Topic: First Amendment
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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes
Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
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Briefing Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 differences on women's issues
President Obama won the women’s vote four years ago, and he’ll need to again to win reelection, given Mitt Romney’s strength among male voters. Here are some of the women’s issues on which the candidates differ.
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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.
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Tyler Clementi and cyberbullying: how courts ruled in five other cases
The trial for the roommate of former Rutgers University Tyler Clementi will be watched by legal experts nationwide to see how the court addresses the growing issue of cyberbullying. Here is a list of court proceedings where cyberbullying or Internet privacy invasion was a key issue.
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Extradition fight: Who is Julian Assange, why is Sweden seeking him?
A British court is hearing a final appeal from Julian Assange, the founder of the WikiLeaks whistleblower site, to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sex crime allegations. Here are four questions about the man and the case.
All Content
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Supreme Court ruling barring aid to terrorist groups: why some lament it
Humanitarian and peace organizations say their direct interaction with violent or terrorist groups is vital to intervention efforts. The Supreme Court decision Monday means they do it at their peril.
06/21/2010 07:12 pm -
Supreme Court upholds controversial part of Patriot Act
On Monday, the Supreme Court upheld a statute – part of the Patriot Act – that outlaws the provision of 'material support' to terror groups. Such support includes assistance that might nudge a group toward nonviolence.
06/21/2010 04:48 pm -
iPhone app campaigning? Candidates turning to phone apps
iPhone apps, maintaining a Facebook page, and Twitter feed have become standard practice for political candidates seeking to get their message out.
06/21/2010 04:44 pm -
Did Democrats' deal with the NRA kill campaign finance reform?
At issue is a deal brokered by the House Democratic leadership to exempt the powerful National Rifle Association and others from disclosure requirements in a new campaign finance law.
06/18/2010 09:12 pm -
The Monitor's View Congress can't play favorites with the NRA in campaign reform
An attempt in Congress to carve an exemption for the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a campaign-reform bill only adds to the anti-incumbent mood in America.
06/18/2010 02:14 pm -
The Monitor's View California's move to 'top two' primaries: An end to political parties?
California voters approved Prop. 14 on Tuesday, allowing the top two candidates in a primary to advance to the general election -- regardless of party. Backers say it will produce moderate elected officials. Perhaps. But it may also move the state away from the party system.
06/10/2010 05:31 pm -
Opinion 'Everybody Draw Mohammad Day': What's a Muslim-American to think?
'Everbody Draw Mohammad Day' sparked outrage in the Muslim world and Pakistani ban on Facebook. A Muslim-American explains why the idea is so offensive to her and Muslims worldwide.
05/20/2010 11:13 pm -
Questions Elena Kagan has already answered
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan lacks a paper trail. But her Senate confirmation hearing last year for solicitor general offers a preview of what's to come.
05/17/2010 05:44 pm -
After immigration crackdown, Arizona targets ethnic studies
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, fresh from approving a controversial immigration law, riles Latinos anew by signing a bill to discourage ethnic studies classes that 'advocate ethnic solidarity.'
05/13/2010 04:12 pm -
Mojave cross theft shows planning; veterans groups vow to rebuild
The Mojave cross, which the US Supreme Court two weeks ago ruled could stay, was removed early this week, sparking outrage.
05/11/2010 07:49 pm -
Chapter & Verse Karl Rove's book tour makes more waves
Some Milwaukee-area customers are unhappy that Karl Rove is including a stop at their local bookstore on his book tour.
05/10/2010 01:48 pm -
The Monitor's View National Prayer Day: Does it have a secular purpose?
A federal court ruling that would ban National Prayer Day, written by Judge Barbara Crabb, cites beneficial effects of prayer to the community and individuals. Are those secular benefits enough to save this official designation of a religious exercise?
05/06/2010 03:05 am -
Supreme Court declines to hear Lesbian couple's suit against Boy Scouts
A lesbian couple and an agnostic couple are suing to prevent the Boy Scouts from using public land. The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal in the case, which returns to the Ninth Circuit.
05/03/2010 05:17 pm -
The Monitor's View The next battle in campaign finance reform
Lawmakers in Congress have unveiled legislation to temper the Supreme Court ruling that allows unlimited spending by corporations and unions on political campaign ads. They could use help from Republicans who have supported campaign finance reform in the past.
04/30/2010 03:01 pm -
Opponents weigh in on Supreme Court Mojave cross decision
Veterans groups say the Mojave cross was no different from other war memorials with religious imagery. Opponents of the Supreme Court decision vow to fight on.
04/28/2010 09:36 pm -
Vets win Supreme Court victory in ‘Mojave cross’ case
The cross on a desert hilltop in the Mojave National Preserve in California has stood since 1934. Opponents say having the Mojave cross on public land violates the constitutional prohibition on government endorsement of religion.
04/28/2010 06:38 pm -
At Supreme Court: Privacy for those who sign petitions to curb gay rights?
The Supreme Court on Wednesday hears a case about a petition to repeal a gay rights law in Washington State – namely, whether petitioners should be able to keep their names from becoming public.
04/27/2010 02:54 pm -
Supreme Court to take up sale of violent video games to minors
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of a ban on the sale of violent video games to minors by the state of California.
04/26/2010 01:41 pm -
Supreme Court animal cruelty ruling: All sides find positives
Free-speech advocates say the Supreme Court protected the First Amendment. Animal-rights advocates say it showed how Congress could pass a new anti-animal cruelty law.
04/20/2010 08:32 pm -
Supreme Court rejects animal cruelty law, upholds free speech
The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a 1999 federal law that criminalized depictions of animal cruelty such as dogfighting videos.
04/20/2010 03:15 pm -
Are 'tea party' rallies given preferential treatment by police?
The constitutionality of protest rules was called into question after a tea party rally was allowed full-size flag poles and signs on wooden sticks, which antiwar protesters are often barred from using.
04/19/2010 02:26 pm -
Do university rules discriminate against student faith groups?
In a case to be argued before the US Supreme Court Monday, the Christian Legal Society seeks official recognition by the University of California Hasting College of the Law in San Francisco.
04/17/2010 05:28 pm -
Federal judge: National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional
US District Judge Barbara Crabb ruled that the National Day of Prayer violates the First Amendment’s prohibition on government endorsement of religion.
04/15/2010 10:05 pm -
Tax Day 101: 42 excuses you can't use to avoid filing IRS forms
The IRS has released a list of 42 'contentions' that people make when they don't want to file their IRS forms on tax day, including 'I am not a person.' None fly legally, the IRS says.
04/15/2010 05:45 pm -
Father of USS Cole victim can display anti-Islam decals
Jesse Nieto's son was killed in the terrorist attack. Mr. Nieto, a civilian employee at a Marine base, was ordered to remove anti-Islamic decals from his car, but a federal judge ruled in his favor.
04/07/2010 09:19 pm
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