American Bar Association v. Department of Justice
Legal Issues
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Overview
The American Bar Associated sued the Department of Justice over the termination of the ABA's Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
The Issue
Issue
Whether the Department of Justice had statutory authority to unilaterally terminate federal funding for the American Bar Association's Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence without complying with applicable administrative procedures.
The Rules
Rule
Federal agencies possess only those powers explicitly granted by statute and must comply with the Administrative Procedure Act when taking final agency actions affecting legal rights or interests, unless a specific statutory exception applies.
The Application
Analysis
The ABA challenged the DOJ's termination decision, contending the agency lacked statutory authority or failed to follow required notice-and-comment procedures. The court examined the relevant statutes governing the Commission's establishment and the DOJ's authority to terminate federally-funded programs.
The Conclusion
The court has not reached the merits. It granted the ABA's motion for a preliminary injunction in part on First Amendment retaliation grounds on May 14, 2025, blocking DOJ from canceling the grants while the case proceeded. On July 17, 2025 the court administratively closed the case pending further developments, struck DOJ's motion to dismiss, and set the next status report for October 1, 2027. The preliminary injunction remains in effect and the case remains ongoing.
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