Christian student group wins court battle to choose own leaders (Constitution news round-up)2/14/2019
1A Religion: Christian student group wins in court, can choose own leaders
https://pjmedia.com/faith/christian-student-group-beats-university-in-court-can-choose-its-own-leaders/ 1A: federal judge upholds Arkansas anti-BDS law forbidding state agencies from dealing with companies that boycott Israel (other courts have gone the other way) https://www.jns.org/federal-court-upholds-anti-bds-bill-in-arkansas/ 5A Fundamental Rights: failure of South Dakota bill affirming parental rights to resist the transitioning of their gender-confused kids should terrify parents http://thefederalist.com/2019/02/12/lgbt-activists-teaching-judges-yank-kids-parents-wont-transgender/ Amendment to affirm a constitutional right for parents to “direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children” introduced in the House https://govtrackinsider.com/proposed-constitutional-amendment-would-enshrine-parental-rights-in-the-constitution-9e5304f2d8f7 14A Due Process: Supreme Court declines to stay execution of Muslim inmate in Alabama who had sued to have imam present in death chamber. https://abcnews.go.com/US/alabama-executes-muslim-inmate-sued-imam-present/story?id=60905497 1A: forcing students to fill in world history course worksheet with ‘no god but Allah’ does not establish a religion or compel speech (4th Circuit) #CreepingSharia http://reason.com/volokh/2019/02/11/lesson-on-islam-didnt-violate-establishm Free Expression: Islam very successful in suppressing criticism of its treatment of women; feminists overlook “child marriages, forced marriages, female seclusion, honor killings, gang rapes of infidel women, or the enslavement and sale of females for sex slavery.” Not to mention FGM. https://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2019/01/20/islamophobia-invention/ Free Expression: English woman arrested for ‘misgendering’ trans activist on Twitter https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6687123/Mother-arrested-children-calling-transgender-woman-man.html Free Expression: tech giants that punish social media users for ‘misgendering’ are killing freedom of expression https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/02/12/how-tech-giants-are-banning-truth-and-undermining-freedom/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MorningBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTnpSbU16WmpOVEJoTWpkaCIsInQiOiJsMlBUWUtaeThNQXJMWjk0U3hNdklcLzV1bU91ZElxT3FzbEdcL012YVwvM3dES2E0MVwvS2I0ak02anhTZ1ZKRldrTUJXYk9jUmcrTmhHOHkzQU5HZXo1UFpvYzJtYVdSMjZHcTdCOW1RSlwvN3JnTnRIczl6eUVJTjRmS1pQNmlNdVIxIn0%3D 1A Right of Association: Women suing for sexual harassment at Yale fraternities seek to have them opened to women. #ABridgeTooFar https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yale-fraternities-lawsuit-women-claim-sexual-harassment-at-fraternity-events-ask-to-integrate-women/ 1A Right of Association: the section of the Delaware Constitution requiring judges to be Republican or Democrat is unconstitutional https://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/181045p.pdf 1A: gun groups file suit against New Jersey for law criminalizing the sharing of gun blueprints online https://freebeacon.com/issues/suit-filed-against-nj-attempt-to-criminalize-sharing-gun-blueprints-nationwide/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=aabad6c269-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_07_01_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-aabad6c269-45628225 2A: map shows many more states now allowing concealed carry than in 1986 http://reason.com/volokh/2019/02/07/gun-decontrol-1986-to-now 2A: Washington State sheriff refuses to enforce state’s restrictions on ‘assault rifles’ https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/31406-washington-state-county-sheriff-nullifies-state-statute-s-gun-grab 5A Due Process: new lawsuit claims holding immigration court by videoconference limits access to justice and is a pretext for speeding deportations https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/12/nyregion/immigration-court-video-teleconferencing.html 14A Equal Protection: trade association objects to Pennsylvania bill that would tax adult video games an extra 10% https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-05-esa-pennsylvania-video-game-tax-a-violation-of-the-us-constitution Electoral College: Dems pushing National Popular Vote Compact in their ‘trifecta’ states https://freebeacon.com/issues/dems-push-national-popular-vote-in-newly-controlled-trifecta-states/ State Constitutions: rational basis test for substantive due process and equal protection claims under state constitutions tougher than in Supreme Court ‘anything goes’ jurisprudence http://reason.com/volokh/2019/02/11/rational-basis-test-not-so-deferential-u Judicial ‘minimalism’ explained - courts should avoid broad sweeping declarations and decide cases on the narrowest ground possible https://www.cato.org/policy-report/novemberdecember-2014/originalism-v-minimalism Whatever notions you have about traffic camera speed traps being unconstitutional, forget it says Iowa Supreme Court http://reason.com/volokh/2019/02/11/automated-speeding-enforcement-constitut “George Washington Letter on God and the Constitution Revealed” https://www.theepochtimes.com/george-washington-letter-on-god-and-the-constitution-revealed_2798086.html 1A: San Francisco ordinance requiring health warnings on soda labels struck down as compelled speech (9th Circuit)
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-ruling-soda/u-s-court-blocks-san-francisco-health-warning-on-soda-ads-idUSKCN1PP2M9 Free Expression: Council of Europe says sharia law is incompatible with freedom of expression, freedom of religion, democracy, etc. http://reason.com/volokh/2019/02/01/council-of-europe-the-institution-of-sha 1A Religion: University of Iowa puts 32 religious student groups on probation for supposed discrimination in ongoing tussle over whether Christian groups can be forced to have gay leaders against their beliefs https://freebeacon.com/issues/32-religious-groups-on-probation-for-alleged-discrimination-at-university-of-iowa/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=c3c8756a9f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_05_09_38_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-c3c8756a9f-45628225 2A: South Dakota becomes 14th state to enact constitutional carry (no permit required to carry a firearm) https://freebeacon.com/issues/south-dakota-becomes-latest-permitless-gun-carry-state/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=0da5d1c151-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_31_10_20_COPY_150&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-0da5d1c151-45628225 2A: Dems say they need “a new massacre” to succeed on the gun control issue https://dcdirtylaundry.com/the-next-false-flag-mass-shooting-now-being-openly-pushed-by-dems-they-say-they-need-a-new-massacre-to-succeed-with-gun-control/ 4A: a police threat to break down door if it’s not opened is not a coercive warrantless entry, Fourth Circuit rules http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/174344.P.pdf 5A: Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) proposes seizing closed industrial plants to implement Green New Deal https://www.cnsnews.com/blog/craig-bannister/rep-tlaib-promotes-using-eminent-domain-seize-gm-property-create-green-new-deal Discrimination: more political bias in public accommodations - California restaurant won’t serve customers wearing MAGA hats. Brandon Straka: so order your food and put on your hat when the food is being made https://www.theepochtimes.com/californian-chef-wont-serve-customers-wearing-maga-hats-at-his-restaurant_2786103.html + https://www.facebook.com/groups/OFFICIALWalkAwayCampaign/?multi_permalinks=2339801026039792¬if_id=1549037193760692¬if_t=group_highlights 14A Due Process: appeals court says pistol-whipping is not a ‘crime of violence’ under Supreme Court precedent, over dissent that vagueness should be assessed in light of the facts of the case, not just statutory language (4th Circuit) http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/154640.P.pdf Art 1, Sec 9 Habeas Corpus: ordinarily time-barred claim can go forward because actual innocence test met (massive defects in the evidence - witness with memory problems, suggestive lineup, bad forensics, etc.) (4th Circuit) http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/176518.P.pdf Nationwide Injunctions - more commentary coming in against lower federal courts issuing nationwide injunctions. There have been 30 against the Trump administration, “matching the total number of injunctions against the first 42 presidents combined” https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/lower-court-judges-should-already-be-restrained-from-national-rulings + https://www.theepochtimes.com/nationwide-injunctions-menace-rule-of-law-and-democracy-itself-senior-doj-official-says_2791491.html Why the Articles of Confederation failed - weak central government, supermajority required for everything in the legislature, states had their own foreign policies, etc. https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/10-reasons-why-americas-first-constitution-failed “John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Supreme Court” (one hour video on early Chief Justice who favored a big federal government) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP9SJGJFR6M California’s out-of-control referendum process teaches other states why they should avoid ‘direct democracy’ https://www.lawliberty.org/2019/01/25/californias-unconstitutional-democracy/ Shame on Don Lemon! He tried to browbeat Gladys Knight into not singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Her reply: “It’s about respect... there are so many that have died for our great country even in my family” https://www.weaselzippers.us/410158-gladys-knight-schools-don-lemon-after-he-questions-her-singing-national-anthem-at-super-bowl/ Article 1, Section 9: Elizabeth Warren’s wealth tax is unconstitutional because it is an unapportioned direct tax.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/elizabeth-warrens-unconstitutional-wealth-tax-11548442306 1A Religion: Catholics lose challenge to New York regulation forcing religious groups to fund abortions. https://www.lifenews.com/2019/01/25/new-york-supreme-court-rules-christians-can-be-forced-to-fund-abortions/ 1A: Pamela Geller takes fight against D.C. transit authority to the Supreme Court; authority rejected her ads, then adopted policy against political ads https://gellerreport.com/2019/01/afdi-v-wmata-scotus.html/ 1A: Supreme Court turns away appeal by high school football coach who kneeled and prayed at games, but resolution of factual issues might make appeal possible later https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2019/01/22/justices-decline-school-prayer-case-but-alito-says-stay-tuned/?slreturn=20190022180709 Free Expression: ICYMI “65-year-old Swedish woman sentenced to prison for criticising Islam and migration” https://voiceofeurope.com/2018/09/65-year-old-swedish-woman-sentenced-to-prison-for-criticising-islam-and-migration/?fbclid=IwAR3gI4Y9_QNtL9irwEWDVb54YDmxB38GLLGglWAAS4T5ZoVV2AtGCHKnkX4#.XBpnYxWD0t9.facebook 1A: Massachusetts Supreme Court is asked to decide whether a state rule limiting campaign contributions by corporations can stand when unions are not under the same restrictions https://freebeacon.com/issues/mass-revolt/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=09abb75991-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_09_07_59_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-09abb75991-45628225 1A Right of Association: Minnesota home health workers challenge exclusive representation by SEIU as violation of associational rights after only 13 percent voted in favor of the union https://freebeacon.com/issues/monopoly-rule/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=2035088573-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_17_01_05_COPY_135&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-2035088573-45628225 Gun Rights: Brazil’s new President relaxes gun restrictions to combat high murder rate https://www.guns.com/news/2019/01/16/new-brazilian-president-moves-to-return-gun-rights-to-the-people 4A: pretrial detention based on fabricated evidence violates the Fourth Amendment, 7th Circuit rules http://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/rssExec.pl?Submit=Display&Path=Y2019/D01-23/C:17-1510:J:Sykes:aut:T:fnOp:N:2282458:S:0 5A Eminent Domain: California cooks up plans to let locales seize beachfront properties, rent them out to deal with climate change sea level rise. Ca-ching, Ca-ching! https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/01/california_set_to_seize_1100_miles_of_coastline.html 14A Equal Protection: brief argues that revoking driver’s licenses for failure to pay fines discriminates against the poor. https://ij.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Thomas-v.-Haslam-AMICUS-BRIEF-of-IJ-and-FFJC-FILE-STAMPED.pdf Political bias in public accommodations - San Fran art gallery kicks out pro-life students. #MAGAisTheNewBlack https://www.lifenews.com/2019/01/29/watch-unhinged-art-gallery-staffer-kicks-out-students-just-because-they-are-pro-life/ 14A Fundamental Rights - Iowa judge knocks down state’s fetal heartbeat law that restricted abortions https://apnews.com/f0130851a91c4c2ab561391684862e15 Article 1, Section 9 Habeas Corpus - trial judge coerced a verdict by removing reading materials from jury upon learning lone holdout was doing crossword puzzles (11th Circuit) http://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/201616350.pdf Equal Rights Amendment fails in Virginia House https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/effort-to-revive-era-bill-fails-in-virginia/2019/01/25/cac45b5c-20cb-11e9-8e21-59a09ff1e2a1_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.d15f69d086a2 Originalism - debate underway: “Defending Substantive Due Process on Originalist Grounds” https://fedsoc.org/commentary/blog-posts/defending-substantive-due-process-on-originalist-grounds Double Jeopardy - the history is pretty clear double jeopardy was meant to bar successive prosecutions for the same offense by federal and state authorities. Is Justice Kavanaugh too in love with precedent? https://www.lawliberty.org/2018/12/07/is-justice-kavanaugh-grievously-wrong-on-stare-decisis/ Shame on the Democratic Party for having California Attorney General Xavier Becerra deliver a Spanish SOTU response. Becerra laughed out loud at the idea of saying the Pledge of Allegiance at a public meeting in 2010. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/01/figures-democrat-who-laughed-out-loud-at-pledge-of-allegiance-will-deliver-dems-sotu-response-in-spanish-video/ Shame! Survivor of the Soviet bloc is mocked to point of tears for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at a Santa Barbara Community College board meeting. Shame on the mockers and on board president Robert Miller for removing the Pledge from the agenda https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/29/watch-protesters-at-california-community-college-mock-woman-as-she-recites-pledge-of-allegiance/?fbclid=IwAR0EXeba3gK7jIq5YR9GVz4n3zN74agGi4hRjt_vBrBR-rKJZbkYoPzegbo Supreme Court allows Trump administration to move forward with restrictions on transgenders serving in the military while litigation is pending in lower courts https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-transgender-military-ban-judgement-allows-trump-transgender-troop-ban-for-now-2019-01-22/ Trump administration asks for expedited hearing at the Supreme Court on census citizenship question https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2019/01/22/president-trump-asks-scotus-for-expedited-hearing-on-census-citizenship-question/ Article II, Sec 3: State of the Union speech in the style to which we have become accustomed is not constitutionally required https://www.voanews.com/a/is-state-of-the-union-speech-required-no/4746166.html Supreme Court’s refuses early hearing of DACA case https://www.yahoo.com/news/supreme-court-apos-inaction-leaves-152349891.html 1A: Baby parts sting videos not deceptively edited, 5th Circuit says https://www.lifenews.com/2019/01/18/federal-appeals-court-rules-videos-exposing-planned-parenthood-selling-baby-parts-not-deceptively-edited/ 1A: federal judge says David Daleiden might win baby parts sting video case https://www.lifenews.com/2019/01/17/judge-admits-david-daleiden-might-defeat-planned-parenthoods-lawsuit-to-censor-more-videos/ Free Speech: California violated federal conscience protection laws when it tried to force pregnancy centers to advertise abortions, HHS civil rights office says https://www.lifenews.com/2019/01/18/california-violated-federal-law-when-trying-to-force-pregnancy-centers-to-promote-abortions/ 2A: Supreme Court takes first gun rights case in a decade (challenge to NYC prohibition on transporting licensed firearms to non-shooting range locations) https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/01/22/supreme-court-to-hear-first-gun-rights-case-in-nearly-a-decade/ Due Process: federal judge creates right to block deportation so illegal aliens can sue law enforcement https://www.conservativereview.com/news/judge-creates-right-for-illegal-alien-to-block-deportation-so-she-can-sue-law-enforcement/ Free Expression: “Islamist Group CAIR Worked with Twitter to Get Jewish Activist Laura Loomer Banned — THEN CHEERED THE NEWS ON TWITTER!” https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/01/confirmed-islamist-group-cair-worked-with-twitter-to-get-jewish-activist-laura-loomer-banned-then-cheered-the-news-on-twitter/ Shame! Beto O’Rourke gave as much thought to his assertion the U.S. can no longer be managed by principles laid down in the Constitution as he gave to putting video of his visit to the dentist on social media. Yep, he’s one serious dude. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/beto-orourke-asks-are-the-principles-of-the-us-constitution-still-relevant Illegal aliens defy our law and should not be armed, court rules (Constitution news round-up)1/16/2019
2A: illegal aliens defy our law and should not be armed, 9th Circuit says in upholding federal gun ownership ban http://reason.com/volokh/2019/01/09/ninth-circuit-upholds-federal-ban-on-gun Equal Protection: federal trial court knocks citizenship question off census, but discrimination claim not proven; appeal expected and 5 other cases pending https://www.thedailybeast.com/judge-trump-administration-cant-add-citizenship-question-to-census Advice & Consent: Supreme Court turns away challenge to acting AG Whitaker appointment https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/01/supreme-court-rejects-challenge-to-president-trumps-appointment-of-ag-whitaker/ 4A: feds can’t force suspects to unlock their phones with biometrics, federal magistrate rules in likening it to self-incrimination https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/15/judge-biometrics-unlocking-rule/ 14A Equal Protection: religious institutions are exempt from gender identity nondiscrimination ordinance, Wisconsin judge holds https://freebeacon.com/politics/wisconsin-judge-rules-in-favor-of-religious-freedom/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=6eee1be264-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_14_10_10_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-6eee1be264-45628225 1A: state law preventing removal of Confederate memorials violates local governments’ free speech rights, Alabama state judge rules http://reason.com/volokh/2019/01/15/alabama-judge-strikes-down-state-law-pro 1A 14A: Young Americans for Freedom sues University of Florida for arbitrariness in deciding which student groups get budgeted http://raisedonhoecakes.com/ROH/university-of-florida-sued-by-conservative-student-group/ 1A: Christian artists challenge Arizona law imposing jail time for refusing service for same-sex weddings http://insider.foxnews.com/2018/11/29/christian-artists-could-face-jail-az-refusing-service-same-sex-couples?fbclid=IwAR13RdGkXrTgjaojhY4oGBmWyfjXG3D245B2b01YmyZi3xk-x-5dxFzmh3Y 2A: Boston mayor wants to force doctors to ask patients about guns in the home https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2019/01/10/gun-discussions-drug-treatment-on-mayor-walshs.html 2A: The Soviets confiscated guns, the Nazis disarmed the Jews, Cuba and Venezuela... You get the idea https://mises.org/wire/brief-history-repressive-regimes-and-their-gun-laws 2A: Study shows California background checks had no impact on gun deaths. Stupid liberal researchers puzzled. https://fee.org/articles/california-s-background-check-law-had-no-impact-on-gun-deaths-johns-hopkins-study-finds/?utm_campaign=FEE%20Daily&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=68117936&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_gSREwUs0goo_OKzpVYGZi1cGuEXwkmLjkhqmLjdFyJZUevhABFK9l1BdtoHI9hWYJwC1nKF3DDZ7bCuI3ognfTgaBTQ&_hsmi=68117936 5A Takings: Kelo has limits; taking for economic development OK but not ‘take now, decide later’; can’t stockpile land for future whatever (New Jersey case) https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/assets/opinions/appellate/published/a4556-17.pdf 5A Takings: New York Mayor de Blasio threatens to seize buildings belonging to ‘bad landlords’ https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-pol-deblasio-state-of-the-city-address-20190110-story.html Article II: President Kamala Harris declares national climate change emergency – do you like the sound of that? Reconsidering Trump and the border wall. http://reason.com/volokh/2019/01/11/some-conservatives-recognize-the-risks-o + http://reason.com/volokh/2019/01/10/my-op-ed-on-trump-emergency-powers-and-t Economic Freedom: new Ohio law sunsets all state licensing boards every 6 years and forces them to justify their existence https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicksibilla/2019/01/09/new-ohio-law-takes-aim-at-occupational-licenses-which-cost-state-6-billion/?fbclid=IwAR2LWKKMvMRkwQEz0bgNW8CTofAy_9hPtdc26Ob0m7PR0NqzciMrHXnHx7Y#299da3f96e95 Electoral college a bulwark against direct democracy’s mob rule https://www.teapartypatriots.org/news/why-the-electoral-college-matters-today/?mid=39034&id=T15OuHulZKxtwhqSTA Electoral college doing its job, giving voice to small states and preventing presidential elections from being decided by two cities (see towards the end) https://video.foxnews.com/v/5987082589001/?fbclid=IwAR1Gqag2xKNyWLTVtPD5Dme_XuVrvdgB7i30dc2JswjKNHHfQ381FUwGWQ4#sp=show-clips National injunctions: both sides have lots to fear from nationwide orders from lower courts and should be able to agree to rein them in https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/congress-should-restrict-national-orders-from-district-judges Article V Convention – phony petition signatures alleged in Idaho (It’s not the first time Con Con advocates have been accused of fraud) https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/30573-alex-newman-dorothy-moon-exposes-fraud-by-con-con-peddlers?fbclid=IwAR0msB_8fyvgBm3j2QnREg6qsU-SXY-IVsn4yBy1kiQtNSVW3cTISO67ZF4 Shame! Nancy Pelosi says the Constitution considers her the equal of the President when it clearly does not https://freebeacon.com/politics/pelosi-the-constitution-considers-me-trumps-equal/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=15a6de3c8b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_11_05_43_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-15a6de3c8b-45628225 Shame! Wharton prof proposes blatantly ignoring Article V and passing a law depriving states of their equal suffrage in the Senate without their consent https://freebeacon.com/blog/no-the-atlantic-you-cant-reapportion-the-senate-with-an-act-of-congress/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=94b5cec881-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_03_10_41_COPY_139&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-94b5cec881-45628225 1A: Jack Phillips Masterpiece Cakeshop case against Colorado rights commission in transgender dispute can proceed, federal trial court says http://www.adfmedia.org/News/PRDetail/10622 14A Equal Protection: D.C. Circuit dissolves preliminary injunction against Trump admin’s partial ban on transgender military service, but ban remains blocked by other courts https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/5674600/1-4-19-DC-Circuit-Jane-Doe-Judgment.pdf 5A Fundamental Rights: 9th Circuit grants Trump administration interlocutory appeal in Climate Kids case; trial delayed https://dailycaller.com/2019/01/02/trump-global-warming-youth-lawsuit/ 5A Due Process: illegal aliens with final deportation orders have the right to advance notice of actual deportation, federal judge says https://www.conservativereview.com/news/judge-creates-a-right-for-deportable-aliens-to-be-tipped-off/ 1A: PragerU files new suit against Google/YouTube, pursuing state constitutional and other claims in state court while federal claims on appeal https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/01/09/prageru-brings-new-suit-against-google-in-california-state-court/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CapitolBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWVRNMk1qRTJOVGRpT0RobSIsInQiOiJjdTlIY28wTGdhR3RoYzVQXC9iXC9adGlTUk5JUm9kQm5NSFcyWlIzS2VFWEowb2o2UUcxTWJyWFZIXC9HWnV2VE5naWR1MVJicCtmZVVrWjNQZE52OGRNT1JrbEgzXC82Z1VmVFJxak5UMGpnZE1HSjFlNTZtRnhzUGlGRURJRzM1ME4ifQ%3D%3D 1A etc.: 9th Cir. upholds Arizona's requirement (challenged by DNC) that in-person voters cast their ballots in their assigned precincts http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2018/09/12/18-15845.pdf 1A: school board’s practice of allowing an invocation to be offered at its meetings violates the Establishment Clause, 9th Circuit says. Senior judge: “What nonsense!” http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2018/12/26/16-55425.pdf 1A: BuzzFeed’s publication of Steele dossier protected by ‘fair report’ privilege, federal judge rules https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/12/federal-judge-buzzfeed-steele-dossier-gubarev-publish-first-amendment-fair-report-privilege.html 4A: Jerome Corsi’s lawsuit against Robert Mueller for, among other things, unconstitutional surveillance can proceed, federal judge rules https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/01/corsi-case-to-proceed-judge-orders-jerome-corsis-case-against-robert-mueller-to-be-reassigned-to-another-court/ 14A Equal Protection: Supreme Court takes Maryland and North Carolina partisan gerrymandering cases https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/423932-supreme-court-to-take-up-gerrymandering-cases House Dem introduces bill to kill the Electoral College https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/04/nolte-tyrannical-democrats-introduce-bill-to-kill-electoral-college/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=daily&utm_content=links&utm_campaign=20190104 Justice Department goes after bump stocks; Gun Owners of America to sue (Constitution news round-up)12/19/2018
2A: New Justice Department rule says turn in your bump stocks or face felony prosecution; Gun Owners of America to sue
https://freebeacon.com/issues/trump-doj-announces-bump-stock-ban-confiscation/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=e66466283e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_19_12_05_COPY_136&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-e66466283e-45628225 Limited Government: Jerome Corsi files suit against Mueller investigation for leaks and illegal surveillance; constitutional violations asserted https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/12/jerome-corsi-sues-robert-mueller-over-grand-jury-leaks-illegal-surveillance-seeks-350-million-in-damages/ 1A: James O’Keefe wins case - “secretly recording government officials is protected by the First Amendment” https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/12/james-okeefe-and-project-veritas-make-first-amendment-history-secret-recordings-of-massachusetts-public-officials-deemed-constitutional/ 1A: Satanic statue goes up alongside nativity scene in Illinois state capital building https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/temple-satan-statue-satanic-illinois-capitol-building-festivus-christmas-springfield-a8669001.html + Commentary http://www.liberato.us/constitution-minute.html 1A: High-profile law professor starts video series explaining free speech law; first one takes up free speech in schools http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/13/free-speech-rules-my-new-youtube-video-s Free Expression: UN pact would criminalize anti-migration speech, critics say https://www.lifezette.com/2018/12/criticism-of-migration-could-become-a-criminal-offense-under-u-n-s-global-pact/?fbclid=IwAR0qoqFZMHVAxi3Q7vlWR139Sq52o8RLP7phtdJ1ODsHtIS0G3rkQF5NKh4 2A: first, they came for the guns and now Venezuelans regret giving theirs up https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuelans-regret-gun-prohibition-we-could-have-defended-ourselves Eminent Domain: Trump administration sets deadline for white farmers to give up land without compensation (oops, forgot my glasses) https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/12/your-time-is-up-white-people-south-african-government-sets-date-for-white-farmers-to-give-up-land-without-compensation/ 14A Due Process: USC student’s expulsion for rape set aside; denied fair hearing because he and adjudicator could not assess witness credibility http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/13/court-sets-aside-usc-students-expulsion Emoluments: 30 subpoenas issued in Trump emoluments case; court out of control on wild theory? http://www.marklevinshow.com/2018/12/05/december-5-2018/ Administrative State: Supreme Court takes up significant judicial deference cases https://fedsoc.org/commentary/blog-posts/supreme-court-grants-cert-petition-challenging-required-judicial-deference + https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/12/the-boring-supreme-court-case-that-could-help-make-america-great-again/ Charles Krauthammer book: the miracle of the U.S. Constitution and our enduring culture of constitutionalism http://theitem.com/stories/the-enduring-miracle-of-the-american-constitution,318996 Bill de Blasio’s tyrannical impulses show why the Founders were wise to disperse power in U.S. Constitution https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/420013-bill-de-blasio-shows-why-socialistic-impulses-are-not-made-for-america 9th Circuit’s mid-winter meeting features transgender activists, panel on ‘triggering’ speech, and left-wing academics http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/12/the-ninth-circuits-activist-midwinter-me Kudos to liberal Sam Harris for closing Patreon account over platform’s expulsion of conservatives https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/12/free-speech-hero-liberal-sam-harris-deletes-his-top-13-patreon-account-over-political-bias-against-conservatives/ Conservative groups win smashing free speech victory over UCal-Berkeley (Constitution news round-up)12/5/2018
1A: Conservative groups win smashing free speech victory over UCal-Berkeley for hamstringing speakers (including Ben Shapiro) – school to pay $70,000, rescind unconstitutional and discriminatory policies
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/red-alert-politics/uc-berkeley-settles-landmark-free-speech-lawsuit-will-pay-70-000-to-conservative-group Free Expression: Gonzaga U – What would Jesus do? Why, ban Ben Shapiro, of course! Catholic school caves to heckler’s veto, refuses to let Shapiro speak because people might be upset. https://freebeacon.com/politics/gonzaga-university-blocks-ben-shapiro-event-protesters-might-use-hate-speech/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=90c6b95ec0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_19_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-90c6b95ec0-45628225 1A: Supreme Court extends Janus principles to bar dues; attorneys can’t be compelled to pay for bar associations’ political speech https://freebeacon.com/issues/scotus-rules-favor-free-speech-lawyer-lawsuit/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=11d13d87dc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_03_10_17_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-11d13d87dc-45628225 1A: Law of compelled speech is complicated and unsettled – wedding cakes, union dues, abortion info at pregnancy centers, transgender pronouns (panel discussion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAD6prcG60Y 1A: NFL season ticket holder – I have a right as a member of a captive audience to be protected from unwanted ‘take a knee’ protests. Louisiana appeals court – not a valid cause of action http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/03/court-throws-out-season-ticket-holders-l Free Expression: Google employees discussed manipulating search results, burying conservative media to swing 2020 elections. Please All-Knowing Google, teach me critical thinking. What a bunch of airheads! https://dailycaller.com/2018/11/29/google-censorship-conservative-media/ 2A: New York bill would require gun purchasers to submit their social media and online search history https://www.foxnews.com/us/gun-purchasers-may-need-to-submit-social-media-history-under-proposed-new-york-legislation 2A: Maryland ‘red flag’ law draws 114 gun removal requests in its first month https://wtop.com/maryland/2018/11/maryland-law-draws-114-gun-removal-requests-in-its-1st-month/ South Africa gun registration law predictably cascades into gun confiscation law. Gun grabbers want ALL your freedom. Don’t give them ANY of it. https://www.alloutdoor.com/2018/07/24/south-africa-lesson-registering-guns/ 4A: Officer – I knew it was wrong to place a GPS tracker on defendant’s car without a warrant, but I did it anyway. 4th Circuit – flagrant violation of the 4th Amendment justifying exclusion of drug evidence http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/04/warrantless-placing-of-a-gps-device-and 4A: Wisconsin Supreme Court upholds use of GPS tracker on suspect’s car after warrant expired https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2018/11/19/wisconsin-supreme-court-upholds-police-use-gps-tracker/2024023002/ 14A Due Process: ACLU says ‘Marsy’ victims’ rights laws offend the presumption of innocence and the right of the accused to secure exculpatory evidence https://www.aclu.org/blog/criminal-law-reform/major-threat-due-process-marsys-law-gains-ground-nationwide 14A Due Process: Rhode Island students sue state for denying right to be taught civics (how to become capable jurors, voters, and citizens) https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/01/us/civics-class-action-lawsuit-rhode-island/index.html 5A: Supreme Court hears arguments in case testing whether separate state and federal prosecutions for same offense constitutes double jeopardy http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/05/dual-sovereign-doctrine-under-attack-in 5A Eminent Domain: Texas appeals court rules deliberate hurricane-related flooding of certain properties to prevent damage to other properties can be a taking requiring compensation http://reason.com/volokh/2018/12/04/texas-court-rules-deliberate-flooding-of 6A: New York high court rules possible deportation is a serious consequence triggering right to a jury trial https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/30/deportation-may-be-worse-than-jail-court-just-ruled-why-thats-big-deal/?utm_term=.38f96578a213 8A: Supreme Court appears ready to rule that excessive fines clause applies to the states; this would rein in civil asset forfeiture racket https://www.theusconstitution.org/news/high-court-set-to-apply-constitutions-ban-on-excessive-fines-to-states-report/ 10A: Supreme Court could pronounce in excessive fines case that all of the Bill of Rights are ‘incorporated’ and thus apply to the states; this would be disruptive (e.g., grand juries) and damage already weak federalism https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/broader-bill-of-rights-would-dramatically-impact-state-courts Political Bias in Public Accommodations: Republican Club sues Pasadena for canceling event in rented hall featuring pro-marriage speaker https://www.claremont.org/page/ccj-files-lawsuit-challenging-political-and-religious-discrimination/ Economic Freedom: after Wisconsin law banning sale of home-baked goods, home bakers are better able to pay their bills, buy lessons for their children, and get health insurance. https://ij.org/report/ready-to-roll/ Patents: elderly inventor sues Patent Office for bad faith discrimination, blocking his applications, violating his constitutional property rights https://freebeacon.com/issues/patently-offensive/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=94987192e3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_30_08_04_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-94987192e3-45628225 Shame and Kudos! Stanford administrator encouraged frat house to take down American flag as offensive to others. Frat responds by hoisting bigger flag. Mr. Administrator, show me your alternative flag. I’m waiting. https://stanfordreview.org/does-the-american-flag-offend-you-stanford-thinks-it-might/?fbclid=IwAR2nZT9784lMrueJkkoYUS1bnkjmRWrUy7xefgrB6hquEIYbfu9BlFF3rHE Commerce Clause: Muslim female genital mutilation is local criminal activity beyond the reach of Congress to regulate, judge says in expansive ruling knocking down federal FGM statute
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2018/11/20/female-genital-mutilation-michigan/1991712002/ Appointments Clause: Supreme Court is asked to rule whether acting Attorney General appointment is lawful https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-whitaker/trumps-attorney-general-appointment-challenged-at-supreme-court-idUSKCN1NL2KV 5A Due Process: federal judge issues temporary order blocking implementation of Trump asylum rules steering asylum claimants to ports of entry https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2018/11/20/san-francisco-judge-blocks-asylum-ban-for-aliens-who-cross-border-illegally/ 5A Fundamental Rights: After Supreme Court rebuke, trial judge puts Climate Kid’s lawsuit on hold to allow government to appeal to 9th Circuit http://reason.com/volokh/2018/11/26/is-kids-climate-case-coming-to-an-end Discrimination: Trump administration asks Supreme Court for expedited review of its new policy excluding most transgender people from military service; policy currently blocked by 3 lower court orders https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/transgender-in-the-military-dispute-reaches-supreme-court 5A Due Process: in America, we have the right to cross-examine witnesses, confront our accusers in court, and the presumption of innocence. New campus sexual assault rules should not be controversial. https://www.dailywire.com/news/38453/insane-aclu-now-opposes-accused-students-having-so-ben-shapiro 14A Fundamental Rights: 19 states ask Supreme Court to overturn appeals court, uphold Indiana’s ban on Down Syndrome abortion https://townhall.com/tipsheet/laurettabrown/2018/11/20/19-states-ask-the-supreme-court-to-uphold-indianas-down-syndrome-abortion-ban-n2536269 1A: Baby parts sting video maker asks Supreme Court to terminate Planned Parenthood’s intimidation lawsuit designed to stifle First Amendment rights (SLAPP suit) https://www.lifenews.com/2018/11/28/planned-parenthood-desperately-tries-to-stop-more-videos-exposing-it-selling-aborted-baby-parts/ 10A Commandeering: Oregon sues Trump administration for withholding federal grants for state’s refusal to cooperate on immigration matters https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/11/oregon-ag-sues-trump-over-sanctuary-state-funding-oregons-18th-lawsuit-costing-over-100000/ Art 1, Sec 2: Defeated Congressman challenges Maine’s ranked-choice voting law https://www.pressherald.com/2018/11/13/opinion-poliquins-suit-unlikely-to-prevail-on-constitutional-grounds/ 2A: NRA sues Washington State after gun control referendum passes banning sale of semi-autos under age 21, requiring handgun purchasers to allow searches of their medical records, etc. https://freebeacon.com/issues/nra-saf-file-suit-block-new-washington-gun-control-law/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=b2035b2b5d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_19_02_14_COPY_123&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-b2035b2b5d-45628225 2A: courts uphold Colorado’s large-capacity magazine ban (again) https://www.skyhinews.com/news/in-setback-to-gun-advocates-colorados-large-capacity-magazine-ban-survived-yet-another-court-challenge/ State Constitution: Kentucky Supreme Court upholds state’s right-to-work law https://freebeacon.com/issues/right-work-wins-kentucky/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=b2035b2b5d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_19_02_14_COPY_123&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-b2035b2b5d-45628225 Shame! St. Louis County’s Parkway School District fires teacher for thanking students for standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/11/st-louis-teacher-fired-after-thanking-kids-for-standing-during-pledge-of-allegiance/ Shame on Brooklyn federal district court judge LaShann DeArcy! She demoralized new Americans in citizenship ceremony by telling them to ‘take a knee’. They freely chose America. You couldn’t be any more disrespectful of their choice. https://spectator.org/judge-tells-new-citizens-to-take-a-knee/ Separation of Powers: 9th Circuit upholds national injunction against Trump administration effort to end DACA program; Supreme Court expected to take up DACA issue
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/ninth-circuit-rules-against-trump-administration-on-daca 5A Due Process: Trump administration suspends asylum claims not made at ports of entry https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-addressing-mass-migration-southern-border-united-states/ Appointments Clause: Supreme Court said in 1898 Eaton case that temporary appointment does not transform individual into a principal officer requiring Congressional approval (Acting AG controversy) http://reason.com/volokh/2018/11/10/who-is-lawfully-the-attorney-general-rig 1A Free Press: Jim Acosta and CNN assert constitutional right to a White House press pass in suit against Trump; Acosta can still apply for daily pass https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2018/11/jim-acosta-and-cnn-sue-white-house-for-banning-abusive-jackass-from-from-constitutional-right-to-harass-president/ Voting Rights: federal judges throw out Maryland electoral map as political gerrymandering hurting GOP; sets deadline for new map or creation of commission https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/federal-judges-throw-out-marylands-congressional-voting-map/2018/11/07/91a06834-e2be-11e8-b759-3d88a5ce9e19_story.html?utm_term=.a233fad646c4 Free Expression: European Parliament moves to ban ‘hate’ speech across entire EU, calls for special police to prosecute and jail critics of radical Islam, gay agenda, open borders, transgenderism, etc. https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/europe/item/30600-eu-resolution-demands-critics-of-lgbt-and-islam-be-prosecuted 1A: federal judge rules Wisconsin high school’s ban on pro-gun T-shirts likely unconstitutional http://reason.com/volokh/2018/11/12/high-school-has-right-to-wear-pro-gun-t 2A: 1st Circuit aligns with California on eviscerating right to carry guns outside the home http://patriotgunnews.com/2018/11/06/first-circuit-court-of-appeals-rule-no-right-to-bear-arms-outside-the-home/ 2A: lawsuit challenges New Jersey’s ban on distribution of 3-D gun printing instructions http://reason.com/volokh/2018/11/09/lawsuit-challenging-new-jersey-ban-on-di 2A: “98% of the mass public shootings in the United States since 1950 have occurred in places where guns are banned” https://crimeresearch.org/2018/11/massacre-at-borderline-bar-grill-in-thousand-oaks-california-was-in-another-gun-free-zone-12-murdered-18-injured/ 2A: Washington State voters approve age restrictions, other curbs on gun purchases https://www.dailysignal.com/2018/11/07/washington-voters-ok-sweeping-gun-control-measure-raising-age-for-some-purchases/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CapitolBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVdVMk9URm1ZMlZsT0RaaiIsInQiOiJ0K0lqODdYVVlhUDJ6YnJkaU0zR2phUXFVNitZU2R3OGNKTkFnajdHWFh5Q0FxV3hrRmtaTDVpTGYzOW5sWlUxa1wvOTc4UkVkeWM2azN1c2d2RUllSjhHVTVVZ2R4MjI1XC9rZ2VkVEJQZEZicm5NUjk0MWhjTFVvMk5aZ3hacVFcLyJ9 2A: fantastical bogus statistic going around after Thousand Oaks shooting – ‘307 mass shootings this year alone.’ Sure. Debunked by left-wing Washington Post https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nicholas-fondacaro/2018/11/08/here-we-go-again-cbs-nbc-push-another-bogus-mass-shooting 8A: Supreme Court is asked to rule on Arizona provision categorically denying bail to persons accused of violent sexual offenses http://reason.com/volokh/2018/11/13/are-categorical-denials-of-bail-constitu State Constitutions: New Hampshire (‘Live Free or Die’ state) amends constitution to protect “right to live free from governmental intrusion in private or personal information" – whatever that means http://reason.com/volokh/2018/11/12/nh-constitution-now-protects-right-to-li |