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Since its inception, NYCLA has been at the forefront of most legal debates in the country. We have provided legal education for more than 40 years.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Contact: Toni Valenti
212.267.6646 x 210
June 1, 2020 – New York, New York In a statement today, the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) condemns the killing of George Floyd and all similar extrajudicial acts committed by governmental authorities. NYCLA calls upon the New York State legislature and Governor Cuomo to amend New York Civil Rights Law (CRL) 50-a to allow for the public disclosure of police misconduct. NYCLA condemns violence of any kind and fully supports the right to peaceful protest.
In a statement from NYCLA President Stephen C. Lessard, he states “In April 2018, NYCLA’s Civil Rights Committee joined 32 organizations to support the repeal of CRL 50-a. It is now two years later, and the rule of law continues to be threatened by systemic racism and the failure to hold bad actors accountable in our police departments. The police play a vital role in a functioning legal system, and we depend on the many police officers who carry out their duties honorably. We call upon every police department to do all within their power to eliminate abuse of power by department employees, hold those who have broken the law accountable, and work toward restoring public trust.”
About the New York County Lawyers Association
The New York County Lawyers Association (www.nycla.org) was founded in 1908 as one of the first major bar associations in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or gender. Since its inception, it has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence. For more information on NYCLA, please visit nycla.org.
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