinates lawsuits under the Alien Tort Claims Act and the Torture Victim Protection Act, facilitating visa revocation and/or deportation of human rights violators, and cooperating with other entities engaged in prosecuting human rights violators. You can provide research for CJA, serve as co-counsel or local counsel on CJA-initiated cases, provide pro bono counsel for CJA, prepare pleadings, undertake discovery, and prepare legal briefs. For more information, contact CJA at (415) 544-0444.
4. Talk to Other Amnesty Activists.
Many times, other Amnesty activists have questions concerning legal issues. For example, a group may have questions about death penalty laws in their state. Or a group may be working on refugee and asylum issues and have questions about the recent changes in immigration law. LSN members can provide a great service to local and student groups by initiating a dialogue with them. Let them know that you are available to answer questions, speak to their groups, and provide other assistance they may need. Contact your regional office to find out the names of group leaders in your area.
5. Organize a Brown Bag Lunch.
Here is an easy, cost-effective way to educate your colleagues. Organize a brown bag lunch around an issue of current interest (several are listed under topic #2). You may want to do this in conjunction with a law firm or in conjunction with your state or local bar association. Don't forget to check on advertising deadlines in the state or local bar journal!
6. Organize a Symposium.
Although this requires a bit more work than the brown bag lunch, it is a good way to bring together different segments of the legal community. For example, organizing an event at a law school would bring together local attorneys, law professors, and law students. Organizing this type of event at a law school might be easier if there is an existing Amnesty group at the law school. But it can also serve as a catalyst for starting a new law school (or LSN) group. For information about existing law school groups, or for information about people to contact in your area, send an e-mail request to lsn@aiusa.org.
7. Join the Urgent Action Network for Legal Professionals.
The Urgent Action Network of Amnesty International disseminates information and requests for action to Amnesty members in order to generate a rapid response to a situation of particular urgency. You can request Urgent Actions that address legal concerns or lawyers who are in danger. To receive Legal Professionals Urgent Actions, contact the Scott Harrison, Director of Urgent Actions, by phone at (303) 258-1170 or by e-mail at sharriso@aiusa.org.
8. Initiate Local Legislation.
LSN members can take the initiative on getting legislation introduced at the state and local government level. The death penalty raises numerous issues that can be addressed legislatively. For example, in Virginia, no new evidence of innocence can be introduced more than 21 days after trial and, unlike in other many states, there is no exception for capital cases. In addition, many states allow the execution of juveniles and mentally retarded individuals. Contact your regional office before undertaking a legislative initiative. They can provide you with names of local Amnesty activists who will be essential to your overall strategy.
9. Lobby Your Senator or Congressperson.
Lobby your senator or congressperson on the ratification of the International Criminal Court (ICC) or CEDAW or the passage of the Human Rights Information Act. Information on these and other national legislative efforts is available in the Legislative Update. You may also contact the Legislative Affairs Office at (202)544-0200 or send an e-mail request to Chris McGraw at cmcgraw@aiusa.org.
10. Be Creative!
AIUSA thrives on the creativity and imagination of its members. If you are unsure whether your project falls within Amnesty's mandate, contact your regional office, a member of the LSN Steering Committee, or a member of the board of directors.
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