Essential Ethics

Latest Developments The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Barr v. American Association of Political Consultants, which questions whether a federal law that prohibits robocalls to cellphones violates the First Amendment.  SCOTUSblog’s analysis indicates that “most justices appeared…

Latest Developments Oregon Supreme Court Fallout:  Last week we reported that the Oregon Supreme Court, in Multnomah County v. Merhwein, upheld local campaign contribution limits.  Immediately came speculation that the case may revive Measure 47 adopted by Oregon voters in…

Latest Developments: The Oregon Supreme Court, in Multnomah County v. Merhwein, upheld campaign contribution limits in the county that includes the City of Portland.  The court found that prior cases that overturned contribution limits “were erroneous in…

Latest Developments: The Supreme Court of Washington State issued its decision on Washington v. Grocery Manufacturers Association, which reinstates an extraordinary $18 million fine.  In the trial court, the GMA was found to have violated the state’s…

Latest Developments: The United States Government Accountability Office released its report on 2019 Lobbying Disclosure.  The report to congressional committees analyzes the accuracy of a sample of lobbying reports but does not make any recommendations. COVID-19 Update:  Many…

Latest Developments: COVID-19 Update:  Many Regulatory Agencies have modified their practices in response to the COVID-19 emergency.  Some agencies have postponed hearings and are closed to the public, but available by telephone or internet.  Each…

Latest Developments: COVID-19 Update:  Many Regulatory Agencies have modified their practices in response to the COVID-19 emergency.  Some agencies have postponed hearings and are closed to the public, but available by telephone or internet.  Each…

Latest Developments: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, in Campaign Legal Center, et. al v. F.E.C. upheld the Federal Election Commission’s exercise of prosecutorial discretion to not retroactively punish contributions made by LLCs and…

Latest Developments: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held its hearing on the nomination of James E. Trainor III to serve on the Federal Election Commission.  Rollcall reports that “Senators are likely to vote on his nomination in the…

Latest Developments: The President of the United States approved Senate Bill 394, which revises the 1963 Presidential Transition Act and adds an ethics agreement provision.  Government Executive Media reports that the nonpartisan bill is designed to “clarify the General…