Emily Lau
@ewlau.bsky.social
“If it’s dark outside, light the fire yourself.” 🌾 Staff Attorney @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social . 🦡 Posts are my own. 🌈
Reposted by Emily Lau
My last freelance piece of the year published yesterday in @boltsmag.org, taking a look at how Illinois' name change law still disproportionately impacts trans people with criminal histories. boltsmag.org/illinois-nam...
In Illinois, Trans People With Criminal Records Still Face Hurdles to Changing Their Names - Bolts
Illinois earlier this year removed obstacles that some trans residents face when changing their name, with legislators lifting more of the restrictions faced by people with criminal convictions. The ...
boltsmag.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
My last freelance piece of the year published yesterday in @boltsmag.org, taking a look at how Illinois' name change law still disproportionately impacts trans people with criminal histories. boltsmag.org/illinois-nam...
Reposted by Emily Lau
Are you an attorney interested in a career in law teaching? The Hastie Fellowship is a two-year program that supports aspiring scholars in becoming law professors.
Applications for the Fall 2026 Fellowship are encouraged to be submitted by this Sunday, Nov. 16. Learn more and apply: buff.ly/J1MrKkK.
Applications for the Fall 2026 Fellowship are encouraged to be submitted by this Sunday, Nov. 16. Learn more and apply: buff.ly/J1MrKkK.
Hastie Fellowship Applications | University of Wisconsin Law School
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buff.ly
November 14, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Are you an attorney interested in a career in law teaching? The Hastie Fellowship is a two-year program that supports aspiring scholars in becoming law professors.
Applications for the Fall 2026 Fellowship are encouraged to be submitted by this Sunday, Nov. 16. Learn more and apply: buff.ly/J1MrKkK.
Applications for the Fall 2026 Fellowship are encouraged to be submitted by this Sunday, Nov. 16. Learn more and apply: buff.ly/J1MrKkK.
Reposted by Emily Lau
Join us for “Education Rights and State Constitutions” on Friday, September 12 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time, with a reception to follow. This event will take place in-person in Room 2260 in the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx
August 15, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Join us for “Education Rights and State Constitutions” on Friday, September 12 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time, with a reception to follow. This event will take place in-person in Room 2260 in the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx
Reposted by Emily Lau
Can states criminally prosecute wrongdoing by federal officials? Can states authorize people to bring civil damages actions against federal officials who act unconstitutionally? We explore these questions in two new explainers. 1/ go.wisc.edu/yb8t55
Exploring State Checks Against Federal Overreach
States have many tools to help counter federal abuses of power. Facing a torrent of controversial federal government actions, states today are pursuing or considering an array of options. In a series ...
go.wisc.edu
August 8, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Can states criminally prosecute wrongdoing by federal officials? Can states authorize people to bring civil damages actions against federal officials who act unconstitutionally? We explore these questions in two new explainers. 1/ go.wisc.edu/yb8t55
Reposted by Emily Lau
Join us for "The Work of State Supreme Courts" on May 30, from 9-10:30am, featuring state supreme court justices from across the country!
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
May 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Join us for "The Work of State Supreme Courts" on May 30, from 9-10:30am, featuring state supreme court justices from across the country!
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
Reposted by Emily Lau
@uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social senior staff attorney @derekclinger.bsky.social published a new paper exploring whether Ohio legislators can override voter-approved laws based on the state's constitution: bit.ly/4jHMUDV
April 25, 2025 at 2:04 PM
@uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social senior staff attorney @derekclinger.bsky.social published a new paper exploring whether Ohio legislators can override voter-approved laws based on the state's constitution: bit.ly/4jHMUDV
Reposted by Emily Lau
The Wisconsin Supreme Court today upheld Gov. Evers’s creative partial veto that struck digits and dashes to extend a school revenue limit increase by 400 years: www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/D...
www.wicourts.gov
April 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The Wisconsin Supreme Court today upheld Gov. Evers’s creative partial veto that struck digits and dashes to extend a school revenue limit increase by 400 years: www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/D...
Reposted by Emily Lau
Our fantastic program coordinator is off to law school, so we're looking for someone to replace him this summer. Please share the listing!
📣 UW Law School's State Democracy Research Initiative is hiring! We’re searching for a program coordinator to support SDRI in all aspects of its work, from events to communications and research support. Apply here: go.wisc.edu/6p0b3n
Program Coordinator, State Democracy Research Initiative - Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Job Summary:
-Serves as the Initiative's administrative point person, handles all matters related to logistics, planning, scheduling, and record-keeping;-Monitors and analyzes current events and bri...
go.wisc.edu
April 15, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Our fantastic program coordinator is off to law school, so we're looking for someone to replace him this summer. Please share the listing!
Reposted by Emily Lau
This coming Tuesday, 16- and 17-year olds will be allowed to vote in school board elections in Newark.
Approximately 6,500 teens are eligible, marking a significant shift in who gets to shape education policy. boltsmag.org/newark-...
Approximately 6,500 teens are eligible, marking a significant shift in who gets to shape education policy. boltsmag.org/newark-...
Newark Teens Gear Up for School Board Elections After Voting Age Extended to 16
This month for the first time, 16- and 17-year olds will help decide Newark’s school board members thanks to a measure passed last year, just the third reform of its kind in the nation.
boltsmag.org
April 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
This coming Tuesday, 16- and 17-year olds will be allowed to vote in school board elections in Newark.
Approximately 6,500 teens are eligible, marking a significant shift in who gets to shape education policy. boltsmag.org/newark-...
Approximately 6,500 teens are eligible, marking a significant shift in who gets to shape education policy. boltsmag.org/newark-...
Reposted by Emily Lau
An OH court struck down parts of a law banning gender-affirming care for minors. @aliciabannon.bsky.social breaks down this notable ongoing case, which shows how state constitutions can independently protect trans people. For the latest state court news, subscribe: go.statecourtreport.org/subscribe
April 9, 2025 at 6:21 PM
An OH court struck down parts of a law banning gender-affirming care for minors. @aliciabannon.bsky.social breaks down this notable ongoing case, which shows how state constitutions can independently protect trans people. For the latest state court news, subscribe: go.statecourtreport.org/subscribe
Reposted by Emily Lau
Wisconsin's high-stakes April 1 Supreme Court election could chart the state's course on abortion, voting rights, unions, and more. Our new explainer gets beyond the campaign ads with detailed coverage of the candidates' judicial records and stances on key issues.
go.wisc.edu/17km66
go.wisc.edu/17km66
Explainer: Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
Bryna Godar, Staff Attorney Bree Grossi Wilde, Executive Director PDF Available Here Published: March 12, 2025 On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters will choose the newest justice on the Wisconsin Suprem...
go.wisc.edu
March 12, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Wisconsin's high-stakes April 1 Supreme Court election could chart the state's course on abortion, voting rights, unions, and more. Our new explainer gets beyond the campaign ads with detailed coverage of the candidates' judicial records and stances on key issues.
go.wisc.edu/17km66
go.wisc.edu/17km66
Reposted by Emily Lau
LAW STUDENTS: State courts represent the next legal frontier for issues like criminal law, civil rights, environmental law, and more.
Join us Monday, March 17, 3pm ET for a discussion with sitting state high court justices on everything you need to know about state supreme court clerkships. RSVP:
Join us Monday, March 17, 3pm ET for a discussion with sitting state high court justices on everything you need to know about state supreme court clerkships. RSVP:
Clerking on a State Supreme Court
Judges from high courts across the country share insights for law students and recent graduates.
statecourtreport.org
March 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
LAW STUDENTS: State courts represent the next legal frontier for issues like criminal law, civil rights, environmental law, and more.
Join us Monday, March 17, 3pm ET for a discussion with sitting state high court justices on everything you need to know about state supreme court clerkships. RSVP:
Join us Monday, March 17, 3pm ET for a discussion with sitting state high court justices on everything you need to know about state supreme court clerkships. RSVP:
Reposted by Emily Lau
Join us for “Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance” on Tuesday, April 1, from 12-1pm CT, at the UW Law School. Panelists include Mayors Julia Arata-Fratta, David Holt, Kim Norton, Steve Patterson, and Sangeetha Rayapati. Miriam Seifter is moderating.
Register here: go.wisc.edu/x8j35p
Register here: go.wisc.edu/x8j35p
Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance
Join us for "Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance" on Tuesday, April 1, from 12:00-1:00pm Central Time.
go.wisc.edu
March 5, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Join us for “Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance” on Tuesday, April 1, from 12-1pm CT, at the UW Law School. Panelists include Mayors Julia Arata-Fratta, David Holt, Kim Norton, Steve Patterson, and Sangeetha Rayapati. Miriam Seifter is moderating.
Register here: go.wisc.edu/x8j35p
Register here: go.wisc.edu/x8j35p
Reposted by Emily Lau
As money pours into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race from Elon Musk, George Soros, political parties, and others, it's a good time to revisit our explainer on judicial recusal from 2023. Bottom line: campaign contributions usually don't require recusal. statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/202...
Explainer: Judicial Recusal in Wisconsin and Beyond
Derek Clinger, Senior Staff Attorney Professor Robert Yablon, Faculty Co-Director PDF Available Here Table of Contents Introduction I. Background: The Law of Judicial Recusal A. Federal Constitutional...
statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu
February 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM
As money pours into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race from Elon Musk, George Soros, political parties, and others, it's a good time to revisit our explainer on judicial recusal from 2023. Bottom line: campaign contributions usually don't require recusal. statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/202...
Reposted by Emily Lau
Here's a list of user-friendly resources about state courts and constitutions, like:
-an interactive map on abortion rights
-a curated database of important state constitutional rulings & briefs
-details on judicial financial disclosures
and way more
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
-an interactive map on abortion rights
-a curated database of important state constitutional rulings & briefs
-details on judicial financial disclosures
and way more
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
February 26, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Here's a list of user-friendly resources about state courts and constitutions, like:
-an interactive map on abortion rights
-a curated database of important state constitutional rulings & briefs
-details on judicial financial disclosures
and way more
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
-an interactive map on abortion rights
-a curated database of important state constitutional rulings & briefs
-details on judicial financial disclosures
and way more
@statecourtreport.bsky.social
Reposted by Emily Lau
Not surprised that it's community colleges that are fighting back. Community colleges serve the greatest number of people facing systemic barriers. A large percentage of community college students are the first in their family to attend college.
An inspiring article on courageous community college leaders who are *publicly* organizing and standing up against DEI attacks.. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Grassroots college leader group resists anti-DEI legislation
Education for All, a grassroots network of mostly community college leaders, is spreading strategies for how to resist anti-DEI bills and rhetoric.
www.insidehighered.com
February 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Not surprised that it's community colleges that are fighting back. Community colleges serve the greatest number of people facing systemic barriers. A large percentage of community college students are the first in their family to attend college.
Reposted by Emily Lau
Calling historians, legal scholars, and constitutional studies crowd!
The State Constitutions Lab will hold our first seminar of the year with Adam Sopko (Wisconsin) on Feb 27 @ 1 PM (EST) to discuss his essay "The Supervisory Power of State Supreme Courts"
RSVP here: forms.gle/DL1DLb2tdfMj...
The State Constitutions Lab will hold our first seminar of the year with Adam Sopko (Wisconsin) on Feb 27 @ 1 PM (EST) to discuss his essay "The Supervisory Power of State Supreme Courts"
RSVP here: forms.gle/DL1DLb2tdfMj...
State Constitutions Lab: Seminar with Adam Sopko (Wisconsin) "The Supervisory Power of State Supreme Courts"
Thursday February 27, 1:00 PM
Virtual and In-Person
forms.gle
February 17, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Calling historians, legal scholars, and constitutional studies crowd!
The State Constitutions Lab will hold our first seminar of the year with Adam Sopko (Wisconsin) on Feb 27 @ 1 PM (EST) to discuss his essay "The Supervisory Power of State Supreme Courts"
RSVP here: forms.gle/DL1DLb2tdfMj...
The State Constitutions Lab will hold our first seminar of the year with Adam Sopko (Wisconsin) on Feb 27 @ 1 PM (EST) to discuss his essay "The Supervisory Power of State Supreme Courts"
RSVP here: forms.gle/DL1DLb2tdfMj...
Reposted by Emily Lau
We’re hiring! SDRI is searching for a Legal Director and a Senior Staff Attorney or Staff Attorney. Read more about these positions and apply here:
Legal Director posting: go.wisc.edu/d0fq8t
Senior Staff Attorney/Staff Attorney posting: go.wisc.edu/37e3w9
Legal Director posting: go.wisc.edu/d0fq8t
Senior Staff Attorney/Staff Attorney posting: go.wisc.edu/37e3w9
Legal Director - State Democracy Research Initiative - Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Job Summary:
The Legal Director's precise portfolio can be tailored to their interests and experience, but we anticipate that their work will primarily involve guiding our amicus brief strategy and ...
go.wisc.edu
February 14, 2025 at 10:01 PM
We’re hiring! SDRI is searching for a Legal Director and a Senior Staff Attorney or Staff Attorney. Read more about these positions and apply here:
Legal Director posting: go.wisc.edu/d0fq8t
Senior Staff Attorney/Staff Attorney posting: go.wisc.edu/37e3w9
Legal Director posting: go.wisc.edu/d0fq8t
Senior Staff Attorney/Staff Attorney posting: go.wisc.edu/37e3w9
Reposted by Emily Lau
Join us for “Understanding State Supreme Court Elections: Wisconsin and Beyond” Friday, March 7 at 3pm CT, at the UW Law School or online. Panelists include @bcburden.bsky.social, Michael Kang, and @yeargain.bsky.social, with @miriamseifter.bsky.social moderating.
Register here: go.wisc.edu/96y654
Register here: go.wisc.edu/96y654
Understanding State Supreme Court Elections: Wisconsin & Beyond
A moderated panel featuring leading experts in judicial elections and campaign dynamics.
go.wisc.edu
February 10, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Join us for “Understanding State Supreme Court Elections: Wisconsin and Beyond” Friday, March 7 at 3pm CT, at the UW Law School or online. Panelists include @bcburden.bsky.social, Michael Kang, and @yeargain.bsky.social, with @miriamseifter.bsky.social moderating.
Register here: go.wisc.edu/96y654
Register here: go.wisc.edu/96y654
Judge Myers has remanded the case back to the NC Supreme Court.
January 6, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Judge Myers has remanded the case back to the NC Supreme Court.
Reposted by Emily Lau
In 1902, Oregon became the third state to enshrine direct democracy in its state constitution. Proponents argued that the initiative would keep power in the hands of the people. Voters agreed, ratifying the change with 92% in favor.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
January 6, 2025 at 6:44 PM
In 1902, Oregon became the third state to enshrine direct democracy in its state constitution. Proponents argued that the initiative would keep power in the hands of the people. Voters agreed, ratifying the change with 92% in favor.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
Reposted by Emily Lau
In 2022, New Mexico voters approved an amendment to fund early childhood education through the Land Grant Permanent Fund, which also funds New Mexico’s public school system.
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
January 2, 2025 at 6:39 PM
In 2022, New Mexico voters approved an amendment to fund early childhood education through the Land Grant Permanent Fund, which also funds New Mexico’s public school system.
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
Reposted by Emily Lau
NEW: What were the most significant state constitutional cases of 2024? Read answers from @leahlitman.bsky.social @miriamseifter.bsky.social @dbrodriguez.bsky.social @yeargain.bsky.social Erwin Chemerinsky & many more in @statecourtreport.bsky.social statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
2024’s Most Significant State Constitutional Cases
Legal experts identified the most important cases that advanced state constitutional rights this year.
statecourtreport.org
December 20, 2024 at 3:32 PM
NEW: What were the most significant state constitutional cases of 2024? Read answers from @leahlitman.bsky.social @miriamseifter.bsky.social @dbrodriguez.bsky.social @yeargain.bsky.social Erwin Chemerinsky & many more in @statecourtreport.bsky.social statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Reposted by Emily Lau
The outcome of November's NC Supreme Court election is being litigated, with more than 60,000 votes being challenged. This explainer from SDRI’s @ewlau.bsky.social offers background on the dispute and how it made its way to court: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/202...
Explainer: North Carolina Supreme Court Election Protest
Emily Lau, Staff Attorney PDF Available Here More than a month after the November 2024 election, the result of the North Carolina Supreme Court race is still uncertain. There have been two recounts—on...
statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu
December 20, 2024 at 8:22 PM
The outcome of November's NC Supreme Court election is being litigated, with more than 60,000 votes being challenged. This explainer from SDRI’s @ewlau.bsky.social offers background on the dispute and how it made its way to court: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/202...
Reposted by Emily Lau
This decision is eminently reasonable under the state constitution's unusually strong protections for the environment. It's a very different beast from federal climate lawsuits, rooted squarely in the text of Montana law and precedent. juddocumentservice.mt.gov/getDocByCTra...
December 18, 2024 at 6:26 PM
This decision is eminently reasonable under the state constitution's unusually strong protections for the environment. It's a very different beast from federal climate lawsuits, rooted squarely in the text of Montana law and precedent. juddocumentservice.mt.gov/getDocByCTra...