Page 519 - 2024 Orientation Manual

scope of permissible dues-financed activities in which an integrated Bar could

engage. 4
The mission of the State Bar of California is to "promote the improvement

5
of the administration of justice." The association performs a variety of functions,

such as examining applicants for admission, formulating rules of professional

conduct, disciplining members for misconduct, preventing unlawful practice of

law, engaging in the study and recommendation of changes in procedural law and
6
improvement of the administration of justice. In addition, however, the State Bar

had for many years lobbied the legislature and other governmental agencies, filed

amicus curiae briefs in pending cases, held an annual conference of delegates at

which issues of current interest were debated and resolutions approved, and

engaged in a variety of education programs. These activities were financed
7
through the use of membership dues.

The Complaint in Keller alleged that a conference of delegates funded and

sponsored by the State Bar endorsed a gun control initiative, endorsed a nuclear

weapons freeze, and opposed legislation limiting federal court jurisdiction over

abortions, public school prayer, and busing.

Other activities challenged by the twenty-one plaintiffs included State Bar

lobbying for or against legislation:

(a) Prohibiting employers from requiring employees to take polygraph
tests;
(b) Prohibiting possession of armor-piercing handgun ammunition;
(c) Creating an unlimited right of action to sue anyone causing air
pollution;

4 See Keller, 496 U.S. at 13-14.
5 See Id. at 1.
6 See Id.
7 See Id.

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