Topic: Constitutional Law

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John F. Kennedy: 15 quotes on his birthday

John F. Kennedy was born on May 29th, 1917. To mark what would have been his 95th birthday, here are 15 memorable JFK quotes.
Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
6 famous dissidents in China

The surprising escape of a blind legal activist from house arrest is buoying China's embattled dissident community, even as the government cracks down on those who helped him.
Maya Angelou: 10 quotes on her birthday

10 quotes for legendary American poet Maya Angelou on her 84th birthday.
Is GOP at war with women? 4 points to keep in mind on the gender gap

To hear all the buzz, Republicans are at war with women and “hemorrhaging the women’s vote.” A reality check is certainly in order. Here are four points Republicans should keep in mind as they look to bridge the gender gap and chart a winning path to November.

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Why a federal court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act

The First Circuit wrote that the federal Defense of Marriage Act intruded on states' rights and that the act's defenders failed to justify its impact on gay couples. But the court acknowledged that 'only the Supreme Court can finally decide this unique case.'
John F. Kennedy: 15 quotes on his birthday

John F. Kennedy was born on May 29th, 1917. To mark what would have been his 95th birthday, here are 15 memorable JFK quotes.
Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
Catholic groups take fight against Obama birth-control rules to court

Some 43 Catholic groups including Notre Dame are attempting to block rules in the new health-care law that require health insurance to provide access to birth-control services.
Appeals court upholds key provision of Voting Rights Act. Supreme Court could loom

A federal court on Friday rejected an Alabama county's argument that a key part of the 1965 Voting Rights act is outdated. That could set the stage for a Supreme Court hearing.
Florida teacher, fired for premarital sex, has right to a trial, court rules

A teacher at a Christian school, fired in 2009 ostensibly for engaging in premarital sex, can proceed with her lawsuit against the school, a US appeals court ruled Wednesday. She says the real reason she lost her job was pregnancy.
Report: Trayvon Martin beat, bloodied George Zimmerman. Game-changer?

A medical report showing that Trayvon Martin hit George Zimmerman hard enough to draw blood on his face and head has made a second-degree murder conviction a long shot, say experts.
Will Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio's popularity continue amid lawsuit?

Despite a mountain of legal troubles, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio remains popular with voters and has more than $3.4 million in the bank for his November re-election campaign.
Gay marriage: Clooney fundraiser a hint of coming Obama money boom (+video)

President Obama's support for gay marriage is energizing gay and lesbian activists, whose support could help offset Wall Street's support for Mitt Romney. The Clooney fundraiser was just a taste.
Justice Department sues Sheriff Joe Arpaio (+video)

The outspoken Arizona lawman is being accused of systematically violating the civil rights of Latinos.
Justice Department sues Joe Arpaio for discrimination: Is he cornered? (+video)

The Justice Department alleges Joe Arpaio, an anti-illegal immigration icon and Arizona sheriff, discriminates against Latinos. Judges in such cases typically have a lot of leeway to intervene.
Obama supports gay marriage: Historic switch carries risks (+video)

Obama supports gay marriage in an interview with ABC News, ending a period in which he said his views were 'evolving.' The move was instantly hailed and denounced by the opposing sides on the issue.
Obama's vague gay marriage position in spotlight

Vice President Joe Biden's remarks on a Sunday morning talk show have drawn attention to the President's uncertain position, as did high-profile support for gay marriage from Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan endorses gay marriage. Is Obama cornered? (+video)

Now, both Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Duncan have spoken up for gay marriage, but Obama is holding back. That could be a political calculation, but gay activists are frustrated.
Joe Biden stirs the pot on same-sex marriage (+video)

Vice President Joe Biden says he's 'absolutely comfortable' with same-sex marriage. That seems to put him out front of President Obama on a hot-button issue that is sure to come up in the presidential election.
6 famous dissidents in China

The surprising escape of a blind legal activist from house arrest is buoying China's embattled dissident community, even as the government cracks down on those who helped him.
House passes cyber security bill over Obama's objections

The president has threatened to veto the bill, which is designed to empower the private sector to fight electronic attacks. The White House prefers a Senate alternative that vests that power in the Department of Homeland Security.
House passes cybersecurity bill despite veto threat over privacy protections

The cybersecurity bill seeks to protect the nation from cyberattack, but concerns over how personal information is shared with the government and corporations has sparked opposition and a veto threat from the Obama administration.
Twenty years later, Rodney King riots still resonate

South Los Angeles has calmed, but memories still remain.
Marine discharged for slamming Obama on Facebook

Marine Corps Sgt. Gary Stein will be given an other-than-honorable discharge. Sgt. Stein criticized President Obama on Facebook.
The firing of Brooke Harris: a teachable moment about free speech

Last month, Michigan teacher Brooke Harris was fired for allegedly helping students organize a 'hoodie' fundraiser for the family of Trayvon Martin. By all means, give Harris her job back. But let’s also support the free-speech rights of all of our teachers, not just the ones we agree with.
Decoder Wire
George Zimmerman charged: Will that affect civil rights investigation?

News that George Zimmerman was charged with murder won't sway the ongoing federal civil rights investigation, which is looking for evidence that Zimmerman was motivated by racial hatred.
Trayvon Martin murder case: next legal steps for George Zimmerman (+video)

Neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of black teenager Trayvon Martin. His attorney hopes to free him on bond Thursday while defense and prosecution build the case for trial.
Enemies: A History of the FBI

Pulitzer Prize-winner Tim Weiner explores the fascinating but disquieting history of the FBI.
Michigan teacher fired for Trayvon Martin hoodie fundraiser

Brooke Harris, an eighth grade English teacher, was fired after encouraging students raise money in support of Trayvon Martin's family. A petition has been started to reinstate Brooke Harris.