Topic: Equal Protection

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US Supreme Court: Big 21st century rulings

The past 12 years have seen significant US high court decisions with wide-ranging effects on personal freedoms and national politics. Another key ruling is expected this summer on President Obama's health-care reform law. Here are some recent top rulings, all decided by 5-to-4 votes.
Black History Month: Five major events and figures

Black History Month is the annual celebration of the struggles, achievements and overall contribution African-Americans have made to the US.
Five reasons the S&P downgrade isn’t so bad – and one word of caution

Here are five reasons why Standard & Poors downgrade of US debt from AAA to AA+ isn’t as bad as it seems, and a reminder not to take it too lightly.
Out of options in debt ceiling talks? Nope, here are five.

How many ways are there to resolve the debt ceiling crisis? Frustration is mounting in both political parties as an Aug. 2 deadline looms to avoid default on America's debt obligations and deficit-reduction negotiations are gridlocked. Still, at least five options for handling the matter have been discussed in recent days and months. Other possible solutions may emerge, but here’s the state of play on the options to date.

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Groundhog Day in court? California ban on affirmative action is upheld. Again.

A three-judge panel from the Ninth US Circuit cited a 1997 appeals court decision upholding the affirmative action ban, which led to a sharp decline in minority enrollment at California state universities.
US Supreme Court: Big 21st century rulings

The past 12 years have seen significant US high court decisions with wide-ranging effects on personal freedoms and national politics. Another key ruling is expected this summer on President Obama's health-care reform law. Here are some recent top rulings, all decided by 5-to-4 votes.
Rights at Risk

Are Americans in the process of abandoning their rights?
How Supreme Court ruling on Texas could reduce affirmative action across US

The Supreme Court, which has shifted to the right, may use the Texas case to overturn the 2003 decision that achieving classroom diversity could justify the use of race-based affirmative action.
Affirmative action in college admissions goes back before Supreme Court

US Supreme Court is taking an affirmative action case about the University of Texas admissions policy, which permits race to be a factor in deciding which applicants are admitted.
Black History Month: Five major events and figures

Black History Month is the annual celebration of the struggles, achievements and overall contribution African-Americans have made to the US.
Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups

A federal court overturned Prop. 8, California's ban on gay marriage, but the ruling did not affirm a federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage, as gay-rights groups had hoped.
Five reasons the S&P downgrade isn’t so bad – and one word of caution

Here are five reasons why Standard & Poors downgrade of US debt from AAA to AA+ isn’t as bad as it seems, and a reminder not to take it too lightly.
As congressional debt-ceiling plans founder, eyes turn to executive option

There is growing pressure on President Obama to simply declare an increase in the debt ceiling by executive order and tell everyone else: Deal with it.
US debt crisis: Is Obama's leadership style suited to the moment?

Despite Obama's use of the bully pulpit in the showdown over the debt limit, he is not a direct party to negotiations. How much has his cautious leadership style contributed to his predicament?
Out of options in debt ceiling talks? Nope, here are five.

How many ways are there to resolve the debt ceiling crisis? Frustration is mounting in both political parties as an Aug. 2 deadline looms to avoid default on America's debt obligations and deficit-reduction negotiations are gridlocked. Still, at least five options for handling the matter have been discussed in recent days and months. Other possible solutions may emerge, but here’s the state of play on the options to date.
The Vote
Can President Obama just ignore the debt limit?

Some economists suggest that the 14th Amendment renders the debt limit conversation moot (and maybe unconstitutional): the US must pay its debts. Period.
In Arizona, a bid to block citizenship for illegal immigrants' 'anchor babies'

Under the 14th Amendment, babies born in the United States automatically are citizens – even if their parents are illegal immigrants. Lawmakers in Arizona and other states are challenging that.
Illegal immigration: Can states win fight against 'birthright citizenship'?

Several state lawmakers want to make 'birthright citizenship' – the guarantee that all children born in the US are citizens – the next front against illegal immigration. It could be a tough battle.
14th Amendment: Is birthright citizenship really in the Constitution?

Congress could deny birthright citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants, say some experts. But others believe that changing citizenship policy requires changing the 14th Amendment.
14th Amendment: why birthright citizenship change 'can't be done'

A new amendment to address citizenship issues would be tough in today’s polarized environment. Some say that legislation related to the 14th Amendment is the answer, but that would be hard, too.
Sen. Mitch McConnell defends hearings on birthright citizenship

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell referred Thursday to what 'seems to be a burgeoning and unseemly business' of flying illegal immigrants to the US to give birth to a child, who would be a US citizen under the 14th Amendment.
Obama administration walks tricky political line on gay marriage ban

President Obama has pledged to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bars the federal government from recognizing gay marriage. But his Justice Department is defending the law’s constitutionality in court.
Arizona’s next ugly battle: citizenship for immigrant children

The same state senator behind Arizona’s strict immigration laws is now pushing a troubling bill to ban birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants.
Supreme Court: Second Amendment rights apply across US

The US Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Second Amendment's right to bear arms applies to every jurisdiction in the nation. It places in doubt the constitutionality of Chicago's handgun ban.
Immigration debate: fight brewing between ACLU and Nebraska town

Immigration debate is focusing on a new law in Fremont, Neb. It prevents businesses from hiring illegal immigrants and landlords from renting to them. The ACLU will challenge the law, which is similar to laws passed by at least a few dozen other towns nationwide.
Gay marriage Prop. 8 trial enters last phase before ruling

Closing arguments in the Prop. 8 gay marriage trial begin Wednesday. Judge Vaughn Walker must decide whether to hold sexual orientation, like race, to the 'strict scrutiny' standard.
Arizona lawmaker Russell Pearce takes aim at automatic citizenship

Legal scholars laugh out loud at Arizona state Sen. Russell Pearce's proposal to limit automatic citizenship and warn that it would be blatantly unconstitutional.
Will US revoke the right of American citizenship to foreigners born here?

A bill in the House of Representatives would change the 14th amendment to the US Constitution that grants anyone who is born on US soil the right of American citizenship. Efforts to revoke birthright citizenship could make it the new flashpoint in the debate over immigration.
Supreme Court to take up landmark gun-control case

The Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday on a landmark gun-control case, McDonald v. Chicago, on whether cities and states have the right to ban handguns.