Topic: Judiciary
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
-
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.
-
Commencement season: Speakers share inspiration, insight, and advice with college grads
It’s college graduation season and the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” which began in late April, will be heard at commencement ceremonies until mid-June. Many more speeches have yet to be given that impart the usual pearls of wisdom and advice on pursuing dreams, being daring, and contributing to society. Here’s a sampling of excerpts from speeches given to graduates around the country.
-
Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe
There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
-
Briefing
Six 2012 races where the tea party counts
After playing kingmaker in the 2010 election cycle, the tea party movement is having a less prominent role in 2012. But its support or opposition could swing some key races and even determine whether Republicans win control of the Senate. Here are six US Senate contests where the tea party could make a difference.
-
Do you know the facts behind Arizona's immigration law? Take our quiz.
Arizona’s tough immigration enforcement law was designed to convince illegal immigrants to go home. The measure sparked protests against the state, and prompted the Obama administration to ask the courts to block the statute. On April 25, the battle goes to the US Supreme Court. What do you know about this pending legal showdown?
All Content
-
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.'
-
Appeals court strikes down DOMA: Tradition doesn't justify unequal treatment (+video)
A three-judge panel from the federal appeals court in Boston unanimously ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional for denying federal benefits to 'same-sex couples lawfully married in Massachusetts.'
-
Gay marriage: Judge overturns DOMA, stepping up pressure on Supreme Court
A federal judge struck down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which precludes gay couples from receiving federal marriage benefits. She is the third federal judge to do so, suggesting that the Supreme Court might need to step in soon to clarify its position.
-
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.
-
Obama under fire for giving Hollywood access to Bin Laden SEALs
Rep. Peter King is criticizing the President's administration for sharing too much information with Kathryn Bigelow, the director of the Hurt Locker and the force behind a movie intended to depict the raid that killed Osama bin Laden last year.
-
Commencement season: Speakers share inspiration, insight, and advice with college grads
It’s college graduation season and the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” which began in late April, will be heard at commencement ceremonies until mid-June. Many more speeches have yet to be given that impart the usual pearls of wisdom and advice on pursuing dreams, being daring, and contributing to society. Here’s a sampling of excerpts from speeches given to graduates around the country.
-
Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide.
The US Supreme Court agreed to examine whether a group of US-based lawyers, activists, and journalists can challenge a Bush-era law authorizing broad surveillance overseas.
-
What causes wrongful convictions? Lies, mistaken eyewitnesses top the list.
Researchers examined 873 wrongful convictions and found that perjury or false accusations were responsible for more than half. New report offers insight into what leads to miscarriages of justice.
-
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.
-
John Edwards trial: What will verdict mean for campaign finance? (+video)
Closing arguments in the John Edwards trial are set to begin Thursday. But the political significance of the trial in defining the limits of campaign finance has been greatly dampened.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe
There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
-
Credit card fraud case: $1.5 million. 38,000 people. On appeal.
Credit card fraud scheme said to be one of the biggest in US history. Convicted ringleader appeals credit card fraud case.
-
'Torture memos' author can't be sued for harsh interrogations, court rules
José Padilla, who claims he was tortured while being detained on allegations of terror-related activity, was suing John Yoo, the Bush aide whose memos set out broadly permissive standards for inflicting physical and mental harm during interrogations.
-
Trying youths as adults hurts families and taxpayers, but not crime
If a juvenile court decides today that accused Chardon High School shooter T.J. Lane is competent to stand trial, he could become one of 250,000 youths prosecuted in adult criminal court every year. This practice harms young people, doesn't save taxpayers money, and doesn't reduce crime.
-
Chapter & Verse
Federal judge throws out civil suit against 'Three Cups of Tea' author Greg Mortenson
Mortenson said in his first public statement in over a year that he was 'subjected to false allegations, vicious name-calling and slander.'
-
Supreme Court popularity hits new low. Will Obama attack?
Only 52 percent of the American public views the Supreme Court favorably. If the high court rules against Obama on health care or immigration he may be tempted to attack. But that would be risky.
-
Federal judge bars release of Bin Laden photos
He ruled that the government could keep the photos from the public on national security grounds.
-
Judge strikes down 'suspicionless' drug testing of Florida state workers
A federal judge's ruling strikes down Florida's first-in-the-nation drug testing law – and could give pause to other states considering suspicionless drug testing of state workers or others receiving state funds.
-
Pakistan's top court convicts prime minister
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's conviction is triggering turmoil in a government already struggling with major economic and security challenges amid tense US relations.
-
Arizona immigration: Justices seem open to law
Today's questioning before the Supreme Court suggested the controversial Arizona law may be upheld.
-
Arizona immigration law: Another setback for Obama at Supreme Court?
Tough questioning by the justices suggest that at least some of the provisions of the Arizona law may be upheld, rejecting the Obama administration's expansive view of federal power.
-
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.
-
Supreme Court takes up controversial Arizona immigration law
It was unclear what the court would do with other aspects of the law that have been put on hold by lower federal courts.
Become part of the Monitor community
36K on Facebook | 12K on Twitter | 2,250 on YouTube