Welcome to CLE Now!
CLE Now! is a service provided by the ABA Center for Continuing Legal Education.
Find More Online CLE
New Program

This is the story of Noah Parden's historic and heroic appellate representation of a young black man wrongly convicted of murder in Chattanooga, TN in 1906. The case had the first federal habeas petition from a state criminal case to the U.S. Supreme Court after the state court refused to intervene. When local officials and a mob took the law into their own hands in opposition to the Supreme Court’s stay of execution, the U.S. Attorney General, at the instruction of the Supreme Court, arrested the local sheriff, six deputies, and the leaders of the mob. This led to the only criminal trial ever held in the history of the US Supreme Court.
This story is a reminder of what it means to be a lawyer. Famed trial lawyer Michael Tigar claims that Parden is the father of the modern day federal habeas practice. The story is also a reminder of the importance for the rule of law, which was significantly in jeopardy throughout the South in 1906. It shines a light on a politically motivated judge who was up for re-election, and who issued rulings to appease local citizens. This exemplifies the need for zealous advocacy, even when the client is unpopular. Finally, and most importantly, this is a story that shows how two unknown lawyers can make a difference.
Flash Player or Windows Media Player required.
New Program

More than 3.3 million homes went into foreclosure in 2007 and 2008—about 5 percent of the mortgage loans in the U.S. Many experts expect 3 million more homes to go into foreclosure in 2009 alone. Additionally, some banks have estimated that it is possible that up to 16 percent of all residential mortgages will go through foreclosure during the next four years.
This crisis situation has led to a number of private and government-sponsored loan modification initiatives. But the early programs have had little success in reducing homeowners’ monthly payments and keeping people in their homes.
Recently the Obama administration has instituted a new program for beleaguered homeowners facing foreclosure that tries to rectify some of the issues of previous initiatives, but the jury is still out on whether or not the program will be more effective than earlier ones.
Flash Player or Windows Media Player required.
New Program

In Kelo v. City of New London (2005), the U.S. Supreme Court held, 5-4, that the city’s use of eminent domain to acquire land for economic revitalization did not violate the Public Use Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Because the “public purpose” in this instance involved transfer of the land from one private owner to another, as opposed to the land being used for a road, school, or other traditional public improvement, the decision resulted in a firestorm of indignation.
In the years since, most state legislatures and many courts have addressed the issue. At both the federal and state level, a number of actions have been taken to limit takings for retransfer for economic development. Experts in the field, however, discuss and debate how much post-Kelo statutes and decisions affect local, state, and federal use of eminent domain to advance redevelopment.
Flash Player or Windows Media Player required.
MCLE Information
MCLE accreditation is subject to each state's regulations. Full participatory credit may be available in some while others may only allow credit as self-study. The specific requirements of the individual states vary substantially vary. For example, only "experienced attorneys" as defined by the state of New York may earn credit for online courses. In Illinois, courses recorded or produced prior to January 1, 2006 are not eligible for credit and courses may only be used for credit in Illinois within the 2-year period after the original recording/production date. Click here for more information on MCLE.
Please complete the program evaluation to receive your CLE certificates.
Minimum System Requirements
System requirements for CLE Now! complimentary online courses
- Internet access (broadband recommended; the use of a dial-up connection will result in significantly reduced quality)
- Windows Media Player (available here at no charge) or RealPlayer (available here at no charge)
The description and log-in page for each program indicates which media player (Windows Media or RealPlayer) is required. You can test your system here:
- RealPlayer Test: If you have RealPlayer installed and your system is working correctly, you will hear a message from ABA-CLE.
- Windows Media Player Test: If you have Windows Media Player installed and your system is working correctly, you will hear a message from ABA-CLE.
If you have trouble connecting, please check with your IT department to determine if a firewall is blocking access to the file. Please contact your network administrator or IT department before adjusting any network or proxy settings on your machine.


