The Maryland Judiciary has redesigned its Case Search website as a part of its commitment to stay current with technology trends. The new design, which launched on February 5, 2024, allows for users to navigate the site and search more easily for public case information in a simpler and more efficient manner.
On Thursday, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) introduced the Cannabis Users Restoration of Eligibility (CURE) Act, legislation to prevent prior or current marijuana use from becoming grounds for failing to receive security clearance or for being found unsuitable for federal employment. The CURE Act will also allow for someone who has previously been denied a security clearance or a federal job opportunity based on marijuana use the chance to have that denial reviewed.
“Every year, qualified and dedicated individuals seeking to serve our country are unable to secure federal jobs and security clearances because the federal government has not caught up with the widely established legal use of medical and recreational cannabis,” said Rep. Raskin. “I am proud to partner with my friend Representative Mace to introduce the bipartisan CURE Act that will eliminate the draconian, failed and obsolete marijuana policies that prevent talented individuals from becoming honorable public servants in their own government.”
“DPA is excited to support legislation that can help end another pillar of the drug war and allow individuals to secure work,” said Maritza Perez Medina, Director, Office of Federal Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance. “Penalizing someone for drug use relies on an assumption that any drug use is problematic and that people who use drugs cannot be responsible employees. We know this is false. We hope this bill is just the start of other critical federal marijuana reforms.”
“There are many talented and dedicated people who have used cannabis and want to serve their country,” said Sgt. Terry Blevins (Fmr.), a former civilian investigator for the Department of Defense, Arizona Police Sergeant, and Board Member for the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. “Compromising recruitment by our federal agencies with antiquated cannabis laws makes our nation less safe in the face of security threats we face globally.”
“For too long, the federal government has been denying Americans civil service opportunities solely because of its outdated attitudes toward cannabis and those who consume it,” said Morgan Fox, Political Director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). “Denying these millions of Americans consideration for employment and security clearances is discriminatory and it unnecessarily shrinks the talent pool available for these important jobs. NORML commends the sponsors for working to undo this policy and replace it with fair and sensible hiring and clearance practices that will put America on much stronger footing on the global stage.”
“Millions of patriotic, conscientious Americans use cannabis legally each year, but they are consistently penalized by outdated federal regulations,” said Ed Conklin, Executive Director, US Cannabis Council. “We strongly support the CURE Act because it will bring federal employment policies into line with the views of most Americans. Cannabis use should never prevent a qualified candidate from serving his or her country as a federal employee.”
Last fall, President Biden announced a blanket pardon to people convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law and further announced that his administration would review the scheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.
As of April 24, 2023, 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of marijuana. As of June 1, 2023, 23 states, two territories and the District of Columbia have enacted measures to authorize and regulate marijuana for recreational adult use. Despite the rapid pace at which marijuana is being legalized, thousands of Americans are routinely denied security clearances and lose out on federal employment if they admit to using marijuana in a lawful way.
The CURE Act has been endorsed by the Drug Policy Alliance, the Due Process Institute, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), and the US Cannabis Council.
Article courtesy of Stein Sperling:
Legal challenges can be incredibly stressful, leaving you feeling like you’re in over your head. In today’s world, there are numerous solutions available for any given legal problem. However, navigating this maze of options can make it challenging to determine which path will lead you to the best outcome. The cheapest or easiest solution might seem appealing, but it might not be the best one for you. It’s important to take the time to do your research and find an option that meets all of your needs, not just your budget. Sometimes, the cheapest solution can end up costing you in the long run. Instead, prioritize finding a solution that delivers the best possible results for your unique situation.
Why Shouldn’t I Look to an Online Tool Like ChatGPT?
Recently ChatGPT has been making headlines as the latest and greatest tool for all your needs, including your legal ones. However, before you turn to Attorney AI, let’s take a closer look at whether ChatGPT and similar tools can truly replace the knowledge and experience of a human attorney.
Can A Computer Tell Your Story?
While ChatGPT and other more established online legal tools, such as Legal Zoom, may be able to provide legal references, there is no relationship between an individual and the tool to develop a narrative that truly tells the client’s story in a way that uses the law and the facts of the case. On the other hand, the experienced attorneys at Stein Sperling can provide legal expertise and skillfully craft a compelling argument that accurately represents your best interests.
The Nuances of the Law
Online tools lack insider knowledge about the intricacies of local laws and local courts (including the “unwritten” rules and procedures that may apply to a particular jurisdiction). Our attorneys’ experience in the regional legal systems, over the firm’s 44-year history, makes all the difference, navigating their nuances and optimizing our clients’ chances of success. ChatGPT pulls an amalgamation of information but is not able to conduct independent legal analysis and is missing out on critical insights. There is a lot more to litigating a claim than just filing a complaint!
A Human Experience
An actual attorney can provide compassion and understanding that online tools simply cannot. When dealing with emotionally charged legal situations such as divorce, death of a family member or an accident, an attorney can not only provide comfort and guidance, but also have a deeper understanding of the full impact of your situation that an online bot cannot.
Keeping Up On New Laws
Local and even national laws change all the time. ChatGPT has a disclaimer right on the site that its data is limited to information prior to September 2021. It can be very dangerous to use outdated law in any of your legal documents or when heading to court. Stein Sperling’s attorneys keep up to date on new laws and changes to existing laws, and their experience gives them an advantage that an outdated bot would never have.
OK, I’m Convinced I Need a Human Attorney. Now What?
Now that you understand the risks and drawbacks presented by online legal tools, you may be wondering how to go about selecting the right attorney. An attorney’s experience and knowledge in addressing your specific needs is undoubtedly the most important factor. However, equally vital yet often overlooked is not only the individual lawyer but also the law firm with which they are affiliated.
When it comes to hiring an attorney, many individuals fail to consider the importance of a firm’s growth trajectory, local/national reputation, and resources. You want to make sure to have not only your individual attorney behind you, but also a solid team of other attorneys and support staff who can all be working towards your success. Choosing a law firm with strong roots and strategic growth ensures that you will receive consistent and exceptional legal representation. A disruption in legal services can be detrimental to your matter, including challenges such as missed deadlines, financial costs, and the possibility of lost cases.
Why Should I Consider Stein Sperling?
At Stein Sperling, we combine talent, collaboration, industry knowledge, and legal expertise as well as the resources of a well-established team to provide you customized and individualized legal services to fulfill your specific needs. We pride ourselves on a strong attorney-client relationship that is rooted in trust, open communication, and partnership. Our firm is proud of our history of strategic growth, providing an environment where almost all our Principals began as Associate Attorneys who rose to become leaders within the firm and in our region through excellence in both their legal services and commitment to their clients. A growth that’s continuing with the recent hires of seven talented new attorneys so far in 2023. Our commitment to innovation, technology and structure has allowed us to adapt to changes in the legal industry and maintain our relevance in the years to come.
We offer a wide range of legal services that cater to both personal and professional legal needs. As a result, we gain a thorough understanding of your entire legal situation and objectives working as a team to provide you the best outcome. Our firm history and growth in this region provide us good relationships with lawyers, experts, and judges in the courts we practice in.
Stein Sperling’s resilience ensures that the relationship you have built with our firm will continue to serve your needs long into the future.
Stein Sperling
1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 700
Rockville MD 20852
301-340-2020
