Office of Legal Counsel Nominee

Not long ago, Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters that Dawn Johnsens nomination has been pending for far too long.  As we informed you several months ago, Dawn Johnsen, a professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, was nominated by President Obama to serve as head of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice.  The Office of Legal Counsel is an important office at the Department of Justice it provides legal advice to the President and the Executive Agencies and reviews the constitutionality of legislation. 

Johnsen is the former Legal Director for NARAL and one of the most outspoken abortion advocates in the nation.  In fact, Johnsen authored a legal brief suggesting that limitations to abortion somehow violated the Thirteenth Amendment, which outlaws slavery.  You can read more about her background in this ACLJ memo posted here. 

Because of her views, her nomination has been stalled for months; however, given the recent statements by Attorney General Holder, there are concerns that the Senate may proceed to vote on her nomination.  We will keep you posted on this nomination.