Blog - BNCL Law Firm

Blog

Why Civil Rights Law Firms Like BNCL Are Essential in Upholding Democracy in Cases Like the Louisiana Voting Map*

  In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a pivotal case challenging Louisiana’s newly redrawn voting map, which adds a second Black-majority …

Read More
Debunking the Misuse of Scott v. Sandford: Kamala Harris’s Eligibility for Presidency

Debunking the Misuse of Scott v. Sandford: Kamala Harris’s Eligibility for Presidency In a troubling display of historical ignorance and legal misinterpretation, the National Federation …

Read More
Image of Protest with caption #stophate
The Escalating Threat of Hate Crimes Ahead of the 2024 Election

As the United States approaches the 2024 election cycle, a troubling pattern has emerged: hate crimes tend to spike during presidential election years. This pattern …

Read More
Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.
Restoring Faith in Our Judicial System: A Non-Partisan Approach to Supreme Court Reform

  In recent years, the American public’s trust in the Supreme Court has been shaken by decisions that many perceive as overtly political and ethically …

Read More
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, civil rights and technology intersection presents unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. From social media platforms amplifying voices to surveillance technologies potentially infringing on privacy, the relationship between civil rights and technology is complex and multifaceted. At Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry, and Lacy (BNCL), we are committed to navigating this intersection to protect and advance our clients' rights in an increasingly digital world. The Dual-Edged Sword of Social Media Social media has revolutionized how information is shared and has become a powerful tool for civil rights advocacy. Platforms like X (formally Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram allow activists to mobilize quickly, spread awareness, and hold those in power accountable. The Black Lives Matter movement, for instance, has effectively used social media to highlight police brutality and systemic racism, galvanizing global support and driving for legislative changes. However, social media has its pitfalls. Misinformation and hate speech can spread rapidly, exacerbating social tensions and sometimes leading to real-world violence. Furthermore, the algorithms that govern what content gets seen can inadvertently perpetuate biases, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. At BNCL, we understand the power and peril of social media and strive to harness its potential for positive change while mitigating its risks. Surveillance and Privacy Concerns As technology advances, so does the capability for surveillance. From facial recognition software to data mining, law enforcement agencies have access to a range of tools that can enhance public safety. However, these technologies also pose significant threats to privacy and civil liberties. Unchecked surveillance can lead to the profiling and targeting of specific communities, often without their knowledge or consent. Facial recognition technology, for example, has been criticized for its lack of accuracy, particularly in identifying people of color. This can result in wrongful detentions and arrests, undermining trust in law enforcement. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Discrimination Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are increasingly used in hiring processes, promising efficiency and objectivity. However, these technologies can inadvertently perpetuate existing biases. For instance, an AI system trained on historical hiring data may learn to favor candidates who resemble those previously hired, often to the detriment of minority applicants. BNCL is at the forefront of addressing these issues, representing clients who have faced discrimination. We advocate for greater scrutiny and accountability in developing and deploying these technologies, ensuring they promote fairness and equity rather than entrenching existing disparities. Body Cameras and Police Accountability One of law enforcement's most significant technological advancements is the widespread adoption of body cameras. These devices can provide critical evidence in police misconduct cases, promoting transparency and accountability. Body camera footage has played a pivotal role in several high-profile cases, including those handled by BNCL, by providing an objective account of events. However, the effectiveness of body cameras depends on policies governing their use. Issues such as when cameras are activated, how footage is stored, and who has access to it can impact their utility in promoting justice. BNCL works to ensure that body camera policies are robust and that footage is used effectively to hold law enforcement accountable. The Digital Divide and Access to Justice Technology can potentially enhance access to justice, but it also risks widening the digital divide. Many marginalized communities lack reliable internet access and digital literacy, limiting their ability to benefit from online legal resources and virtual court proceedings. This disparity can exacerbate existing inequalities in the legal system. At BNCL, we are committed to bridging this divide by providing resources and support to those who need it most. We advocate for policies promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access justice in the digital age. Data Protection and Cybersecurity As more personal information is stored and transmitted online, data protection and cybersecurity have become critical civil rights issues. Data breaches and cyberattacks can expose sensitive information, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and other harms. Additionally, inadequate data protection can result in unauthorized surveillance and profiling. BNCL is dedicated to protecting our clients' data and advocating for more robust cybersecurity measures. We work on cases involving data breaches and unauthorized use of personal information, holding entities accountable for failing to safeguard individuals' privacy. Future Directions: Balancing Innovation and Rights The rapid pace of technological innovation means that new civil rights challenges will continue to emerge. It is essential to strike a balance between leveraging technology for societal good and protecting individuals' rights. This requires ongoing dialogue, robust legal frameworks, and vigilant advocacy. At BNCL, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. We actively engage with technologists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to shape the future of civil rights in a digital world. We aim to ensure that technological advancements enhance, rather than erode, the fundamental rights and freedoms that underpin our society. Conclusion The intersection of civil rights and technology is a dynamic and evolving field. While technology offers powerful tools for advancing justice, it also presents significant challenges that must be carefully navigated. At BNCL, we are dedicated to protecting and advancing civil rights in this digital age. Through advocacy, litigation, and education, we strive to ensure that technology serves as a force for good, promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of society.
Civil Rights and Technology: The Intersection of Law and Innovation

  In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, civil rights and technology intersection presents unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. From social media platforms amplifying voices to …

Read More
US_Map
Harris-Newsom Ticket: A Constitutional Challenge According to the 12th Amendment

In an unexpected development, President Joe Biden, aged 81, announced on Sunday that he would not pursue re-election. This decision followed persistent pressure from his …

Read More
Person with Mental health crisis
Your Rights During a Mental Health Crisis

  Understanding Your Rights During a Mental Health Crisis: How BNCL Can Help In moments of mental health crises, individuals and their families often find …

Read More
Lady of justice crying
Presidential Immunity: A Threat to Civil Rights?

The recent Supreme Court decision granting presidents, including former President Donald Trump, robust immunity from criminal prosecution has sent shockwaves through the legal and civil …

Read More
Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.
Olmstead v. L.C.: A Milestone for Mental Health Rights and the Path Toward Community Integration

  The Impact of Olmstead v. L.C. on Mental Health and Disability Rights In the landmark case of Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), the United States …

Read More
Case Results

Reginald Oliver v. City of Oakland

Oakland Police keep fabricating evidence and lying about minorities to arrest and prosecute them for supposed “gang” crimes, in violation of a settlement that prohibits …

Read More
Named plaintiff Reginald Oliver claims the Oakland PD continues violating the Constitution, in defiance of the settlement in Delphine Allen e al. v. City of Oakland, USDC No. C-00-4599 TEH, also known as "The Riders" litigation. Read Full Course
John Burris
Jane Smith v. City of Oakland

Racial profiling of Asian women by police officer resulting in a class action complaint for damages, declaratory and injunctive relief

Read More
Finding evidence about defendant's post-conviction parole violation unfairly prejudicial "since the jury could have construed that parole violation as character evidence in violation of Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b)" Read Full Course
Rodney King
Rodney King v. City of Los Angeles

Rodney King has filed a petition for a writ of mandamus seeking to have Judge John G. Davies disqualified from presiding at the trial of …

Read More
Rodney King waited too long to file a malpractice suit against the first of 27 lawyers who represented him in connection with the infamous beating he suffered from Los Angeles police in 1991, this district’s Court of Appeal ruled yesterday. The ruling by Div. Two affirmed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ann Kough’s grant of summary judgment to Steven Lerman. King earlier this year dismissed his appeal of Kough’s ruling in favor of two other lawyers sued in the case, Federico Sayre and John Burris. Read Full Course
Explore all our cases
FEATURED News & Updates

Civil rights lawyer John Burris confronts police narratives

Written by Janie Har, AP researcher Rhonda Shafner also contributed to this report. To read on AP News click here OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Before …

Watch our video

John Burris Video 2020

 Watch our video

Colin Kaepernick Tribute Video

 Watch our video
VIEW ALL NEWS