U.S. bishops are defending an Illinois law that permits government employees to join together in bargaining units and, by majority vote, designate a union to collectively represent them in contract negotiations and employment disputes.
Supreme Court
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Inaction and opportunity on gun laws around the country
Gun control advocates focus on “A.B.C.” initiatives: “A” for assault weapon and ammunition bans; “B” for background check enhancement; and “C” for closing the gun show and private sale loopholes that permit buyers to avoid existing federal checks.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Supreme Court to hear case on free speech, abortion and crisis pregnancy centers
It will be the first abortion-related case heard by the court with Neil Gorsuch on the bench.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
First Amendment may protect Trump tweets against N.F.L. protests
The president’s campaign to define—and enforce—patriotism poses constitutional questions for chief executives and football players alike.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in death penalty case
Ayestas, an immigrant from Honduras, was sentenced to death for strangling a woman after an apparent burglary in her home in Houston.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Thurgood Marshall gets the superhero treatment in new biopic
He might get a shotgun escort when he leaves town, but Thurgood Marshall is the Lone Ranger of civil rights.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
How the new Supreme Court term will impact the future of immigration, religious freedom and more
The court is scheduled to hear cases relating to immigration, religious freedom, federalism, voting, employee rights and federal court jurisdiction over foreign governments and corporations.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Will lower courts restrict same-sex marriage’s legal influence?
Controversial decisions, such as Brown v. Board of Education (school desegregation), Roe v. Wade (abortion) and, most recently, Obergefell v. Hodges (same-sex marriage), often are challenged for decades by opponents seeking their reversal or limitation.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Jesuit Refugee Service chief: refugee placements may pass muster under SCOTUS ruling
“This is a pretty broad exception to the ban,” David Robinson says, “and it does allow for legitimate entry into the United States for people who can pass the screening process, which is what we want.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Religious freedom supporters are applauding Supreme Court decision on Lutheran school
The high court, in a 7-2 ruling in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, sided with the religious school.