Dome:
Law, Legislation & Policy

Housed at Boston University School of Law, Dome is a valuable resource for news, analysis, and opinion on legislation and public policy. Dome is staffed by students of BU Law’s various legislation clinics. Dome features work contributed by staff members, scholars, practitioners, and law students interested in legislation and public policy.

The Fear of Forcible Eviction: Deficiencies in India’s Forest Rights Act’s Recognition of Indigenous Land Rights

By Nabaa Khan
June 1st, 2020 in Analysis, Legislation Abroad.

Land rights has been an ongoing issue in India for many years now, but there are some communities that end up being more vulnerable than others. This was made clear on February 13th, 2019, when the Supreme Court of India released an order for mass evictions of indigenous forest dwellers... More

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Checks & Balances in a Pandemic

By Diana Martinez
May 21st, 2020 in Local Legislation, Opinion, State Legislation.

Recently, Shelley Luther, a Dallas based hair salon owner was jailed for refusing to close down her salon. The owner of Salon à la Mode continued operating her business despite a temporary restraining order last week from Dallas County State District Judge Eric Moyé. She continued operating despite a county... More

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COVID-19’s Economic Impact: Can Amending the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Help?

By Kathryn Buckley
May 21st, 2020 in Federal Legislation.

COVID-19’s impact on the world has been unsparing: it has taken thousands of loved ones and overburdened healthcare systems. Its economic impact has been no less devastating. Government-mandated shutdowns have forced many small businesses to shut their doors. Those lucky enough to remain open have seen a marked decrease in... More

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Is the Johnson Amendment Constitutional?

By Kate Lipman
May 20th, 2020 in Analysis, Federal Legislation, Legislation in Court, Lobbying.

My previous Dome blog entry discussed the Johnson Amendment and the fight that has surrounded the amendment since its creation in the 1950s. The Johnson Amendment was added to Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson to limit the political activity of 501(c)(3) organizations. The... More

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COVID-19 is a Perfect Opportunity to Reinvent America’s Mass Public Transit

By Graham Louis
May 20th, 2020 in Budget & Appropriations, Federal Legislation.

As the coronavirus (Covid-19) has swept the globe, its impact on global health has been massive. However, this pandemic is not only wreaking havoc on the world’s physical health, but also its financial health. Throughout March 2020, as governments globally imposed restrictions on movement and on business, stocks plummeted. In... More

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