Topic: Northwestern University School of Law

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Conservative justices may hate Obamacare, but they should not overrule Congress

The Supreme Court's conservative justices deliberating on the health care law known as Obamacare should heed the historical example of Republican-appointed justice, Harlan Fiske Stone. He detested New Deal policies but argued the court had no right to overturn them.
Retrial for Rod Blagojevich: Will anyone be watching?

The retrial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich opens Wednesday in federal court. In the first trial, the jury deadlocked on 23 of 24 charges related to the handling of President Obama's former US Senate seat.
West Memphis Three: Three men convicted, DNA evidence reopens case

For the first time in Arkansas, convicted murderers prevail in seeking review of DNA evidence. Such reviews have exonerated 261 others, but will it help West Memphis Three?
Jesse Jackson Jr.: Is he in serious trouble?

A Chicago businessman has alleged that Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was involved in an illegal scheme to win the appointment to Barack Obama's former Senate seat. Jackson has denied the charges.
Rod Blagojevich retrial: Can prosecutors succeed with a simpler case?

Rod Blagojevich retrial will likely be a condensed version of the original case and focus on charges related to allegations that he attempted to sell President Obama's Senate seat.
Why Rod Blagojevich jury deadlock could be good news for defense

After 12 days of deliberation, the Rod Blagojevich jury has reached a verdict on only 2 of 24 counts. 'If it was an open-and-shut case, it would have been shut by now,' says one legal expert.
Rod Blagojevich jury deadlocked on some charges. Now what?

The jury weighing 24 criminal charges in the corruption trial against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is deadlocked. That doesn't necessarily mean a hung jury.
Rod Blagojevich 'silly,' but not a criminal, defense says

The defense lawyer for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waved his arms, shouted, and worked up a sweat in a rowdy closing argument Tuesday. Jury deliberations begin Wednesday.
No smoking gun in Blagojevich trial. Will it matter for prosecution?

The prosecution made its closing arguments Monday in the trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Closing arguments for the defense are Tuesday.
Rod Blagojevich defense: advisers gave him bum advice

When defense lawyers begin their part of the trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich this week, they'll attempt to show that his ex-lawyers didn't steer him away from wrongdoing.
Rod Blagojevich trial: Obama isn't there, but he comes up a lot

Obama’s name has come up as jurors listen to testimony and taped conversations that prosecutors say show former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was trying to profit from his power to appoint a senator.
Stevens retirement gives Obama second Supreme Court pick

John Paul Stevens, the longest serving Supreme Court justice, plans to leave the bench in June. The Stevens retirement allows President Obama to name a second high court justice, opening the way for a likely confirmation battle.
What another woman would bring to Supreme Court

Expectations are high that Obama will nominate a woman. Though female jurisprudence is not much different from that of male judges, women tend to be more pro-women's rights and to tilt more toward plaintiffs in sex-discrimination cases.
Bush pushed the limits of presidential power

With Cheney's urging, he insisted that he had that right under the US Constitution, especially during wartime.
Senate rejects Burris, but law may be on his side

The would-be senator from Illinois, named by a tainted governor, vows to fight on.
Blagojevich readying for an uphill fight

In the Illinois governor’s corruption case, the law gives prosecutor the edge, analysts say.
Home-schoolers reel from California court blow

A ruling that parents in the state 'do not have a constitutional right' to home-school their children prompts anger, confusion. Schwarzenegger may ask legislature to intervene.