Federal appeals court again affirms decision in North Dakota state bar case

BISMARCK — A federal appeals court said last week that a major U.S. Supreme Court labor law decision doesn't alter their prior ruling against an attorney who challenged dues imposed by the State Bar Association of North Dakota.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that public sector unions couldn't charge nonmembers certain fees to pay for collective bargaining. In light of that decision, the justices said a decision involving annual dues to the State Bar Association of North Dakota should be reconsidered.

In that case, Bismarck attorney Arnold Fleck filed a lawsuit against the bar association in 2015 after learning the organization was using his compulsory dues to oppose a ballot measure on parental rights, which he supported. He argued his First Amendment rights were violated.

But the appeals court again ruled against Fleck Friday, Aug. 30, noting the case didn't involve a public sector union.

Read more: https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/4645949-Federal-appeals-court-again-affirms-decision-in-North-Dakota-state-bar-case