The Catholic Church is currently campaigning against California’s proposed changes to its mandatory child abuse reporting law.
Ellen K. Boegel
Ellen K. Boegel is America’s contributing editor for legal affairs.
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
The Supreme Court may undo Roe v. Wade—if a majority can agree on the right reason
The Supreme Court has overruled longstanding precedents before, writes Ellen K. Boegel, but usually to end the confusion or chaos from an ‘erroneous’ decision. Will a majority describe Roe v. Wade that way?
Posted inExplainer, Politics & Society
Explainer: Measles, vaccines, religious exemptions
Every parent wants happy and healthy children, but unless we literally live on a deserted island, we are “a part of the main” and owe an obligation to our neighbors to protect them as well as ourselves.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
What does ‘abortion’ mean? Some states have very different answers
Medical “advances” have made the simple act of human reproduction bafflingly complex, and inconsistent vocabulary adds to the difficulty of debating pro-life issues. Here is a guide to essential terms.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Will a 40-foot cross finally push the Supreme Court to revisit public religious displays?
The case gives the court an opportunity to clarify the test used to determine when government-sponsored religious displays violate the First Amendment.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Are health and safety laws violating the equal rights of the homeless?
We may not treat those who live on a park bench and Park Avenue as equals, but the Constitution reminds us that we should.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Donald Trump and the complicated diplomacy of deportation
The Trump administration is using every tool imaginable to deter immigration, but he needs court approval and international cooperation from countries like Mexico to significantly increase deportations.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
The free press gets on the president’s nerves. It’s supposed to.
A recent disruption of the balance of power between a chief executive and the Fourth Estate was the Trump administration’s revocation of CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s White House “hard pass.” The action was met by unanimous opposition from the press.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Should we shut down social media sites that spread hate and advocate violence?
“Trump’s words may arguably have had a tendency to encourage unlawful use of force, but they did not specifically advocate for listeners to take unlawful action.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Five questions (and answers) about Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court Nomination
The president is free to nominate to the Supreme Court whomever he or she thinks is best, but there should be some character and fitness requirements to maintain respect for our government.