1. Declares and affirms that laws, executive orders, military orders and justice department directives that contain provisions which weaken judicial review risk infringement upon the civil liberties established in the Constitution of the United States of America;
2. Affirms that the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, is the ultimate legal authority when it conflicts with laws, executive orders, military orders and justice department directives;
3. Urges Congress and appropriate officials in the federal government to repeal or sunset the provisions of the laws, executive orders, military orders and justice department directives that violate civil liberties under the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights; and
4. Affirms Minnesota's policy on racial profiling as codified by Minnesota Statute Section 626.8471.
   

• Text of Resolution
• Minutes of General Assembly Action
• Minutes of Board of Governors Action
• Link to Legislative Committee website

-Approved by the General Assembly June 11, 2004, and by the Board of Governors April 16, 2004-

Gender Equity

Position: The MSBA adopts the SAGE Best Practice program, including the creation of a recognition program

The SAGE (Self Audit for Gender Equity) program encourages legal employers to eliminate gender bias in the workplace. Initiated by the MSBA Women in the Legal Profession Committee, the SAGE program has identified six “best practices” for the hiring, retention, and promotion of women in the legal profession that address equal access, workday issues, governance, evaluation/promotion, retention, and compensation.

• Minutes of Board of Governors Action
• Website of the Women in the Legal Profession Committee. See links to SAGE reports, historical background, and awards

-Approved by the Board of Governors April 26, 2003-

Attorneys and Law Students with Disabilities

Position: The MSBA adopts the Hennepin County Bar Association Diversity Issues Committee Disability Issues Subcommittee “Report and Model Guidelines for the Integration of Attorneys and Law Students with Disabilities into the Legal Profession.

This report examines discrimination and barriers facing law students and attorneys with disabilities, and presents practical tools addressing hiring practices, policies related to reasonable accommodations, guidelines and personnel policies, and steps to overcome discrimination.

• Original Report from HCBA
• Minutes of General Assembly Action

-Approved by the General Assembly July 2, 1999-

1. affirms its support of the Rule of Law in the international community and recognizes the need for an independent judiciary and for the independence of lawyers
2. affirms its support for human rights advocates who are striving to uphold human rights and the rule of law throughout the world.
3. authorizes the president of the Association, or the president’s designee, to present the concerns expressed in this resolution to the attention of the Government of the United States and, when appropriate

• Text of Recommendation
• Minutes of General Assembly Action

-Approved by the General Assembly July 2, 1999-