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.
Tenant Rights and Second-Hand Smoke: What To Do if Your Non-Smoking Building Fails To Enforce Rules
If you or a loved one experiences secondhand smoke in your condominium or apartment complex and your non-smoking building fails to enforce the rules, there are steps you can take. Document the occurrences, notify your landlord or property manager, and request enforcement. If the problem continues, you can escalate it, even to the point of taking legal action. A local landlord-tenant lawyer can help you address an unwanted smoke infiltration problem and determine the right next steps for your …
What Does a Preliminary Injunction Do in a Lawsuit?
A preliminary injunction is an order from a court that prevents a party from performing specified acts during the litigation. It is considered an extraordinary remedy to preserve the status quo until a trial on the merits can be held. A preliminary injunction is usually granted early in the case, before a final decision is reached. Preliminary injunctions are common in trade secret cases, certain business litigation disputes, and intellectual property cases. For example, a court may stop a …
How To File a Mold Exposure Lawsuit: Step-by-Step Guide
A toxic mold lawsuit is a legal claim seeking compensation for toxic mold exposure caused by someone else's negligence. Toxic mold exposure can be extremely harmful to you and your family. Large mold growth can be found in homes and other enclosed areas, such as HVAC systems, vents, and windows. It can be seen or smelled. If you or a loved one has been exposed to black mold or other toxic mold and has symptoms or experienced property damage, you may consider filing a mold exposure lawsuit. For …
Are Conversion Therapy Bans Constitutional? LGBTQ+ Rights and SCOTUS Ruling
In Chiles v. Salazar (2026), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Colorado could not enforce its ban on conversion therapy as applied to a counselor whose practice involves providing only talk therapy to minors. The ruling requires the lower court to reconsider Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy under a more rigorous standard of First Amendment scrutiny. The decision will likely cause other states with similar bans to reevaluate how they regulate what licensed professionals say. To get legal …
Can You Use AI to Draft a Business Contract? Legal Risks and Best Practices
Artificial intelligence can help with many tasks, including contract drafting, which can save time and money. There is generally no law prohibiting you from using AI to draft a contract. However, it may not always be the best option. Relying on AI alone, without legal professionals, can create serious legal risks. Don't risk your business success. Read on to see when AI can help draft a business contract and when it's best to get a legal review. Use the Super Lawyers Directory to find an …
Can the President Fire Agency Officials? Executive vs. Independent Power
On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision on the president’s power to fire independent agency officials. The decision in Trump v. Slaughter held that the “for cause” removal requirement for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioners is contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. Slaughter overruled longstanding precedent from Humphrey’s Executor v. United States (1935), which had protected commissioners and board members of …
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 …
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