NPR Coverage of the 2002-03 Term
of the US Supreme Court

 

*** end of the term blitz***

The Centrality of O'Connor and Thomas in the 2002 Term
NPR's Nina Totenberg examines the pivotal roles played by Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Clarence Thomas during the court term that concluded on June 26. Justice O'Connor cast the deciding fifth vote in four cases and wrote the majority opinion upholding the University of Michigan's affirmative action program. Justice Thomas wrote an angry dissenting opinion in the Michigan case and a separate, dissenting opinion in the Texas sodomy law case.  Morning Edition, 7 July 2003.

Review of Major Decisions
Supreme Court justices will leave Washington this week, ending a nine-month term that resulted in a drastically altered legal landscape. In their final week, the justices surprised many court observers in declaring that race can be used in university admission decisions and ruling that the court had been wrong in 1986 in upholding state anti-sodomy laws. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.  Morning Edition, 3 July 2003.

Term Review and Perspectives
Legal scholars agree recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action and gay sex are major landmarks. But the full effect of the decisions awaits the test of time. Meanwhile, President Bush anticipates the potential resignation of key justices. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and Weekend Edition legal adviser Mimi Wesson. Sunday Weekend Edition, 29 June 2003.

Review of Term
The U.S. Supreme Court concludes a busy session with several major decisions. Justices support affirmative action in the university admissions process, elminate a Texas law banning gay sex and shore up standards for adequate legal defense. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Nina Totenberg. Saturday Weekend Edition, 28 June.

End of the Term wrap up
The U.S. Supreme Court wrap up its term with important decisions on subjects ranging from child molestation to the death penalty. The justices also strike down a Texas law that makes it a crime for people of the same gender to engage in private consensual sex. The high court found that the law violates the constitutional right to privacy. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  Morning Edition, 27 June 2003.

Texas reaction to the Lawrence case
Reaction is mixed among Texans to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that strikes down that state's anti-sodomy law. The plaintiffs and their supporters say the ruling is a major victory for gay and lesbian rights. The Eagle Forum, a conservative group, says the decision undermines family values and majority rule in Texas. Jack Williams of member station KUHF reports. Morning Edition, 27 June 2003.

The final five-- the Supremes wrap up their 2002 Term
The Supreme Court concludes its current term with a blizzard of decisions, striking down a Texas law that banned consensual sex among homosexuals and overturning the death sentence of a Maryland man who argued he had inadequate legal representation. Justices also ruled that states can't extend the statute of limitation for past sex crimes. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.   All Things Considered, 26 June 2003

Texas sodomy statute struck down
NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on Thursday's Supreme Court ruling striking down state laws that ban private, consensual homosexual acts. Writing for the 6 to 3 majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy based the ruling on a right to privacy. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the minority that, in his words, "the court has largely signed on to the so-called homosexual agenda." In a separate opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas called the Texas law that was struck down today "silly," but said he finds no general right to privacy in the Constitution.   All Things Considered, 26 June 2003

The rubble bounces... aftermath of Gratz and Bollinger
The Supreme Court rules that minority college applicants may be given an edge when applying for admissions, but limits how great a factor race can play. University presidents around the country say the decision upholding the University of Michigan Law School's admission program provides a long-needed model for how to create affirmative action programs that will stand up in court. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg. Morning Edition, 24 June 2003.

Blocking the Web in Libraries
The Supreme Court upholds a federal law requiring libraries that receive federal funding to install Internet filters blocking pornography. The American Library Association says the Children's Internet Protection Act amounts to censorship. It also predicts many libraries will give up federal subsidies rather than accept the ruling. Hear NPR's Elaine Korry.  Morning Edition, 24 June 2003.

Powell's Bakke governs: SC hands the U of Michigan a split decision
NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on Monday's decisions by the Supreme Court upholding universities' right to favor minority student applicants. The justices ruled that campus diversity is important to education, and the government has a compelling interest in promoting it. The court, voting 6-3, struck down a point system for applicants that was used by the University of Michigan for undergraduate admissions. But by a 5-4 margin, the justices upheld Michigan's law school program, which didn't award points, but sought to admit a so-called "critical mass" of minorities. All Things Considered, 23 June 2003

Supremes uphold internent filters on library computers.
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that Congress can compel the use of filters to screen out pornography in the nation's public libraries. The 6-to-3 ruling reinstates a law requiring such filters as a condition for receiving federal funds. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.  All Things Considered, 23 June 2003

California "holocaust restitution" law struck down
Michele Norris talks with Michael Bazyler, professor of law at Whittier Law School, and author of Holocaust Justice: The Legal Battle for Restitution in America's Courts, about Monday's Supreme Court ruling against a California law intended to help Holocaust survivors and their heirs collect on insurance policies written between 1920 and 1945. All Things Considered, 23 June 2003

Supreme Court Run Down -- forced medication and campaign finance
The Supreme Court is down to the final weeks of its annual term and clearing its case file for summer recess. Monday it released rulings in several cases, including one setting limits on the use of drugs to enable certain defendants to stand trial. The court also decided that laws barring direct campaign contributions from corporations apply to non-profits. Michele Norris talks about the waning days of the term with NPR's Nina Totenberg.  All Things Considered, 16 June.

High Court Ruling Clarifies Trademark Rules on Video
The Supreme Court rules that companies cannot be sued for repackaging information in the public domain without crediting the company that created it. The case involved a video based on repurposed war footage originally produced by 20th Century Fox. Legal experts say the ruling has wider implications for copyrighted works. All Things Considered, 2 June 2003.

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On Miranda and Families
The Supreme Court upholds a federal law that allows state workers to sue for financial damages when they are denied unpaid leave to care for sick family members. In another ruling, the court rules a police officer did not violate the rights of a wounded suspect who was not read his Miranda rights and was questioned while being treated for life-threatening wounds. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.  Morning Edition, 28 May 2003.

High Court Upholds Family Leave for State Workers
The Supreme Court upholds a federal law that allows state workers to sue for financial damages when they are denied unpaid leave to care for sick family members. The court's 6-to-3 ruling departs sharply from a previous line of rulings that expanded states' rights. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 27 May 2003.

High Court OKs Maine Plan to Lower Drug Prices
The U.S. Supreme Court upholds a Maine program intended to lower the cost of prescription drugs for the state's uninsured residents. The drug industry had argued the program violated federal Medicaid law. Analysts say other states are likely to follow Maine's lead. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner. Morning Edition, 20 May 2003.

High Court OKs Maine Plan to Lower Drug Prices
The U.S. Supreme Court upholds a Maine law requiring drug companies to negotiate lower prescription-drug prices for the state's uninsured residents. The drug industry strongly opposes the law, which allows Maine to leverage its power as a bulk buyer of drugs for Medicaid. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 19 May 2003.

 

Justices OK Detentions for Criminal Immigrants

A sharply divided Supreme Court upholds a 1996 law requiring that legal immigrants who have criminal records be detained while awaiting deportation hearings, even in cases where the government concedes there is no risk of flight from justice or of a danger posed to society. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg. Morning Edition, 2 April 2003.
 

High Court Refuses to Ponder S. Carolina Abortion Law

NPR's Kathy Lohr reports that the Supreme Court refuses to hear a case regarding a South Carolina abortion law. The law allows the state to inspect and copy patient records at clinics where abortions are performed. All Things Considered, 29 April 2003.
 

High Court Upholds Incarceration of Immigrants Set for Deportation

The Supreme Court upholds a law that requires immigrants convicted of certain crimes to be jailed while awaiting deportation hearings. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports the 5-4 majority opinion says Congress was justified in denying immigrants freedom on bond, because of the concern they would commit other crimes or not show up for hearings.  All Things Considered, 29 April 2003.
 

Supreme Court Hears Nike Arguments

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on the arguments before the Supreme Court today in a free speech case involving athletic shoe maker Nike. An activist wants to sue Nike under false advertising laws for denying its products are made in factories that employ sweatshop conditions. Nike has denied using such factories, and says it can't be sued regardless whether its statements are true or false. Nike says the statements are covered under the guarantee of free speech.   All Things Considered, 23 April 2003
 

Sneakers in the Court

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a first-amendment case against Nike, the world's largest manufacturer of athletic equipment and apparel. At issue is whether Nike can be sued over a PR campaign to offset allegations that Nike's overseas workers were subjected to sweatshop conditions. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.  Morning Edition, 23 April 2003
 

High Court Sets Limits on Punitive Damage Awards

The U.S. Supreme Court rules that punitive damages must be proportionate to the harm suffered, overturning a $145 million award against State Farm for its handling of an auto-accident claim. The court says "excessive" damages violate the constitutional principles of due process. Hear NPR's Jim Zarroli. Morning Edition, 8 April 2003.
 

Supreme Court Overturns Punitive Damage Award

The Supreme Court overturns a $145 million punitive damage award against State Farm Insurance. The court found the award "excessive" and a violation of due-process principles. Business groups have long complained about spiraling punitive-damage awards and were quick to praise the decision. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports. All Things Considered, 7 April 2003.
 

High Court Upholds Cross-Burning Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court upholds a Va. law that bans cross burning. The law considers the act a form of intimidation, and the court says cross burning can be banned where it can be shown that the intent was to intimidate. A cross-burning at a rally -- albeit a racist rally -- would not qualify as intimidation. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 7 April 2003.
 

Supreme Court Divided on Affirmative Action Cases

Following arguments in two cases that challenge a University of Michigan policy that considers race in admissions, the Supreme Court appears evenly split on the issue. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who signals she believes race can be one of many factors used in choosing among many qualified applicants, is viewed as the decisive swing vote. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.  Morning Edition, 2 April 2003.
 

Oral Arguments in the Gutter v. Bollinger (2003) and Gratz v. Bollinger cases.
NPR link.

High Court Begins Debate on Affirmative Action

The Supreme Court hears arguments on two related lawsuits that challenge a policy at the University of Michigan that considers race in admitting new students. The cases test whether the university is allowed to discriminate because it values diversity in its student body, or whether discrimination is only justified to reverse past racial injustice. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.   All Things Considered, 1 April 2003.
 

Justices to Hear Affirmative Action Arguments

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases testing affirmative action in higher education. Three white students who have challenged the University of Michigan's admissions programs allege the university uses a quota system that unfairly benefits minority applicants. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg. Morning Edition, 1 April 2003.

Michigan Affirmative Action Case -- Select History and News Reports

High Court to Consider Tribal Sovereignty Case

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in a California case that may define the boundaries of Native American tribal sovereignty. At issue is whether local law enforcement officials can force tribal governments to turn over evidence in criminal investigations. NPR's Andy Bowers reports. Morning Edition, 31 March 2003.
 

High Court Reviews State Ban on Homosexual Sex

The Supreme Court hears a case testing state laws that make it a crime for consenting adults to engage in private homosexual conduct. In 1986, the Court upheld such laws by a narrow 5-to-4 vote. Justices now consider whether to reverse the previous ruling. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. All Things Considered, 26 March 2003.

Supremes Take on Anti-Sodomy Laws Aimed at Homosexuals
NPR's Nina Totenberg reports a major gay rights case goes before the U.S. Supreme Court today. Nearly five years ago, two men were arrested and charged with violating the Texas homosexual conduct law. Morning Edition, 26 March 2003.

High Court Hears Arguments on Campaign Finance

The Supreme Court hears arguments concerning an aspect of the campaign finance law. An anti-abortion group argues that -- as a non-profit -- it should not be covered by a law limiting campaign donations. The question is not affected by the McCain-Feingold law, currently under review by a federal appeals court. That court is taking longer than expected to reach a decision, casting doubt on whether the Supreme Court will be able to consider the case this term. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. All Things Considered, 25 March 2003.
 

Security, Wiretaps and the A.C.L.U.

The Supreme Court will not hear an appeal of a case on the scope of the government's wiretapping authority. The American Civil Liberties Union had hoped the court would review a ruling by a secret appeals court that expanded the government's powers to search and surveil in terror and espionage investigations. Civil liberties groups say someone needs to keep a closer eye on the Justice Department, because they believe the government is already stepping up surveillance. NPR's Larry Abramson reports. All Things Considered, 26 March 2003.

"Megan's Laws Upheld
The Supreme Court upholds "Megan's law," ruling that states can post sex offenders' photos and other personal information on the Internet. Justices say public notification is a regulation aimed at protecting public safety. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. Morning Edition, 6 March 2003.

Three Strikes & "Megan's" Laws Upheld
The Supreme Court upholds California's "three strikes and you're out" law aimed at repeat offenders. Justices say it doesn't violate the Constitution to put a three-time felon in prison for life, even if the third offense is relatively minor. Also, Megan's laws upheld.   NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. All Things Considered, 5 March 2003.

Libraries, Porn, and the Internet
The Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether libraries that receive federal funding for technology should be required to filter out pornography on their Internet-connected computers. Last May, a federal appeals court ruled the Children's Internet Protection Act unconstitutional. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.   Morning Edition, 5 March 2003.

Victor Can Keep His "Little Secret"
NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on today's Supreme Court ruling in a trademark infringement case. Lingerie store chain Victoria's Secret had sued Victor's Little Secret, a store in Elizabethtown, Ky., which sold lingerie, sex toys and videos. The justices ruled unanimously the small store could keep the name because Victoria's Secret had not demonstrated that the existence of Victor's Little Secret reduced the ability of the big company to attract customers.   All Things Considered, 4 March 2003.

Medication To Try
The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a case that tests whether the government can forcibly medicate a delusional person to make him sane enough to stand trial. The defendant has held out against medication for five years. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.   All Things Considered, 3 March 2003.

Supreme Court Backs Out of Gun-Records Case
The U.S. Supreme Court decides not to hear arguments in a legal challenge to the government's policy of keeping weapons records confidential -- including the names of buyers and sellers of guns used in crimes. NPR's Libby Lewis reports.  All Things Considered, 27 February 2003.

Justices Say RICO Doesn't Fit Abortion Protesters
The Supreme Court rules that a federal racketeering law cannot be used to punish aggressive anti-abortion protesters. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice William Rehnquist says the law normally used against organized crime isn't applicable because protesters receive no property. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 26 February 2003.

Racial Bias and Jury Pools.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling makes it easier for death-row inmates in the 11th Circuit -- covering Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana -- to have a lower court hear appeals of their convictions. The ruling comes in the case of Thomas Miller-El, a black man in Texas who claims prosecutors systematically eliminated blacks from the jury that sentenced him to death for murder. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. All Things Considered, 25 February 2003.
   Morning Edition, 26 February 2003.

FCC and Confiscation of Cellular Licenses
Jim Zarroli reports the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal Communications Commission overstepped its bounds when it seized wireless licenses from a bankrupt telecom company.  All Things Considered, 28 January 2003.

Supreme Court & Prescription Drugs
NPR's Libby Lewis reports on a case being argued before the Supreme Court today on a Maine law that's aimed at lowering prescription drug prices.  Morning Edition, 22 January 2003.
   Oral Arguments in the CaseThe U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today on a Maine law that uses drug company sales to Medicaid to help pay for other medical programs.  All Things Considered, 22 January 2003.
 

Bush Formally Backs Affirmative Action Challenge

The Bush administration files a friend-of-the-court brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the University of Michigan's affirmative action program. Three white students allege the university uses a quota system that unfairly benefits minority applicants. NPR's Libby Lewis reports.  Morning Edition, 17 January 2003.

 

Supreme Court: Immigrant Felons

NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports on arguments before the Supreme Court today on an immigrants' rights issue. The court is considering whether federal law gives the Immigration and Naturalization Service the right to keep non-citizen immigrants in jail until it can deport them -- even after the immigrant has served a sentence for what the law calls an "aggravated felony."  All Things Considered, 15 January 2003.


Supreme Court on Copyright Law

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld a 1998 law that extends copyright for 20 years. Internet publisher Eric Eldred maintains a website where he posts out-of-print literature that's in the public domain for free. He and his lawyers had argued that the founding fathers intended creative works to eventually revert to the public domain for the benefit of all. The Supreme Court ruled that Congress was within its Constitutional powers to extend the length of copyright. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.   All Things Considered, 15 January 2003.


Supreme Court and Family Leave Act

Michele Norris talks with NPR's Julie Rovner about today's arguments before the Supreme Court on the Family and Medical Leave Act. At issue is whether the law applies to state employees. States -- as they have in other cases in recent years -- argue the Constitution forbids the federal government from imposing certain worker protection measures on them.   All Things Considered, 15 January 2003.


High Court Considers States' Authority over HMOs

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on the powers states have to regulate the managed health-care industry. A Kentucky law, seeking to give consumers wider choices in selecting doctors, is being challenged by the health-care industry. Hear NPR's Julie Rovner.  All Things Considered, 13 January 2003.

 

High Court to Consider State Regulation of HMOs

The Supreme Court will hear a case that challenges a Kentucky law aimed at guaranteeing patients a broader choice of doctors and hospitals. The HMO industry says a 1994 law that requires health plans to open closed networks undercuts its ability to ensure quality and contain costs. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.  Morning Edition, 13 January 2003.

 

Air Nino: Nike Steps onto the Highest Court in the Land

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with NPR's Nina Totenberg about the Supreme Court's decision to accept review of a case involving Nike Inc. and a labor activist who wants to sue the company. The activist contends a Nike ad campaign and its defense against charges of bad labor practices are instances of commercial speech -- and in fact lies -- and therefore actionable. Nike says it's protected under freedom of speech.  All Things Considered, 10 January 2003

 

High Court Hears Arguments on Cross-Burning Law

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Virginia's law against cross burning. The state says burning a cross should be illegal because it's a tactic of intimidation. Opponents say that in some cases, cross-burning should be protected by freedom-of-expression provisions. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 11 December 2002

 

Supreme Court to Decide if Cross-Burning is Protected Speech

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether laws that ban cross-burning violate the First Amendment guarantee of free expression under the Constitution. The justices will hear a challenge to a Virginia law by three men who were convicted after attending a rally of the Ku Klux Klan. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  Morning Edition, 11 December 2002.

 

High Court Hears Arguments in RICO-Abortion Protest Case

Can abortion clinics use federal anti-rackeering laws to sue opponents of abortion rights whose protests turn violent? The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a test case that could resolve the issue. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 4 December 2002

 

Use of RICO Law Against Abortion Protesters Under Review

The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a case testing whether medical clinics that offer abortions may use a federal anti-racketeering law to collect damages from protesters who use threats and violence to obstruct access to the clinics. The high court has upheld the use of the so-called RICO law well beyond its original intent to combat organized crime. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  Morning Edition, 3 December 2002.

 

Supreme Court to Revisit Two Landmark Cases

The U.S. Supreme Court will review two landmark decisions. One involves a 1978 decision allowing affirmative action in college admissions. The high court will also revisit its 1986 decision upholding state laws that criminalize private, consensual homosexual conduct. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. Morning Edition, 3 December 2002.

 

Supreme Court grants cert to affirmative action and anti-sodomy cases

NPR's Nina Totenberg looks at two cases the Supreme Court agreed today to hear. In one case, the justices will decide whether the University of Michigan unconstitutionally favored some minority student applicants over whites. The other case tests the constitutionality of anti-sodomy laws in Texas and 12 other states. All Things Considered, 13 November 2002 (4:30)

 

Supreme Court Weighs U.S. Tribal Trust Role

The Supreme Court considers how far the U.S. government's trust responsibility extends to Native American tribes. In one case, a tribe is suing the government for allowing a fort on an Arizona reservation to fall into ruin. Daniel Kraker reports.  Morning Edition, 2 December 2002.

 

MEGAN'S LAW

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on today's oral arguments before the Supreme Court on sex offender registration laws. The justices looked at laws in Alaska and Connecticut that are known as Megan's Law, after a New Jersey girl who was killed by a convicted sex offender living in her neighborhood. The court will decide whether alerting the community, sometimes by putting the offender's name and picture on the Internet, is unconstitutional. All Things Considered, 13 November 2002 (5:00)

 

Supreme Court Hears Its First Megan's Law Cases

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on the first Supreme Court test of state laws that require convicted sex offenders to publicly register their addresses when they are released from prison. The statutes are called "Megan's Laws," and all 50 states have them. The two cases that Justices will hear today involve such laws in Alaska and Connecticut. The question is whether they violate the Constitutional rights of past sex offenders.  Morning Edition, 13 November 2002.

 

High Court Hears Victoria's Secret Trademark Case

The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a trademark case that pits lingerie chain Victoria's Secret against a small Kentucky novelty store called Victor's Little Secret. At issue is whether Victor's Little Secret, a seller of sex toys and videos, is violating federal law by diluting the value of the Victoria's Secret trademark. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports.  All Things Considered, 12 November 2002

 

High Court Reviews California 'Three Strikes' Law

The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments about the constitutionality of California's "three-strikes" law, designed to hand harsh penalties to career criminals. NPR's John Ydstie talks with David Savage of The Los Angeles Times.   All Things Considered, 5 November 2002

 

Three Strikes Law

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports that the U.S. Supreme Court today will hear arguments in two cases that challenge California's "Three strikes" law. Both cases involve men sentenced to long prison terms although shoplifting was their final strike -- an aspect of the law attorneys will argue to be cruel and unusual punishment, especially because property crimes are often punished more harshly than violent offenses.  Morning Edition, 5 November  2002

 

Double Jeopardy

NPR's Nina Totenberg previews the arguments in the capital punishment case the US Supreme Court hears today. The Justices will consider whether the double jeopardy clause of the Constitution applies to the penalty phase of a capital trial. In his first trial, the defendant in today's case was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. On appeal, he was re-tried, convicted again, and sentenced to death. His lawyers argue that the ban on double jeopardy should have prevented the second jury from even considering the death penalty.  Morning Edition, 4 November  2002

 

Justices on Juvenile Death Penalty Issue

Jacki Lyden talks with NPR's Nina Totenberg about the Supreme Court's refusal to review its position on the execution of convicts who were minors when they committed murder. Last year, the court reversed itself and said the mentally retarded could not be executed. That ruling gave hope to those who wanted a ban on executing juvenile offenders. But court majority decided not to hear the appeal of one such case. Four justices who wanted to hear the case wrote that the practice of executing juvenile offenders is inconsistent with evolving standards of decency. All Things Considered, 21 October 2002(4:00)

 

Supreme Court - Texas Death Row Appeal

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on oral arguments in a death row appeal from Texas before the Supreme Court today. The convict, Thomas Miller-El, maintains that prosecutors improperly dismissed jurors from his murder trial, because they were black. The Supreme Court will decide whether Miller-El can challenge his conviction by introducing historic evidence showing a pattern of discrimination by prosecutors over many years. All Things Considered, 16 October 2002 (5:30)

 

Death Case Highlights Role of Race in Jury Selection

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a death penalty case that tests how judges should evaluate claims of race discrimination in jury selection. Although the Court has decided that race should not be a factor when jurors are chosen, determining when it has been a factor is still at issue. NPR's Nina Totenberg reports. Morning Edition, 16 October 2002 (8:31)

 

Supreme Court - Copyright Law

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on today's arguments before the Supreme Court on whether Congress was wrong to extend copyright protections. Congress gave copyright holders of movies, books and other creative products an extra 20 years of exclusive rights, bringing the total to the lifetime of the creator, plus 70 years. Critics say that period is too long and the works should be in the public domain for anyone to use. All Things Considered, 9 October 2002 (5:00)

 
Supreme Court Hears Copyright Case

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on a Supreme Court argument that will decide who has the rights to Mickey Mouse, Gone with the Wind, The Great Gatsby, and other works. The high court is considering whether copyrights on old songs, movies and books should be extended, or whether the works should be allowed into the public domain. Morning Edition, 9 October 2002 (7:26)

 
High Court Denies GOP's Senate Appeal

In a one-sentence denial to New Jersey Republicans' request, the United States Supreme Court gave Democrats approval to replace Senator Robert Torricelli on the New Jersey ballot with Frank Lautenberg. Republicans had challenged the replacement on grounds it violated New Jersey law, and appealed a unanimous New Jersey Supreme Court decision to the U.S. high court. NPR's Nancy Solomon reports. Morning Edition, 7 October 2002 (2:54)

 
New High Court Session to Hear Range of Cases

NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg reports on the new session of the U.S. Supreme Court that begins today. The court will hear a variety of cases this session dealing with the war on terror, such as the Bush Administration's refusal to release the names of immigration detainees. Also on the list are constitutional tests of the new campaign finance reform law, affirmative action in college admissions, and a gay rights case. Morning Edition, 7 October 2002 (8:32)

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