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 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
Massive data centers have been popping up across the country in recent years. 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 harmful. Communities have used several strategies to fight AI data centers, including challenges based on land use and zoning, utilities and energy use, environment and …
Transgender Athlete Bans: State Laws and SCOTUS Ruling
On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the consolidated cases West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. The Court held that schools may limit women's and girls' sports teams to biological females without violating Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision means that West Virginia and Idaho, along with the 25 other states with similar bans on transgender athletes, may continue to enforce those laws. This decision has national …
Immigrant Eligibility for US Benefits: Legal Overview
Eligibility for benefit programs in the United States is largely based on a person's immigration status, date of entry into the country, personal characteristics, state of residence, and the program being accessed. The current eligibility framework for federal benefit programs was based on one drafted in the 1990s, and recent laws and policies have imposed significant restrictions on access to critical benefits. Because rules for state and federal public benefits vary by state, depend on …
Who Can Vote in the US? A Legal Guide to Voting Eligibility
The basic rules for voter eligibility in the United States are simple: You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the state where you vote. However, specific rules regarding voter registration, voter ID, or restoration of voting rights after a felony conviction can vary widely by state. If you or a loved one has questions about your eligibility, restoring lost voting rights, or believes that voting rights have been wrongly restricted, consider contacting an experienced …
Litigator vs. Transactional Lawyer: Which Do You Need?
Litigators and transactional lawyers represent two broad categories of legal practice. Litigators handle legal disputes, representing parties in lawsuits and court proceedings. Transactional lawyers focus more on advising clients in drafting legal documents and negotiating deals, while ensuring compliance and avoiding lawsuits. Knowing the difference between litigators and transactional lawyers helps you find the right legal professional for your needs while saving time and money. Visit the …
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