There is an interesting dispute in Maine where the state has demanded that Shaw’s Supermarket end a milk giveaway promotion as violative of state law protecting intra-state dairies.
Continue reading “Got Milk? Not At This Price . . .”
Category: Constitutional Law
The conviction of right-wing Internet radio host Harold C. Turner of threatening three federal judges sets the stage for an interesting appellate fight over the first amendment. The case involving some of the best known Seventh Circuit judges — William J. Bauer, Frank H. Easterbrook and Richard A. Posner — was heard in New York by a Brooklyn jury. Two prior trials led to mistrials.
Continue reading “Right-Wing Internet Host At Center of Violent Speech Case”
At least 1000 British citizens use the term “father” with special meaning in reference to Catholic priests. Research has found that at least 1000 Brits are the children of Catholic priests.
Continue reading “Expanding the Flock: Researchers Find Over 1000 Brits Are Offspring of Catholic Priests”
The Church of Scientology won a major victory in federal court when U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer granting summary judgment in two major lawsuits alleging labor law violations, human trafficking and forced abortions. The opinion raises some interesting questions over the deference shown by courts in such disputes.
Continue reading “Scientology Wins Major Court Ruling”
The decision by United States District Court Judge Vaughn Walker striking down Proposition 8 in California is a fascinating read. It is also an opinion that is likely to trigger not only a furious appeal but a renewed demand for a constitutional amendment barring same sex marriage.
Continue reading “Proposition 8 Struck Down Under Rational Basis Test”
The Iranian government continues to be a fashion leader this week with the appearance of its female rugby team in its new modesty protecting uniforms.
Continue reading “Sharia Scrum: Iranian Women Take Field In New Islamically Correct Uniforms”
Tennessee GOP Gubernatorial candidate Zach Wamp has a simple message for voters: if you love God, vote for me.
Continue reading “God’s Governor: If You Love God, Vote for Me”
Earlier we discussed the grounds for former Agriculture Department employee Shirley Sherrod to sue Andrew Breitbart and other individuals involved in the posting of a misleading video that led to her resignation. She has now announced her intention to sue.
The Utah Supreme Court has unanimously overturned the conviction of polygamist leader Warren Jeffs. The Court ruled that the trial court erred in its instructions to the jury and specifically the instruction regarding lack of consent. Jeffs was sentenced to two consecutive terms of five years to life (a rather bizarre range for a determinate sentence).
Continue reading “Utah Supreme Court Overturns Jeffs Conviction”
There is a major first amendment case brewing in Washington, D.C. The National Law Journal was hit with a temporary restraining order from D.C. Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff preventing it from publishing facts that its journalists found in publicly available documents. The court blocked the NLJ from revealing the name of a government agency investigating POM Wonderful, a pomegranate juice maker. After signing what appears to be an unconstitutional order, Bartnoff is quoted as saying “If I am throwing 80 years of First Amendment jurisprudence on its head, so be it.”
Continue reading “D.C. Judge Hits NLJ With Prior Restraint Order”
Tennessee Lt. Gov. (and Republican gubernatorial candidate) Ron Ramsey has added an alarming new position to the race. He has stated that he is not convinced the Constitution protects Muslims under the guarantee of freedom of religion.
In a reversal under pressure, the English Justice Ministry has decided that it will not treat both the accused and the accusing parties in rape cases equally. The Ministry had indicated that it would grant anonymity to those accused of rape just as the alleged victims are given anonymity. Under pressure from both the Labour Party and female MPs, the Ministry has backed down.
Continue reading “England Backs Down From Extending Anonymity To Rape Defendants”
I have previously written about my view that the Stolen Valor Act is unconstitutional. Now a federal judge (a bit more important) has reached the same conclusion in the case of Rick Glen Strandlof.
Continue reading “Federal Court Dismisses Prosecution Under Stolen Valor Act”
A group called the National Republican Trust Pac is airing this disturbing ad to fight the construction of a mosque near ground zero in Manhattan.
Continue reading “GOP Trust Airs Anti-Muslim Ad in Opposing New Manhattan Mosque”
If you recall, one of the most steadfast public positions of the Democrats and the Obama White House during the health care debate was that the legislation did not constitute a tax. President Barach Obama expressly denied that the legislation was a tax in pushing for its approval. Now, however, his administration is seeking to defend the law on the basis that it is . . . you guessed it . . . a tax.
Continue reading “Health Care: Turns Out To Be A Tax After All”