At its Annual Meeting in Toronto on 11–12 August 2025, the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates adopted more than 50 new policy measures, covering issues from the protection of lawyers to immigration enforcement, education, civil rights, and free expression.
Among the most prominent was Resolution 509, opposing government punishment or threats against lawyers and firms for representing disfavoured clients or causes, reinforcing the ABA’s commitment to safeguarding the independence of legal practice. Complementing this, Resolution 512 reaffirmed support for the rule of law, civil rights, judicial independence, and civic education, while Resolution 511 opposed dismantling federal agencies absent express legislation.
The House also passed several education-focused resolutions, including Resolution 504 urging law schools to foster civil discourse, Resolution 513 protecting academic freedom, and Resolution 505 calling for transparent policies on generative AI in legal education.
On immigration, resolutions urged reforms to strengthen due process (Resolution 510), restrict enforcement operations at sensitive sites (Resolution 602), and prohibit immigrant detention in Department of Defense facilities (Resolution 603). The House further advanced First Amendment protections, including a federal reporter’s privilege (Resolution 514) and free speech rights for public employees (Resolution 517).
Other policies included opposing punitive measures against pregnancy outcomes (Resolution 518), supporting federal legislation establishing Election Day as a public holiday (Resolution 522), expanding community justice worker programmes (Resolution 605), and opposing laws criminalising homelessness and poverty (Resolution 607).
The next meeting will be held in San Antonio, Texas, in February 2026.