Category: In The News

Social Media Deplatforming Probably OK (Constitution news round-up)

6/19/2019

Atheists Lose - “In God We Trust” Stays on U.S. Currency (Constitution news round-up)

6/12/2019

1A: Supreme Court turns away atheist group challenge to ‘In God We Trust” on U.S. currency
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jun/10/supreme-court-rejects-challenge-god-we-trust-us-mo/

1A: Alabama bans free speech zones on public college campuses, stops use of ruinous fees for disfavored speakers
https://www.thecollegefix.com/alabama-governor-signs-bill-banishing-free-speech-zones-from-public-colleges/

Civil Rights: Supreme Court to decide whether Comcast’s refusal to carry black-owned network was discrimination or ordinary business decision
https://www.theepochtimes.com/supreme-court-to-hear-case-involving-comcast-refusing-to-carry-black-owned-network_2959061.html

Electoral College: “Oregon Joins National Popular Vote Compact”
https://www.corvallisadvocate.com/2019/oregon-joins-national-popular-vote-compact/

1A: Washington Supreme Court requires florist to serve same-sex wedding, rejects compelled speech and religious animus arguments.
https://reason.com/2019/06/06/washington-court-reaffirms-that-florists-must-serve-same-sex-weddings/

1A: disciplining officers for leaking word after cover-up of meth in mayor’s son’s backpack is probably unconstitutional retaliation
https://reason.com/2019/06/07/short-circuit-a-roundup-recent-federal-court-decisions/

2A: “Washington Gun Owners Face Orwellian Dystopia With Implementation Of I-1639”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/06/washington-gun-owners-face-orwellian-dystopia-with-implementation-of-i-1639/

2A: Supreme Court turns away challenge to federal law requiring registration of silencers; lower court held silencer is an accessory not protected by the Second Amendment
https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/10/politics/silencers-supreme-court/index.html

4A: an initial warrantless search turned up drugs which were then used to apply for a warrant for a second search, upheld because plenty of other evidence supported the warrant application (7th Circuit)
https://reason.com/2019/06/07/short-circuit-a-roundup-recent-federal-court-decisions/

4A: tip that black man was carrying a gun does not justify a police stop; carrying a gun is presumptively lawful (9th Circuit)
https://reason.com/2019/06/07/short-circuit-a-roundup-recent-federal-court-decisions/

6A: California appellate court ducks question whether Muslim garb covering witness’ face violates right of confrontation; decides on facts presented allowing witness to testify partially covered was harmless error
https://reason.com/2019/06/10/does-letting-witness-testify-wearing-partial-veil-violate-the-confrontation-clause/

Separation of Powers: Supreme Court will decide whether to take the case of ‘Frankenstein’ D.C.-area airports authority which is “neither accountable to the federal government nor the states that created it”
https://fedsoc.org/commentary/blog-posts/the-curious-case-of-kerpen-v-mwaa

Copyrights: Supreme Court takes up whether federal cancellation of state immunity for copyright infringement is constitutional
https://patentlyo.com/patent/2019/06/copyright-infringement-constitution.html

“Former Antifa Activist Now Fights for Free Speech on College Campus”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyoIFsNo10k

Sharia and the Constitution series from the United West, Pts 1 and 2
https://www.pipelinenews.org/2019/may/27/islam-in-conflict-with-the-constitution-holding-muslim.html
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https://www.theunitedwest.org/2019/06/04/islam-in-conflict-with-the-constitution-holding-muslim-public-officials-accountable-to-the-8thamendment/

Shame! D.C. gay pride parade bans American flags
https://forward.com/fast-forward/425533/dc-dyke-march-bans-jewish-pride-flag/?fbclid=IwAR16VlD6cBMHxOFEj9jwWsHizI8e4Y6JZ3meLrvFJrICTrITaY1i49G3QFw

Supreme Court Can Run but Can’t Hide from Transgender Bathroom Issue (Constitution news round-up)

6/5/2019

Discrimination: Supreme Court ducked transgender bathroom case but issue isn’t going away; Justice Ginsburg in VMI case and WaPo op-ed wrote in favor of individual privacy.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/05/31/supreme-court-rejects-case-on-transgender-bathrooms-heres-why-its-still-a-huge-issue/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTWpjeU0yRTVZV0kyWVRNMCIsInQiOiJFRWdJWk5vM2ZlS3NCYzFBN3liK3BHdDVyYVEzTitEcStMSW8yU1BzcnlYbjRSUUpnNWM5Z256OEg2bGpFdU45N0ErRlA3NjJmdUdneHczMWZ3aUVNNG1BWm14QytwWmkzT2dHc3kwYllDM1ZKYlB2b0hFd05FbmhadXVYcE9wcSJ9

Electoral College: Nevada Governor vetoes national popular vote bill, noting small states slitting their own throats by trying to skirt the Electoral College
https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/sisolak-vetoes-bill-that-would-pledge-nevadas-support-to-winner-of-national-popular-vote-reject-electoral-college

1A Religion: Catholic foster care agency again challenging city policy forcing child placements with LGBTQ parents
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jun/2/catholic-social-services-fights-philadelphia-lgbtq/

Separation of Powers: 9th Circuit panel hears arguments in Climate Kids case seeking to establish fundamental right to sustainable environment; judge questions whether court has power to grant sweeping relief sought
https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/04/politics/climate-kids-lawsuit-scn/index.html

1A: Supreme Court rejects Pamela Geller transit ad case, sends it back for lower court opinion
https://gellerreport.com/2019/06/supreme-court-rejects-petition-for-afdis-writ-of-certiorari-for-free-speech-case.html/

1A: “Who Owns Your Life Story?” 4th in series of 1A videos released
https://reason.com/2019/05/30/free-speech-rules-my-new-youtube-video-series-episode-4-who-owns-your-life-story-now-out/

1A: Kentucky subpoenas to identify teachers who staged a sick-out to protest at state capital likely not a free speech violation
https://reason.com/2019/05/30/subpoenas-seeking-to-identify-illegally-absent-teachers-likely-dont-violate-the-first-amendment/

1A: law that lets you disclose all the facts in ethics complaint against Montana officials, but not the complaint itself, violates First Amendment
https://reason.com/2019/05/31/short-circuit-a-roundup-of-recent-federal-court-decisions-6/

2A: Qualified noncitizen lawful permanent residents can’t be shut out from concealed carry permits (federal judge in California)
https://pjmedia.com/trending/another-california-gun-policy-doesnt-survive-federal-court/

4A: police had reasonable suspicion to stop a second car apparently driving in tandem with a first car about which a tip had been received as carrying heroin. (6th Circuit)
https://reason.com/2019/05/31/short-circuit-a-roundup-of-recent-federal-court-decisions-6/

5A Eminent Domain: commentary to effect government should not be able to get away with not paying just compensation just because asset not earning positive cash flow at the moment (Love Terminal case)
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/06/private-property-seizure-compensation-fifth-amendment/

8A: “Excessive Fines Clause Applies to Corporations” (Colorado Supreme Court)
https://reason.com/2019/06/03/excessive-fines-clause-applies-to-corporations/

10A: Kamala Harris federal preclearance proposal for state abortion restrictions would upset federal/state balance
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/05/kamala-harriss-plan-curb-state-anti-abortion-laws/590593/

14A Equal Protection: Poisonous civil rights theories push racism under the guise of ‘racial equality’ (check your privilege, equality of outcome, etc.)
https://www.theepochtimes.com/on-the-injustice-of-social-justice_2949217.html

Separation of Powers: House attempts to keep alive federal FGM prosecution under a statute ruled unconstitutional and which the Justice Department has chosen not to defend on appeal
https://reason.com/2019/06/02/can-the-house-of-representatives-continue-a-prosecution-that-the-executive-branch-has-decided-to-drop/

State Constitutions: Alabama Senate unanimously passes amendment to exclude noncitizen voting; measure to appear on 2020 ballot
https://yellowhammernews.com/group-praises-legislature-for-proposed-state-constitutional-amendment-restricting-voting-to-u-s-citizens/

Economic Freedom: 2 court rulings against food trucks overreach in “prohibiting you from operating near your competitors, or tracking you like a criminal out of fear you may sell delicious food to willing customers.”
https://reason.com/2019/05/31/short-circuit-a-roundup-of-recent-federal-court-decisions-6/

State Department commission to examine whether ‘human rights’ offend U.S. concepts of natural law and natural rights
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/06/03/why-liberals-fear-the-state-departments-review-of-the-nature-of-human-rights/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MorningBell&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVdZNU9UQTFNRE0wT1RRMiIsInQiOiJaTFQ5dlg5TW15blgxUUJGUDR0bkNnNk10MkhnamV5a2Qya3g2RkU0K28wUGZ4cnpqK2NyVUIxdjlic0ZoajJJMUJia2hlUm96ZU5YUExIY0kyOG4zdURTSVFTR1FheUh2MW5teFwvRThzNGF1aVE0c2JOWkVTcEJmNGhtbVBhdmYifQ%3D%3D

Shame! Barack Obama asserts “We hold these truths...” comes from the Constitution when in fact it comes from the Declaration of Independence
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/06/obama-misquotes-the-constitution-to-trash-us-in-hateful-brazilian-speech-video/

Kudos! “St Louis Blues Fans Finish National Anthem when Video System Fails”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/05/must-see-video-st-louis-blues-fans-finish-national-anthem-when-intercom-system-fails-then-blues-win-first-stanley-cup-finals-game-ever/

Abortion Front and Center in the Courts (Constitution news round-up)

5/29/2019

14A Fundamental Rights: Supreme Court upholds Indiana law requiring burial or cremation of human remains from abortions (victory for personhood movement)
https://www.lifenews.com/2019/05/28/supreme-court-upholds-pro-life-law-requiring-proper-burial-or-cremation-for-babies-killed-in-abortions/

14A Fundamental Rights: Supreme Court not ready to take on issue of selective abortion on basis of race, gender, disability, etc., but Justice Thomas says Court must confront abortion being used as tool of ‘eugenic manipulation’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/justice-thomas-supreme-court-needs-to-confront-abortion-being-used-as-a-tool-of-eugenic-manipulation_2940874.html

14A: fundamental rights: federal judge blocks implementation of Mississippi’s heartbeat abortion law which was supposed to take effect July 1st.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/24/heartbeat-abortion-federal-judge-blocks-mississippis-law/1227710001/

14A,1A: 20 states, others sue to block Trump rule bolstering conscience protections for healthcare providers refusing to participate in abortions, other procedures
https://www.lifenews.com/2019/05/22/20-states-sue-to-overturn-president-trumps-pro-life-rule-force-doctors-to-do-abortions/
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/05/28/violation-privacy-liberty-dignity-civil-rights-groups-sue-hhs-over-religious-exemption-rule/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.46f3ad95214f

1A Press: stay for political bias lifted, criminal prosecution to proceed against baby parts videographer who exposed Planned Parenthood
https://www.dailywire.com/news/47471/journalists-charged-15-felonies-undercover-videos-amanda-prestigiacomo

1A Press: U.S. charges WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with publishing classified information - first time a publisher has been indicted for printing accurate material.
https://www.apnews.com/89547adf8a8846c3991a4e6c57ce50ef

Discrimination: Supreme Court lets stand Pennsylvania school district’s transgender bathroom policy, turning away bodily privacy arguments
http://www.adfmedia.org/News/PRDetail/10239

Discrimination: Proposed HHS rule would remove Obamacare protections for transgenders
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/trump-hhs-moves-to-roll-back-obamacare-protections-for-transgender-patients

Separation of Powers - federal judge blocks President Trump’s plans to use reallocated Defense Department funds to build the border wall.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/judge-temporarily-blocks-trumps-border-wall-construction-plans

Executive Privilege: here’s a rundown of the Trump v. House Democrats subpoena wars
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-congress-investigations-fac/factbox-courts-poke-holes-in-trumps-stonewall-of-congress-idUSKCN1SY0YC

Electoral College: Nevada legislature passes National Popular Vote compact; Governor has not indicated his position
https://www.avpress.com/opinion/nevada-may-adopt-electoral-vote-change/article_e9590454-81a7-11e9-91d8-572e2a78a3b6.html

1A: free speech rights upheld for anti-Semitic speakers at UMass
https://www.gazettenet.com/Guest-column-Sam-Shaffery-25269448?utm_source=DHGHeadlineAlerts

1A: Missouri city ordinance used to block ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign in front yard likely violates First Amendment
https://reason.com/2019/05/24/short-circuit-a-roundup-of-recent-federal-court-decisions-5/

1A: Savannah tour guide licensing law offends First Amendment; 100-question test amounts to government deciding who gets to speak
https://reason.com/2019/05/24/short-circuit-a-roundup-of-recent-federal-court-decisions-5/

1A: campaign finance law limit on contributions applies to bequests, D.C. Circuit rules; corrupt bargains still possible
https://reason.com/2019/05/24/short-circuit-a-roundup-of-recent-federal-court-decisions-5/

1A Religion: Ohio city won’t compel Catholic school to operate contrary to its religious beliefs in employment, admissions, and other policies
http://www.adfmedia.org/News/PRDetail/10742

Electoral College: state may fine ‘faithless’ presidential electors who go against voters’ wishes
https://reason.com/2019/05/23/state-may-punish-faithless-electors-wash-sup-ct-rules/

“I Didn’t Earn Slavery Reparations, and I Don’t Want Them” - slave ancestor lived the American dream
https://www.wsj.com/articles/i-didnt-earn-slavery-reparations-and-i-dont-want-them-11558732429

Kudos to Santa Barbara City College instructor who recited the Pledge of Allegiance at board of trustees meeting over jeers of faculty, staff, and students
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/05/24/my-fight-for-1-college-to-say-the-pledge-of-allegiance/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MorningBell&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTVdOaU1qazVNR0l6TnpKbSIsInQiOiI5QTBSNmpxSjhNRnN5QVRtbWhxa3pNcUZXNUJwNEp3OGo0MlwvY1wvSGRmWWNuamtnUlVKVVRZU0Rlb0xqWjVDK0JPbTBCSjZydXYrQVlBdk9vK2ZzNzZpZEk0MXN3VzkyWEZPOXFlanRTbVZERndNOVE3WUpkaFFvK1lnQmFZRUJDIn0%3D

Texas asserts sovereignty against Congress (Constitution news round-up)

5/22/2019

10A: Texas asserts sovereignty against Congress, refuses to comply with investigative demands
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/may/16/texas-asserts-sovereign-immunity-against-congress/

1A Religion: Christian student, forced to recite the Islamic conversion creed, petitions Supreme Court to hear her case
https://pjmedia.com/faith/christian-student-forced-to-write-islamic-conversion-creed-appeals-case-to-supreme-court/?fbclid=IwAR3nQr9S4uca1tjYobs36aKCl_rQGTjcg3QdYj9FUantdHoG6kZ0ziu-0EM
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https://www.wnd.com/2019/05/u-s-school-fails-student-for-refusing-to-recite-islamic-prayer/#7IzTb1X1li4HBk4L.99

1A: “White House Won't Sign Global Pact To 'Combat Extremism' Due To 1st Amendment Concerns”
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-05-15/white-house-wont-sign-global-pact-combat-extremism-due-1st-amendment-concerns

8A Cruel and Unusual: 9th Circuit hears case from Idaho transgender inmate demanding sex reassignment surgery
https://www.npr.org/2019/05/16/723583909/court-to-rule-on-sex-reassignment-surgery-for-idaho-inmate

14A Fundamental Rights: federal judge wants to hear more evidence, vacates his own decision striking down Virginia law preventing nurses from performing abortions as undue burden on constitutional right
https://www.lifenews.com/2019/05/15/judge-reverses-his-own-decision-striking-down-virginia-ban-on-nurses-doing-abortions/

“AG Barr blasts federal judges who impose nationwide injunctions”
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/ag-barr-blasts-federal-judges-who-impose-nationwide-injunctions

1A: courts split on whether state anti-BDS laws violate the First Amendment
https://www.wsj.com/articles/state-efforts-to-quell-israel-boycott-movement-raise-free-speech-objections-11557943165?mod=hp_listb_pos1

1A: residential sign ordinance unconstitutionally overbroad; effectively outlawed Welcome Home banners, Happy Birthday balloons, security stickers, and Christmas lights
https://reason.com/2019/05/21/restriction-on-signs-on-residential-property-violates-first-amendment/

Free Expression: Ontario anti-hate bill could outlaw all public demonstrations by Christians (deemed offensive by Islamists, LGBT, etc.)
https://bigleaguepolitics.com/canada-moves-to-ban-christians-from-demonstrating-in-public-under-new-anti-hate-proposal/

Free Expression: Giving primacy to diversity has hurt free expression - safe spaces, speech codes, censorship of ideas, etc.
https://www.lawliberty.org/2019/05/15/how-the-diversity-mission-has-limited-free-expression-on-campus/

1A Press: raid on San Fran freelancer’s home looking for name of source raises questions under California journalist shield law
https://reason.com/2019/05/15/police-raid-on-journalists-home-has-grave-first-amendment-implications/

2A: California bill would expand red flag law to allow co-workers, employers, and faculty to request court to take guns away
https://pjmedia.com/trending/ca-dems-legalizing-soviet-style-reporting-of-legal-gun-owning-co-workers/

“New York Wants To Force All Gun Owners To Buy A Million Dollar Liability Policy”
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-05-09/new-york-wants-force-all-gun-owners-buy-million-dollar-liability-policy

Double Jeopardy: bill to allow state charges against someone receiving a presidential pardon advances in New York
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/05/21/New-York-Assembly-passes-bill-closing-double-jeopardy-loophole/9901558485944/?mph=4

5A Takings: is airport terminal worth the $17 million it cost to build it or $0 because it had yet to turn a profit?
https://fedsoc.org/events/government-takings-litigation-update-through-the-lens-of-love-terminal

5A Takings: pipeline companies taking land under court orders but not paying owners for years; Supreme Court asked to hear case on ‘take first and pay later’ condemnations
}https://www.forbes.com/sites/instituteforjustice/2019/05/13/the-supreme-court-should-end-pipeline-companies-build-first-pay-later-use-of-eminent-domain/#46d1ca7e6cc9

Economic Freedom: Florida bill aims to reduce crime by reducing occupational licensing requirements which make it harder for ex-cons to find work
https://ij.org/press-release/florida-legislature-passes-fresh-start-amendment-to-clear-the-path-to-jobs-for-individuals-with-criminal-records/

19A: it’s the 100th anniversary of the House passage of women’s right to vote
https://www.heritage.org/press/heritage-president-celebrates-the-centennial-the-19th-amendments-passage-the-house

14A: Plessy ‘separate but equal’ decision one of Supreme Court’s worst ever
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/plessys-place-in-the-list-of-worst-supreme-court-decisions

Kudos! Boy from Navy family arranges discount at Lowe’s so more of his neighbors can fly American flag
https://wtkr.com/2019/05/13/chesapeake-boy-takes-action-to-spread-patriotism/

Shame! Co-captain of United States Women’s national soccer team stomps her little foot, says she’ll probably never sing the National Anthem again because this President makes her so mad
https://www.dailywire.com/news/47169/us-womens-soccer-co-captain-ill-probably-never-hank-berrien

Alabama Outlawing Abortion - Direct Challenge to Roe (Constitution news round-up)

5/15/2019

14A Fundamental Rights: legislation banning most abortions in Alabama awaits Governor’s signature; measure is meant as a direct challenge to the Supreme Court’s Roe versus Wade decision.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7029921/Alabama-Senate-debates-bill-banning-nearly-abortions.html

11A: Supreme Court overturns precedent, bars suits against states in the courts of other states; implications for overturning Roe v. Wade
https://www.theepochtimes.com/supreme-court-decides-states-may-not-be-sued-in-other-states-courts_2923931.html

1A: Texas town stands up against Freedom From Religion Foundation bullies, keeps crosses on courthouse
https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-town-defies-groups-call-to-remove-courthouse-crosses_2923820.html

1A: First Amendment protects ‘I eat a**’ bumper sticker, prof argues
https://reason.com/2019/05/08/yes-the-first-amendment-protects-i-eat-ass-bumper-stickers/

Free Expression: Canadian father subject to arrest if he uses ‘wrong’ gender pronoun in describing his trans child
https://thefederalist.com/2019/04/29/authorities-arrest-canadian-father-refers-trans-child-real-sex/

Free Expression: candidate for judgeship loses nomination, gets fired from his law firm for being a conservative
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/05/crushed_by_the_leftist_juggernaut_one_lawyers_story.html

2A: Arizona legalizes nunchucks
https://www.npr.org/2019/05/12/722632580/in-arizona-its-no-longer-a-felony-to-own-nunchucks

5A Eminent Domain: Baltimore is failing because it does not respect property rights. Seize the Preakness - really?
https://www.lawliberty.org/2019/05/14/property-rights-matter-lessons-from-a-failing-city/

5A,4A: allowing union organizers on agricultural land is not a Fifth Amendment ‘taking’ or a Fourth Amendment ‘seizure’ (9th Circuit)
http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2019/05/08/16-16321.pdf

8A: “death row inmates’ long-term detention in conditions amounting to solitary confinement created a ‘substantial risk’ of psychological and emotional harm” (4th Circuit)
http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/186257.P.pdf

8A: Florida man sues gangster-city over $30,000 in fines for not mowing the lawn
https://ij.org/press-release/florida-man-could-lose-his-home-for-having-long-grass/

Discrimination: Miami’s lawsuit against banks for predatory lending to black and Latino homebuyers may proceed; city plausibly alleges disproportionate defaults and hit to tax base from banks’ practices (11th Circuit)
http://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/201414544.rem.pdf

14A Due Process: dismissing administrative appeal after litigant relied on the agency’s guidance for proper procedure is a denial of due process (Texas Supreme Court)
https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1444021/170345.pdf

Former Virginia lawmaker Bob Marshall pens book on how to reclaim the Republic
https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/32241-reclaiming-the-republic-robert-g-marshal

No, the trivial garbage the House Dems keep bringing up is not a ‘constitutional crisis’
https://reason.com/2019/05/09/wishing-for-a-constitutional-crisis/

500 Scholars and Writers Sign Statement Promoting Campus Free Speech (Constitution news round-up)

5/8/2019

1A: Scholars, writers issue statement promoting campus free speech (you can still sign; more than 500 have)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/scholars-writers-launch-battle-for-campus-free-speech
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https://www.nas.org/articles/free_to_speak_reforming_the_higher_education_act?mid=39948&id=T15OuHulZKxtwhqSTA

1A: San Francisco sues to force doctors to perform abortions and other procedures against their conscience
https://www.lifenews.com/2019/05/03/san-francisco-sues-to-overturn-new-trump-rules-and-force-doctors-and-nurses-to-do-abortions/

1A Religion: injection of Buddhist-inspired ‘mindfulness’ practices into schools is an unconstitutional establishment of religion, conservative group argues
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/05/07/Conservative-legal-group-challenges-mindfulness-in-schools/1281557252128/?ts_fn=1

2A: U.S. pulls out of Obama-era UN arms treaty
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/04/26/trump-scraps-obama-era-u-n-arms-treaty-opposed-by-2nd-amendment-backers/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CapitolBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTTJJMU9EUTFaV1ppTmpndyIsInQiOiIzZ1RBNmM4U1BET2VJcUhhNnd0bE96K2pjT2JDOEE3WXdDaEtOOHJyWFBnc1wvRGcrYURGVE1GN3cxSFRDQkpoSEhwSWN4SnRoVHhMVnlaOTg5MDBOZFc0dDVqUXRCSDY3YmRwVEZZRWErcHhBXC9GMzlEWWJzQitYblwvdFp0K3d5TSJ9

2A: “Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Moves to Impeach ‘Rogue’ Pittsburgh Mayor Over Gun Control Measures”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/05/pennsylvania-gop-rep-moves-to-impeach-rogue-pittsburgh-mayor-over-gun-control-measures-that-violate-the-constitution/

8A: federal appeals court rules prison must give inmate addiction treatment
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/05/04/719805278/setting-precedent-a-federal-court-rules-jail-must-give-inmate-addiction-treatmen

4A: Supreme Court is asked to take case of 4-year-old girl who was strip-searched; case could be occasion to refine tangled ‘qualified immunity’ doctrine
https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2019/05/06/strip-search-case-could-reshape-supreme-courts-immunity-doctrine/?slreturn=20190408114312

5A Vagueness: Supreme Court decision from last term hampering federal prosecutions of young terror suspects
https://www.apnews.com/69a0da9349364db094066f83b4517d8b

14A Fundamental Rights: federal judge strikes down Virginia law preventing nurses from performing abortions as undue burden on constitutional right
https://www.lifenews.com/2019/05/07/federal-court-strikes-down-virginia-law-prohibiting-nurses-from-aborting-babies/

1A: Immigration rights activist successfully argues unconstitutional retaliation for protected speech when ICE tries to deport him.
https://ij.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/18-1597_complete_opn.pdf

1A: students have a constitutional right to call for their principal to be fired
https://reason.com/2019/05/01/first-amendment-protects-nondisruptive-student-speech-calling-for-principal-to-be-fired/

1A: podcast considers whether what Assange did was protected journalism or cyber-crime
https://constitutioncenter.org/debate/podcasts/the-julian-assange-indictment-and-the-first-amendment

1A: House of Representatives can insist its daily prayer be religious in nature, not atheist
https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/opinions.nsf/0/6DF98786C32D5A24852583E1004D436F/$file/17-5278.pdf

2A: website not liable for allowing searches for private-seller gun ads
https://reason.com/2019/05/01/armslist-not-liable-for-allowing-searches-for-private-seller-gun-ads/

4A: chalking tires for parking enforcement is a ‘search’ but may be allowable under various exceptions to warrant requirement
https://reason.com/2019/04/23/chalking-tires-and-the-fourth-amendment/

6A: right to a public trial is not absolute; courtroom can be cleared of the public to accommodate Muslim witness who refused to take off veil otherwise
https://reason.com/2019/04/18/can-veil-wearing-witnesses-religious-freedom-rights-trump-public-trial-clause-first-amendment-rights/

14A: Circuit split on whether ban on toplessness for women violates Equal Protection
https://reason.com/2019/05/06/ban-on-toplessness-for-women-doesnt-violate-the-equal-protection-clause/

State Constitution: “Kansas Supreme Court Rules State Constitution Protects Right To Abortion”
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/26/717449336/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion

Article argues Congress is the supreme branch of government, as it should be in a Republic of self-governing people
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/01/congress-supreme-branch-of-government-not-coequal/?fbclid=IwAR14cDp3c-ag3S60roaYXx7Xct-6xj3KVTmDqxFNFl4gUIGsh4iWyvU15Xg

Ninth Circuit upholds California’s sanctuary state laws (Constitution news round-up)

4/25/2019

10A: Ninth Circuit upholds California’s sanctuary state laws, cites anti-commandeering principle
https://reason.com/2019/04/18/federal-appellate-court-rules-against-trump-administration-on-most-issues-in-california-sanctuary-state-case/

1A: California Supreme Court suspends prosecution against undercover baby parts videomaker because of political bias and selective prosecution
https://www.lifenews.com/2019/04/22/california-supreme-court-stops-hearing-against-david-daleiden-over-political-bias-and-selective-prosecution/

1A: Seattle transit authority bans all political and religious ads after losing in court to Pamela Geller on terrorist ads
https://gellerreport.com/2019/04/leftwing-seattle-bans-free-speech.html/

1A Religion v. Discrimination: 3rd Circuit upholds Philadelphia’s ban on Catholic agency serving in foster-care system because of its views on marriage
https://freebeacon.com/issues/federal-court-rules-against-catholic-foster-care-agency-punished-by-philadelphia-for-its-religious-beliefs/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=bb7f875fe7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_19_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-bb7f875fe7-45628225

4A: outlier Washington Supreme Court holds one may be convicted of obstruction of justice for refusing police entry without a warrant
https://www.dailywire.com/news/46277/washington-man-refused-let-cops-his-home-without-ashe-schow?utm_source=shapironewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=042319-news&utm_campaign=position3

Foreign Law: Illinois court should not have deferred to Muslim divorce decree from India because procedures there lacked basic due process rights (rights to notice and opportunity to be heard)
https://reason.com/2019/04/24/the-trial-court-did-not-consider-american-law-and-fundamental-precepts-of-due-process/

1A: Sheriff’s department cannot engage in viewpoint discrimination by threatening Facebook users who post unfavorable comments.
http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/18/18-10238-CV0.pdf

Free Expression: the concerted effort by the Left and the Islamists to silence free speech threatens our Republic
https://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2019/04/18/truth-and-the-ability-to-speak-it-under-direct-attack/

1A,2A: NRA challenges Los Angeles ordinance requiring contractors to disclose ties to group
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716932727/nra-sues-over-la-law-requiring-contractors-to-disclose-ties-to-the-gun-rights-gr

4A: DEA’s bulk data collection program on people who bought money counters led to the seizure of $50 million despite the fact the vast majority of purchasers were never shown to be connected to drug activity
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicksibilla/2019/04/09/federal-audit-secret-surveillance-program-helped-dea-seize-over-50-million-in-cash-and-real-estate/#53cfc64f37de

Shame! - shame on Joe Biden for saying illegal aliens are already American citizens. Your citizenship obviously doesn’t mean anything to you, Joe.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/04/watch-joe-biden-says-illegal-aliens-are-already-american-citizens/

Justice Department Won’t Appeal FGM Case (Constitution news round-up)

4/17/2019

Commerce Clause: Justice Department won’t appeal lower court decision blocking federal female genital mutilation prosecutions as unconstitutional (States, it’s up to you or we have sharia, it’s that simple.)
https://reason.com/2019/04/15/justice-department-decides-not-to-appeal-court-ruling-striking-down-federal-law-banning-female-genital-mutilation/

1A: Kentucky ultrasound informed-consent abortion law upheld over First Amendment objections by doctors (6th Circuit)
https://eppc.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be333e74ea841be93db60da61&id=b9b3759781&e=1ef79b0654

1A: Do we really want to go down the road of compelled speech in this country? We will if the jack-booted thugs have their way on transgenderism (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn5opUFNs-I&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0Gq71mhWt3BitcL2x85UQSOHzn3giCBkY7vc20LdXxHfMF-UC9KPNU4ds

1A: “Fake News and the First Amendment: Free Speech Rules” (Volokh video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uWzNDKtp9w

2A: Sandy Hook gun manufacturer takes steps to appeal ruling federal immunity statute unavailable (argument made manufacturer broke state law by glorifying illegal uses for its products)
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/04/10/gunmaker-will-appeal-to-the-supreme-court-in-sandy-hook-victims-lawsuit/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CapitolBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTldVd01HVmhPR1prTVdFeSIsInQiOiJFS0lDXC9wQ1wvUmtnVzZIRXVVdHh1S08rcXU0OFp2MkFTTkdHSUQrSDRrWDNVRXNyVk00RmpYNXd5S1U3aGQ3cnFjZkJaM2pnMlRZOHlYc1FFcWZWSnhwYUdiVGxqRmhmdlM5MXpwSzF1Rk1Mdyt4eWJDK1dZbm5WOGJrZTg2cVE5In0%3D

2A: East St. Louis Housing Authority agrees to allow public housing residents to possess guns
https://reason.com/2019/04/13/the-second-amendment-in-public-housing/

4A: ‘reverse location’ warrants which sweep up data for hundreds or thousands of cell phone users raise constitutional questions
https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/courts-authorizing-reverse-location-warrants-in-virginia/

Discrimination: landlords can lawfully decline Section 8 housing vouchers, despite disparate impact theory (disproportionate effect on minorities)
http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/17/17-10943-CV0.pdf

Trademarks based on some racial slurs are OK but others are beyond the pale, and now the Supreme Court is wrestling with whether the same should be true for swear words.
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/16/713632552/supreme-court-dances-around-the-f-word-with-real-potential-financial-consequence

Economic Freedom: challenge mounted to Nashville probation on home-based businesses (piano lessons, recording studios, hair care, etc.)
https://reason.com/2019/04/09/nashville-home-recording-studio-ban/

Delaware and New Mexico join National Popular Vote Compact (Constitution news round-up)

4/10/2019

Electoral College: Delaware and New Mexico join National Popular Vote compact
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/436338-delaware-gov-signs-bill-to-bill-to-give-electoral-college-votes-to-popular
+
https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/04/04/new-mexico-rejects-electoral-college-joins-popular-vote-compact/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CapitolBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1dWaFl6STBOR05rWTJWbCIsInQiOiJUNjhFWHJEZUhrWk5id2JpZzA1OW91dHdEOHlrUjFQRitNcFlRZUZsWmxiOTd1ZmxGV05reVhFZlFES0huS2dOSzBjanRMcFVZUG8ySVZmc2E1cnZFR2QxS01HXC9BZWJBOHM4RWFSaytQTE5YY3NuRHpTeWQ1dmUwd3JcL1JPZGxJIn0%3D

Shame on CNN! The electoral college did NOT have anything to do with slavery and Madison did NOT call it ‘evil’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq4GYe8Ys_Q&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MorningBell%22&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTWpkall6QmpOR1UwTldJMCIsInQiOiJadUtCbzhQM1p5RjIxeXRzWE5tdDNGbVREUkdOYlNoNTBaZEwyNEl6STFsVGdneWdvT0hzbmRVR1wveGJMQ09aMlwvQWxScW0rY1FFMzN0MDdpTG8zSGRkVXBMWXM4cndkVlNmWGJGU1VwUXBFbmdYM21hVm1TaUlINThIOGVlNzJUIn0%3D

Discrimination: female Muslim soldier planning to sue Army after being told to remove hijab to see if hair conformed to regulations
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/04/here-we-go-muslim-soldier-plans-to-sue-army-over-hijab-after-she-is-caught-breaking-rules/

1A: ACLU suing on behalf of former intelligence agency operatives challenging pre-publication review of their books
https://theintercept.com/2019/04/02/prepublication-review-government/

1A: 9th Circuit denies en banc review of decision requiring charities to turn over lists of their donors to California officials, despite district court finding state can’t keep donor names secure
http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2019/03/29/16-55727.pdf

Creation of ‘hate group’ monitoring units by Michigan and Minnesota AGs raises free expression concerns.
https://leohohmann.com/2019/03/30/minnesotas-muslim-ag-may-get-opportunity-to-enforce-islamic-blasphemy-laws-on-remnant-of-patriots/
+
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/02/22/ag-department-civil-rights-document-prosecute-hate-crimes/2954169002/

Free Expression: “Germany’s Top Muslim Organization Calls for ‘Islamophobia’ Czar”
https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/04/germanys-top-muslim-organization-calls-for-islamophobia-czar/

1A Free Press: House Dems second-guessing Fox decision not to run a story about a Trump affair, demand reporter’s documents
https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2019/04/02/house-democrats-want-oversight-over-fox-news-editorial-decisions/

1A Free Press: Republican bill in Georgia would establish journalism ethics board; critics call it Orwellian
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/a-board-to-oversee-georgia-journalists-sounds-like-orwellian-fiction-the-proposal-is-all-too-real/2019/04/08/dffcd33a-5a16-11e9-842d-7d3ed7eb3957_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6045fd2ff4cf

2A: bump stocks are essentially machine guns which are illegal; preliminary injunction while challenge to Trump administration bump stock rule denied (D.C. Circuit)
https://iam.ij.org/2WIQAut

2A: court blocks sale of 10-round clips as California appeals earlier ruling knocking down magazine ban
https://freebeacon.com/issues/ruling-against-calif-magazine-ban-partially-blocked-as-case-moves-forward/?utm_source=Freedom+Mail&utm_campaign=14f567edea-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_04_05_07_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b5e6e0e9ea-14f567edea-45628225

5A Self-Incrimination: law review article examines whether suspects can be compelled to enter a password to decrypt a locked phone, computer, or file.
http://reason.com/volokh/2019/04/05/final-version-compelled-decryption-and-t

14A Due Process: homeowners win first round in excessive ticketing ‘policing for profit’ case in Georgia
https://ij.org/press-release/doraville-homeowners-win-round-one-in-lawsuit-challenging-citys-overzealous-ticketing-scheme/

Preamble: Bernie Sanders supporters claim General Welfare clause makes the U.S. a socialist country. Sure, and I’m the tooth fairy.
https://www

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