The NORML Legal Committee (NLC) is composed of attorneys committed to the overall goals of NORML. NLC attorneys meet each year in Key West to discuss emerging legal issues related to defense of marijuana consumers, and to support each other in the pursuit of justice. The NLC assists NORML by informing NORML of current trends in law enforcement and important judicial decisions, providing NORML with copies of relevant briefs and other legal documents, and by making themselves available to provide expert legal assistance in important cases. These top-notch criminal defense lawyers regularly defend individuals charged with marijuana offenses, and they frequently provide pro bono assistance in important or unusual cases which may set favorable legal precedent or otherwise impact public policy. A few of the many victories NORML lawyers have won include:
- Securing the right of some patients to use marijuana medicinally, via the defense of medical necessity.
- Halting government use of dangerous herbicides (e.g., paraquat) for marijuana eradication.
- Protecting marijuana smokers from double jeopardy.
- Protecting people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
- Limiting the National Guard's participation in enforcing marijuana prohibition.
- Securing access to parks and other public spaces for rallies, protests and concerts.
- Limiting law enforcement officers' ability to conduct random and warrantless searches of passenger buses.
- Limiting helicopter overflights and infrared searches.
- Securing the return of patients' seized marijuana.
NORML maintains a computer list-serve for the NLC where members can locate a needed brief or motion, find an expert witness, brainstorm the theory of a case, or seek other legal help. The NORML Foundation maintains a legal director who can provide help to NLC members who call for assistance.
Currently, more than 350 practicing defense attorneys belong to the NLC. By defending marijuana smokers and challenging inappropriate law enforcement activities, the NLC has been a major force in the fight against marijuana prohibition. For more information about NORML or the NLC please contact NORML.
Need a Lawyer?
If you need a lawyer, you can find a member of our Legal Committee by name or by state.
Want to Join the NORML Legal Committee?
If you are a criminal defense attorney, and you support NORML's goal of stopping the arrest of responsible marijuana smokers, whether they use marijuana medically or recreationally, then you should join the NORML Legal Committee. We can sign you up online right now. Or call us toll-free at 1-888-67-NORML (1-888-676-6765) and we'll sign you up over the telephone.
