The Public Servant

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Government Lawyers

April 2009 • Volume 10 • Number 3 •

April 2009 Government Lawyers Newsletter

Now every article is the start of a discussion. If you're a member of the Standing Committee on Government Lawyers, you can comment on any of the articles that appear below.

In This Issue

The powers of the state legislature in filling senatorial vacancies: A federal constitutional authority

By Mitchell B. Goldberg

Under the plain language of the Federal Constitution, the Illinois General Assembly’s power seems to be supreme with respect to establishing or limiting the power of appointment, enabling that body to act without fear of veto or other action by the then-sitting Governor.

Public sector discipline: November 2008 term of the Supreme Court, and some advice to attorneys, judges, and law students

By Leonardo Morales

Given the recent number of substance abuse cases that have been reported in this newsletter, the editors suggest a reminder to all attorneys, judges, and law students of the availability of the Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

‘Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy’—Sunshine on my subpoenas does not: a case summary of Better Government Association v. Blagojevich

By Sharon L. Eiseman

Illinois courts must enforce the legislative policy that “the sunshine of public scrutiny is the best antidote to public corruption[.]”

In-Sites

A variety of useful links, from tax changes to gardening to Illinois history to waterparks.
Summary of recent decisions

By Hon. Edward J. Schoenbaum

Recent cases of interest to government lawyers.

Featured Free On-Demand CLE

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for subscribers’ personal use only; redistribution is prohibited. Copyright Illinois State Bar Association. Statements or expressions of opinion appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Association or Editors, and likewise the publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement.