U.S. Supreme Court
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Allegiance to a Pledge
The Pledge of Allegiance is back. Never went away, you say? Yeah, but you've never seen it like this before, especially if you're no longer in the throes of primary education. Check out what's new - again.
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Shackled
What would the Supreme Court say to a defendant who complains about being chained before twelve jurors, who must decide his fate? That's too bad, or you've got cause to fuss? Read on.
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Death Blow?
The Texas legislature has walked on water. Not really, but by passing a law that gives capital-case juries an option of life without parole, they've ventured into the land of miracles. Look and see.
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Hear No Evil
It's the tale of a murderer who refused to cooperate in his own defense. His attorney takes to the track anyway and runs with a guilty plea. Was he acting unconstitutionally? Look and see.
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Courting Commandments
Texas is once again in the Supreme spotlight.This time, the Lone Star is showing off a dime's worth of commandments. The Ten Commandments. It's a hot topic in the current clime, and the Noble Nine have jumped into the fray. Here's the scoop.
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Double The Trouble
When the Supreme Court decided that the use of race in forming laws or policy demands strict scrutiny in its review, they meant it - even for those unfortunate incarcerates. Yep, read this.
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Fido's Tale
Mulling over a recent Supreme Court case that decides the constitutionality of a dog sniff during a routine traffic stop. Fourth-Amendment safe or beyond protected activity? Take a look.
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A Judicial Revolution
A look at the recalcitrant Texas courts, particulary when it comes to death penalty cases - an area the state knows well.
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Court Reflections
In anticipation of the new Supreme Court term, here are some thoughts about those who make the decisions.
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Constitutional Oversight
As we hasten toward another election, the reality of the last one lingers like a dark cloud, as evidenced by a new presence. Those memories should strengthen our resolve to vote and to make every single one of them count.
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It's All In The Name
Should you have to tell a law enforcement officer who you are? The Supreme Court tells us what to say.
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A Custodial Conversation
A busy year is shaping up for the Supreme Court, as highly-anticipated decisions come tumbling down. Some rulings may be expected, while others may turn legal jurisprudence on its head. And some are just plain wrong...
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A Preamble for Living
The Preamble to the Constitution contains words that many like to assert in everday living. But what if we broke it down and examined the Founding Fathers' intentions, in light of what's happening in this country today? It proved to be an intriguing exercise...
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Searching For A Warrant
One of the nation's Courts of Appeal has decided that a warrant is not required for entering, and searching our homes. Uh-oh, uh-huh...you gotta check out this one...
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What's In A Name?
Care to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger? Great. Let's start with introductions; you tell me your name, and I'll tell you mine...unless you're a police officer and I don't want to be bothered. Should I have to tell you anyway? The Supremes should have an answer for us shortly. In the meantime, check out the particulars....
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Enlightening Words
A bared breast has galvanized a nation into puritanical bliss; one in which 'morals' and 'decency' reign. Understandable, in that we have no other problems to address in our world. Will the foundation of our freedoms survive this onslaught? Those who are charged with administering fairness left a pretty solid roadmap to lead us out of the darkness...
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Fruits Of Interrogation
The Supreme Court recently decided to affirm the constitutionality, and therefore, the importance of the Miranda decision as a protective tool in the criminal justice system. But did the Court skirt a more critical question? Ponder this...
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Justice, Texas Style
The Supreme Court, busy as always this time of the year, will scrutinize no less that three Texas death penalty cases this term. This article shows you one reason why the Lone Star State is on the High Court's hotseat.
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Courting Foreign Nationals
Thoughts about the state of the detainees residing at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba... They're finally getting their day in the big leagues, but will The Supremes step up to the plate and go to bat for these individuals? Time will tell...
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The Makings Of Justice
Who do you consider to be a great Supreme Court Justice? That depends on what you're looking for. Herein lies my suggestions for what it takes to become an extraordinary 'Supreme.'
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Dancing with Death
The death penalty, always a hot-button topic of conversation and debate, becomes a virtual boiling pot when the government takes someone's life in the absence of the commission of a murder. One of our sister states has entered the fray by ordering that a man's life be ended, after he brutally raped a young girl. Is the practice of killing without a killing, justice, or a dangerous waltz?
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The Defiant One
The separation of church and state takes center stage - again - in Alabama. That state's Chief Justice has refused to move a monument he placed on the grounds of the judicial building. The showdown has reached the halls of the United States Supreme Court. Who will prevail?
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Am I Under Arrest?
A look at the Fourth Amendment's mandate for arrest. When is a person "seized" within the meaning of the Constitution? The Supreme Court took time to clarify just that.
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A Tribute To Texas Heroes
Paying tribute to a small band of Texas Democrats who dared to stand and say no to an unabashed power grab.
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Sweet Land Of Liberty
Revisiting the Flag Desecration issue. It has once again been raised in Congress. Should it become our twenty-eighth amendment?
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A Uncivil War of Words
What does our 16th President have in common with Osama bin Laden? Will free speech once again find protection or will it be permanently curtailed? A look at the continuing madness in this country as the Iraqi invasion winds down....
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The Final Judgment
The U.S. Attorney General has issued a new directive regarding the death penalty. Evidently, he is not satisfied with the frequency with which it is used. Is this a good thing? Here is one view...
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A Constitutional Example
I share my thoughts on the animus and rebellion in this country, towards France and other nations who are opposed to an Iraqi invasion. Have we forgotten our constitutional principles?
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Doing Something Positive
A candid look at the University of Michigan's admissions program. For or against, it's important to have the facts about what they actually do, and why.
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In Times Like These
Looking at one of the most volatile times in this country's history: the Great Depression, a Great President, and his battle with a recalcitrant Court.
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The Book Banning Wagon
A tickling tale from the homeland that puts the First Amendment to the test. If you think that the 'Great pillar of society' won out, keep on reading.
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So You Want To Be In Pictures?
There's a new practice in Wilmington, Delaware that has folks on all sides weighing in. It involves law enforcement wielding a new crime-fighting tool: a camera and possibly your face. Is it flaunting the Constitution or an invasion of privacy?
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Penitentiary Tails
A wacky case garners the Supreme spotlight. This is jailhouse law at its best...
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A Double Flash of Justice
The Supremes have kept the media and the nation, discussing, debating - even yelling - amongst themselves about the High Court's latest decisions. Here's just a glimpse into the minds of the Nine.
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Aiming For Change
United States Attorney General John Ashcroft is once again making noise in the constitutional world. This time, he is aiming for the Second Amendment. Does he want to take your gun or is he fighting for your right to have, to hold and to fire? The smoking gun is in the details...
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You Can't Make Me
Looking at South Carolina's recalcitrance towards Supreme Court rulings. Intentional or just a way of life for those who are "prepared in mind and resources?" Check it out.
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Speaking Judicially
Thoughts about a First Amendment case pending before the High Court, that addresses how far a candidate for judicial office can go (or will go) to win the seat. Necessary for voters to be in the know, or is speech taking a back seat to judical independence?...
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An Education In Religion
Ohio's taxpayers are funding private, parochial education for some of Cleveland's needy. Compassionate gesture, or unnecessary trespassing on the First Amendment? The Court will decide. Get a preview now.
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Doublespeak
A look at the High Court's interpretation of "Miranda" warnings when they are 'artfully' manipulated by law enforcement.
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Drafting Decorative Language
Talk about an old, but historic and relevant case addressing freedom of speech. These words seemed to be too much for some of the justices, but the Constitution survived...
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The Final Arbiter, Part II
Part II of the Supreme Court; its beginnings, functions and effect on all of us.
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The Final Arbiter, Part I
An in-depth look at the origins of the highest court in the land, and its standing among the other branches of government.
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The Burning Question
A look at the Supreme Court's decision to allow home searches, even when the 'searcher' has no warrant. What's gotten into them? Read on...
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The Body Politics
Another 'hot' First Amendment case hits the High Court. This time, they will take a look at a bedrock principle of the Bill of Rights: political speech. Just how much protection should it have?
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Armed in Protest
Looking at changes in behavior during times of war - not this one - but it certainly could be. And I speak not of ordinary adult citizens. After all, students are people too....
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Giving Thanks
A reflection of what it means to me to be an American.
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Fanning the Flames
Cross-burning, flag-burning and other First Amendment expressions, courtesy of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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The Conflicts of Life
A defendant is fighting for his life... but at least he has the opportunity. Read on to find out how it came to pass.
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An Anxious Hand
A moody, anxious man in a questionable state of mind - with a Baretta - and all's well in 5th Circuit-land. Really.
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A Foreign Affair
A look at the question, "what rights does a foreign national have under our Constitution?" The answer may surprise you.
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Seizing The Law
This article looks at a Fourth Amendment case where an abrogation of judicial duty leads to unconstitutional and unjust result.
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A New Day
Georgia's highest court struck down electrocution as a method of execution. Why did it take so long? Take a look...
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The American
What has become of the First Amendment in a time of trouble and turmoil? Does it still exist? Has anyone really noticed? You decide.
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With Charity For All
A review of the Bill of Rights, in the context of the tragic events bestowed upon this nation.
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History's Lesson
A few thoughts about the latest American tragedy, and remembering history's lessons.
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The Color of Justice
This is the last in a series of articles highlighting Supreme Court Justices who have changed our way of life - for better or for worse. Thurgood Marshall brings it on home with his firebrand style in seeking justice for all.
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The House of Earl
In a continuation of a series on Supreme Court Justices who have made a difference in our lives, I look at, perhaps, the most profound of them all, Earl Warren.
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A Dissenter for Justice
Continuing a series of articles about Supreme Court Justices who have had a major impact on our lives, as well as on the Court. This week, the "Great Dissenter" Oliver Wendall Holmes,Jr.
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The Taney Tide
This is the second in a series of articles about Supreme Court Justices who have shaped our lives. Chief Justice Taney led the way in a revolution; a revolution that caused a nation's people to rise up against one another; a revolution that foresaw a changing tide...
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Marshalling for Justice
This is the first in a series of articles about Supreme Court Justices who have made a difference on the bench, and in our lives.
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A More Perfect Union Part II
Part two of a journey back to the early days of a nation. The goal is to illustrate the challenges the Founding Fathers faced in order to secure a more perfect union.
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A More Perfect Union Part I
A history of how the United States came into being, by looking through the eyes of her founding fathers. It wasn't easy but anything worth having, usually isn't...
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Offensively Specific Part II
Part II of a look at the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel clause, in the context of a brutal murder.
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Offensively Specific Part I
The first of two parts that looks at the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel and its practical effects - after a high court ruling in a capital murder case.
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Running Into Trouble
What happens when a young man, hanging out on the streets of Chicago spots police officers, knowing that he was packing? Read on to find out.
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Matters of the Home
When is a search not a search? How private is what you do in your home? Can a new imaging device be used to detect possible wrongdoing, without implicating the Fourth Amendment? Read on to get the answers.
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Tolerant Bliss
Looking at racist speech through the eyes of the First Amendment
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Reading, Writing & Redemption
A review of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing religious organizations to use public school facilities - even where the members of that organization are young children, and the apparent goal is christian conversion.
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Grand Jury Inquisition
How an asserted reporters' privilege squares (or not) with the First Amendment and the criminal justice system.
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Disturbing Discretion
How a recent decision by the Supreme Court arguably gives law enforcement free reign to overstep its Fourth Amendment boundaries.
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Not Strictly Confidential
Protection of free speech even where the information was obtained illegally
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Counsel for the Defense
How criminal defendants came to be represented by defense attorneys - those people who some love to hate, but who are absolutely necessary to a fair system of justice.
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Cruel & Usual
A look at the death penalty in the this country; its beginning, and how it has evolved into what we see today.
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Crimes & Misdemeanors
An illustration of how the fourth amendment principles affect everyday lives.
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Silence Is Golden
The history and practice of the Fifth Amendment; and why it is such a frustrating constitutional rule of law.
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A Pledge To Allegiance
A look at the free speech clause of the First Amendment, and its impact
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America, Get Your Gun
Gun ownership and gun violence in this country.
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Faith of Our Forefathers
A journey of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause through public schools.
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A Supreme Beginning
An overview of how the United States Supreme Court asserted its power of judicial review.
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