Religious Accommodations: What is a Sincerely Held Religious Belief and Common Issues
Religious accommodation and exemptions have been in the news a lot recently, with both very good and very inaccurate information being thrown around. While there is a great deal of litigation and new legislation on the topic, we thought it may be helpful to share some of what we know. While the issue of religion and the law is vast, this piece focuses on one of our firm’s primary practice areas: accommodation in the workplace.
Sinapi Law and ACLU Settle Suit With City of Pawtucket Over Political Sign Restrictions
The ACLU of Rhode Island today announced the settlement of a lawsuit over a Pawtucket ordinance banning the posting of political signs on residential property more than 30 days before an election. The lawsuit, filed last July by attorney Richard A. Sinapi, was filed on behalf of two candidates who were running in primaries for state legislative office in the city, Cherie Cruz (House District 58) and Jennifer Stewart (House District 59), and who both have since won their primary elections.
Attorney Richard Sinapi Quoted in Lawyers Weekly Qualified Immunity Article
Attorney Richard Sinapi was recently quoted in RI Lawyers Weekly regarding a recent 1st Circuit Court of Appeal’s qualified immunity decision and its impact on the right to basic discovery (the pre-trial process where litigants gather and exchange potential evidence in preparation for trial) ordinarily available in lawsuits.
Sinapi Law and ACLU Sue City of Pawtucket Over Political Sign Restrictions
The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Pawtucket ordinance that bans the posting of political signs on residential property more than 30 days before an election in an effort to vindicate the free speech rights of political candidates and their supporters,
Sinapi Law and ACLU Settle First Amendment Suit With City of Providence Over Political Protest
Sinapi Law and the ACLU of Rhode Island today announced the favorable settlement of a federal freedom of speech lawsuit against the Providence Police Department involving political protest at the Roger Williams Park Casino. In addition to $13,000 monetary payment to each plaintiff, the settlement agreement filed provides that the City will pay $74,000 in attorneys’ fees.
A Blow to the Pillars of Our Democracy – Court Rules Electronic Devices of Those Crossing U.S. Border are Subject to Seizure Without Cause
A recent court decision allowing seizure of electronic devices at border crossings without any cause damages the essential pillars of our Democracy. The decision in Alasaad v. Mayorkas, 988 F.3d 8 (1st Cir. 2021) basically says that any electronic device of anyone crossing a U.S. border—including U.S. citizens and permanent residents—are subject to seizure without any cause and the content thereof may be accessed and read by the border agent
U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Justification By Cranston Police For Warrantless Search And Seizure
In a case that exemplifies the overreaching and unrestrained intrusion by law enforcement into the lives of American citizens, the United States Supreme Court recently held, in a unanimous decision, that the Police Department for the City of Cranston, Rhode Island, could not justify a warrantless search and seizure of a home based on the “community caretaking functions” of police officers.
Recent Employment Law and Civil Rights Case Results
Our lawyers are experienced, relentless, and always ready to fight with our clients’ best interests in mind. Some of our recent notable Employment Law and Civil Rights victories, resulting in millions of dollars recovered for our clients, are listed here.