About Oni Harton, Esq.
Oni Harton is an experienced estate planning and litigation attorney. She has been writing and researching for more than two decades and enjoys contributing to efforts that connect people with critical legal services. Oni contributes to Super Lawyers by creating content and verifying the legal accuracy of articles. Oni is an Indiana University School of Law graduate. She is licensed in Indiana.
Articles written by Oni Harton, Esq.
Can the President Impose Tariffs? Executive Authority and the Supreme Court
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court resolved a major trade dispute over presidential tariff authority. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026), the Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give the President authority to impose tariffs. Chief Justice Roberts wrote the lead opinion, and the key holding drew support across the Court's typical ideological lines. The decision struck down two sweeping sets of tariffs and reaffirmed the principle …
Are Religious Organizations Tax-Exempt?
Religious organizations are generally tax-exempt under federal law. This means that, like other nonprofit organizations, they do not pay federal income tax and receive other benefits. Donors may also qualify for tax deductions on charitable contributions to these organizations, subject to limitations under federal tax law. Understanding how this protection works and maintaining this protected status helps both your mission and your peace of mind. If you or your organization needs help with your …
Religious Accommodations at Work: The Undue Hardship Rule Explained
Federal law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. A religious accommodation is an adjustment to a work requirement that allows the employee to exercise their religious freedom and comply with their religious beliefs. In its 2023 case, Groff v. DeJoy, the U.S. Supreme Court raised the threshold for employers to deny religious accommodations. Now, employers must show that a religious accommodation would impose a substantial …
Must Mail-In Ballots Be Received by Election Day? Election Rule Explained
U.S. elections are governed by a mix of state and federal laws. In a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, Watson v. Republican National Committee (2026), the Court ruled that state laws allowing absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be received after Election Day are constitutional. The Court's decision in Watson clarifies the extent to which states retain the authority to administer ballot-receipt deadlines. If you have questions about voting rights or want more information on …
Can Illegal Drug Users Possess Firearms? SCOTUS Gun Rulings Explained
Can the federal government restrict a person’s Second Amendment rights because they use a controlled substance? In United States v. Hemani (2026), the U.S. Supreme Court held that the government can’t constitutionally prosecute someone based solely on their regular marijuana use and possession of a handgun. While the Hemani decision presents a victory for the defendant, the Court emphasized that its decision was narrow, leaving lower courts with questions going forward. If you need legal …
Can TPS Be Revoked? Temporary Protected Status Limits and Immigrant Rights
In Mullin v. Doe (2026), the U.S. Supreme Court lifted injunctions that had previously blocked the federal government from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals. The decision clears the way for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to proceed with TPS terminations. The decision demonstrates that TPS remains a temporary form of protection that can be ended by executive action. The ruling has major implications for immigrants living under TPS and the …
What Is the Difference Between a Bench Trial and a Jury Trial?
You may be involved in litigation and have the choice between a bench trial with a judge and a jury trial. Or maybe you've been curious why some cases are decided by a judge alone, while others are decided by a jury. Both bench trials and jury trials offer benefits depending on your case's subject matter and other factors. When you have a choice, the decision affects how you plan your trial strategy and prepare for trial. In either case, deciding whether a jury of peers or a single judge is …
Can You Use AI To Make a Legally Valid Will?
Using AI to draft a will can address some of the barriers people commonly encounter when making an estate plan, such as cost, complexity, or the difficulty of confronting end-of-life issues. However, using AI carries risks of inaccuracy or failing to protect your specific legal needs. Even if you can use AI to help draft your will, you'll want to consider having an experienced estate planning attorney review your document to ensure it meets your estate planning goals. Can AI …
AI Data Centers and Your Electric Bill: What Are Ratepayer Protection Laws?
As artificial intelligence reshapes the world and the economy, the data center buildout is progressing rapidly. However, it is straining the electricity grid and increasing electricity bills for consumers, raising hard questions about who pays for this increased energy use. In the absence of a federal framework for AI regulation, ratepayer protection laws are being enacted in states across the country, including measures to ensure that technology companies bear the costs of grid upgrades and …
How To Legally Fight an AI Data Center in Your Community
In recent years, massive data centers have been popping up across the country. They power artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the apps that we use every day. These facilities require considerable amounts of land, electricity, and water to operate. While Big Tech thrives on these facilities, residents nearby find them anything but harmless. You may find it overwhelming to think about fighting a billion-dollar enterprise to prevent the construction of a data center, but you are not …
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