Brief-Writing Lessons From the January 6 Committee Hearings
The first three public hearings of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol provide some helpful lessons for clarity and persuasion in presenting a complicated story.
By J. Bradley O’Connell
MorePanel Alerts
June 23, 2022
Tools for Addressing Delayed Records on Appeal
In many Contra Costa County felony cases, records on appeal are delayed or late. This is also true for some cases… more
June 10, 2022
Covid-19 Interim Claims Policy Extended Through December 31, 2022
In this time of delayed records and fewer new appeals, the appellate projects and the Judicial Council agreed on procedures… more
First District Panel Victories
June 2, 2022
A164056
Panel Attorney: S. Lynne Klein
The Court of Appeal found the Agency failed to satisfy its inquiry and notice obligations under the ICWA and related California law. The Agency was informed that the maternal grandmother had Native American ancestry, but made no effort to investigate family members. Notice to the tribes was also incomplete. The “affirmative duty to gather relevant information…is critical to ensure that the notice requirements are satisfied in a meaningful way.” Pursuant to “established appellate practice,” the order terminating parental rights was conditionally reversed and remanded to ensure compliance with the ICWA.
Mat Zwerling – in memoriam
Matthew (Mat) Zwerling, co-founder of the First District Appellate Project (FDAP) and Executive Director for many years, passed away on March 24, 2022, after a long illness. We are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, and take this time to reflect on Mat’s life and the difference he made in the lives of so many. Mat was a mensch, a mentor, an activist, and a man of many and varied interests and talents.
Please visit our remembrance page and join us in celebrating Mat's lifePathways to an Appellate Practice
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