Hot Topic Announced:
Arizona’s SB 1070:  Necessary Protection from Illegal Immigration
or a License to Discriminate?

The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, Arizona’s SB 1070, was recently signed into law by Arizona’s governor, Jan Brewer. The passage of this statute has spawned vigorous debate not only throughout the U.S., but throughout the Americas. You can read the bill, as amended, here.

Proponents allege that the law is a necessary step to stem the tide of illegal immigrants flowing into Arizona from Mexico. Opponents charge that this new statute legalizes racial profiling by law enforcement and is certain to be held unconstitutional. Law library customers across the country will soon be asking for information on how this new law is likely to impact them and their families. In addition, other states are discussing passing similar legislation.

This program will aid legal information professionals in responding to customer questions by presenting speakers on both sides of the issue of Arizona’s SB 1070, its efficacy and its constitutionality.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Participants will analyze proponents’ objectives in creating SB 1070, opponents’ concerns over its implications, and the statute’s constitutionality.
2. Participants will identify legal resources useful for researching these issues, so that they can best respond to customers seeking information on how the law may impact them.

The speakers will be Arizona State Representative John Kavanagh, a state legislator who supports the legislation, and Professor Andy Silverman, Joseph M. Livermore Professor of Law and Director of Clinical Program, James E. Rogers College of Law, The University of Arizona, who opposes it. The format will be a 5 minute introduction, 15 minute statements by each speaker followed by 5 minute rebuttals by each, then 15 minutes for audience Q and A.

The session will be held Monday, July 12, 2010, 8:45 - 9:45, in CCC-Room 102-106. Hope to see you there.