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TOPIC: Law
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IN-DEPTH COVERAGE
Supreme Court Watch
RESOURCES
Archive 2008-2009
Sept. 9, 2009
Update
Supreme Court Takes New Look at Campaign Finance Case
A Supreme Court case that originally focused on a movie that was critical of Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election is being reconsidered and could potentially change how corporate donations to political campaigns are regulated. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal describes the case and the day in court.

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Aug. 6, 2009
Analysis
Sotomayor Confirmed as First Hispanic on Supreme Court
The U.S. Senate voted 68-31 Thursday to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, making her the first Hispanic and third woman to serve as a justice. Jeffrey Brown speaks with Ramona Romero, president of the Hispanic National Bar Association; Danny Vargas, chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly; and Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, about what this means for the Hispanic community and the nation's highest court.

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Aug. 6, 2009
Update
Senate Confirms Sotomayor to the Supreme Court
Judge Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic confirmed by the Senate for the U.S. Supreme Court Thursday.

The Democratic-led Senate voted largely along party lines, 68-31, to approve President Barack Obama's choice of Sotomayor for the lifetime post. Sotomayor becomes the third woman appointed to the nation's highest court.

July 16, 2009
Update
Sotomayor Confirmation May Move to a Swift Vote
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee wrapped up Thursday afternoon following three and a half days of questioning. More than 25 witnesses will begin to testify for and against her qualifications. Judy Woodruff talks tolegal analysts Tom Goldstein and Marcia Coyle about how the nominee fared in the spotlight.

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July 15, 2009
Report
Sotomayor Deflects Senators' Questions on Abortion Views
In her third day of Senate confirmation hearings, Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor declined repeatedly to disclose her views on abortion rights. On Wednesday's NewsHour, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D- Vt., and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, gave their stake on the hearings.

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July 15, 2009
Report
Extended Excerpts: Day Three of the Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings
Senators repeatedly pushed Judge Sonia Sotomayor to define her views on abortion Wednesday, but she resisted. Kwame Holman recaps the third day of confirmation hearings.

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July 14, 2009
Analysis
Under Tough Questioning, Sotomayor Defends Record
Senate confirmation hearings continued Tuesday for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, with lawmakers launching question-and-answer sessions to probe the judge's past statements and rulings. Legal analysts examine her responses.

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July 14, 2009
Report
Extended Excerpts: Day Two of the Sotomayor Hearings
In a second day of Senate testimony, Judge Sonia Sotomayor defended her past remarks about race while seeking to elaborate on her judicial philosophy. Kwame Holman recaps the day's events.

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July 13, 2009
Analysis
Sotomayor Pledges 'Fidelity to the Law' at Hearing
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor appeared before a Senate panel Monday, starting confirmation hearings that could culminate with lawmakers endorsing her as the first Hispanic female justice on the top U.S. court.  The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle assesses the day's events.

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July 13, 2009
Update
Text and Video: Sotomayor's Opening Statement
Sonia Sotomayor delivered her opening statement to lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday as they evaulate her nomination to the Supreme Court. The text of her remarks is as prepared for delivery and released by the White House.

July 10, 2009
Report
Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Gear Up to Begin
Senate confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin Monday for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Kwame Holman offers a preview.

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July 3, 2009
Analysis
Supreme Court Term Brings Surprises, Clues to Future
Legal analysts Linda Greenhouse and Thomas Goldstein examine the impact of the most significant Supreme Court decisions of the term, including a narrow ruling on the landmark Voting Rights Act. Greenhouse and Goldstein also mull the court's conservative bench and how Judge Sonia Sotomayor may affect the court's balance if she is confirmed.

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June 29, 2009
Debate
High Court's Bias Ruling May Reshape Employer Policies
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a group of white firefighters was unfairly denied promotions because of their race. Analysts examine the impact on future labor policy.

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June 29, 2009
Update
Firefighters Case Prompts Reaction to Sotomayor's Role in Lower Court Decision
The Supreme Court's Ricci v. DeStefano decision was highly anticipated not only because of its potential impact on civil rights and affirmative action, but also due to high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's role in the case as an appeals court judge.

June 25, 2009
Update
Supreme Court Rules School Strip Search Was Illegal
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that officials at an Arizona school went too far when they strip searched an eighth-grader accused of distributing prescription-strength ibuprofen. The court ruled 8-1 that school officials violated the law with their search of Savana Redding when she was 13. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle examines the decision.

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June 22, 2009
Update
Court Delivers Narrow Ruling on Landmark Voting Rights Act
The Supreme Court delivered a 8-1 ruling Monday in a challenge to the landmark Voting Rights Act, but side-stepping a larger constitutional issue. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal explains the voting rights decision and recaps other key court actions of the day.

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June 18, 2009
Analysis
Supreme Court Finds Convicts Have No Right to Test DNA
The Supreme Court said Thursday that convicts have no constitutional right to test DNA evidence in hopes of proving their innocence long after they were found guilty. The court ruled 5-4 against an Alaska man who was convicted in a brutal attack on a prostitute 16 years ago. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the impact of the District Attorney's Office v. Osborne decision.

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June 3, 2009
Debate
Senators Weigh In on Sotomayor's Supreme Court Bid
Sonia Sotomayor continued to make the rounds on Capitol Hill Wednesday, meeting with lawmakers in an effort to explain her views and make her case to become the nation's next Supreme Court justice. Sens. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., weigh in on Sotomayor's judicial record and confirmation.

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June 2, 2009
Report
Sotomayor's '97 Senate Appearance May Hold Clues to Confirmation
As Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor finishes her first round of closed-door visits with lawmakers Tuesday, it won't be the first time she's faced questions from some of the senators who will decide if she ascends to the nation's highest court.

June 2, 2009
Update
Court Nominee Sotomayor Meets With Key Senate Leaders
Sonia Sotomayor took her first official steps toward becoming the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court Wednesday, holding customary meetings with key leaders in the Senate to make the case for her confirmation. Amy Walter of the Hotline recaps Sotomayor's day of meetings and what the confirmation process may bring.

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May 29, 2009
Forum
Viewer Forum: Sotomayor's Judicial Record and Confirmation Prospects
President Obama named judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court Tuesday, a choice that could make her the first Hispanic in history on the nation's highest court. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal answered your questions.

May 29, 2009
Analysis
Sotomayor's Record Examined for Clues on Philosophy
As battle lines being to form around Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court nomination, analysts and lawmakers are examining hundreds of pages of her opinions and legal writings as well as past speeches for clues about her judicial philosophy.  Margaret Warner talks to legal scholars about Sotomayor's record.

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May 26, 2009
Analysis
Sotomayor Nomination Sparks Debate on Role of Justices
Following President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, a federal appeals court judge, to the Supreme Court, analysts debate her record and her confirmation road ahead.

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May 26, 2009
Newsmaker Interview
Axelrod Sheds Light on Obama's Supreme Court Nominating Process
White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod describes the interview process that led President Obama to chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court, and why the president is confident that she is the best person for the job.

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May 26, 2009
Report
Sotomayor Followed Unlikely Path to the Door of the Supreme Court
In nominating Sonia Sotomayer, a federal appeals judge in New York, to replace retiring Justice David Souter, President Barack Obama called her an inspiring woman with an extraordinary life journey.

May 26, 2009
Update
A Round Up of Reactions to the Sotomayor Nomination
President Barack Obama nominated federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court Tuesday. Here are reactions from lawmakers, party leaders and organizations.

May 26, 2009
Update
Key Player: Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.
When Sen. Arlen Specter switched parties in April 2008, Sen. Jeff Sessions became the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, bringing a more conservative voice to the hearings vetting President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominees.

May 26, 2009
Update
Q&A: Supreme Court Confirmation Process
President Barack Obama has nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court - the first step in the often contentious Senate confirmation process.

May 26, 2009
Update
Sotomayor Followed Unlikely Path to the Door of the Supreme Court
In nominating Sonia Sotomayer, a federal appeals judge in New York, to replace retiring Justice David Souter, President Barack Obama called her an inspiring woman with an extraordinary life journey.

May 26, 2009
Update
Obama Names Sotomayor as Supreme Court Nominee
President Barack Obama named federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court Tuesday, a choice that could make her the first Hispanic in history to wear the robes of a justice.

President Obama said he was looking for a jurist who had "a common touch and a sense of compassion" at a formal announcement on the replacement for retiring Justice David Souter.

Listen to the full announcement from Obama and Sotomayor:


May 26, 2009
Update
Highlights of Past Supreme Court Nominees
The process of nominating and confirming Supreme Court justices is one of the cornerstones of the Constitution's separation of powers. The nomination process involves a unique interplay of legal, political and personal considerations.

May 26, 2009
Update
Key Player: Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, 69, is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Leahy and the now-ranking GOP member of the committee, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, will be responsible for overseeing the upcoming Supreme Court nomination hearings.

May 22, 2009
Analysis
Shields and Brooks Mull Security Debate, Supreme Court Fight
Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the impact of President Obama and former Vice President Cheney's security policy speeches and the buildup to the president's announcement of a Supreme Court pick.

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May 18, 2009
Analysis
Court Rejects Detainee Lawsuit Against Mueller, Ashcroft
In a 5-4 ruling, Supreme Court said Monday that FBI Director Robert Mueller and former Attorney General John Ashcroft can't face a lawsuit from a former Sept. 11 detainee who wanted to hold the men responsible for the conditions of his confinement.

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May 13, 2009
Analysis
Senators Expect Obama's Supreme Court Nominee 'Soon'
President Barack Obama met Wednesday with key senators to discuss the selection of a Supreme Court nominee to succeed retiring Justice David Souter. Ray Suarez speaks with representatives from three groups trying to influence his nomination.

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May 4, 2009
Analysis
In Replacing Souter, Obama May Turn to Court Outsider
With Justice David Souter set to retire in June after more than 18 years on the bench, President Barack Obama is being given his first chance to shape the nation's highest court. Analysts discuss what traits and experience President Obama will be looking for as he looks to nominate a successor.

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May 1, 2009
Analysis
Souter to Exit Supreme Court, Launching Debate on Successor
Amid the news that Supreme Court Justice David Souter plans to retire this summer, the National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle discusses Souter's career and possible replacement.

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May 1, 2009
Update
Souter to Retire From Supreme Court in June
Justice David Souter, the 105th justice to be appointed to the Supreme Court, said Friday he plans to retire in June after more than 18 years on the bench.

April 29, 2009
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Landmark Voting Law
The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on a challenge by a Texas community to strike down an extension to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal recaps the day in court.

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April 28, 2009
Analysis
Court Rules FCC May Pursue Fines for On-air Profanity
The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the government could threaten broadcasters with fines over the use of even a single profanity on live television, yet stopped short of ruling whether the policy violates the Constitution. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal recaps the day in court.

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April 22, 2009
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Alleging Reverse Discrimination
The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case brought by a group of white firefighters in Connecticut who argue they were the victims of reverse discrimination. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal gives an update on the day in court.

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April 21, 2009
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears School Strip Search Case
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case about whether Arizona school officials were justified in strip-searching a 13 year-old girl for prescription drugs on another student's tip. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle explains the case and its implications for power limits on school officials.

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March 24, 2009
Analysis
'Hillary' Movie Brings Campaign Finance Law to High Court
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case Tuesday centering on whether a documentary on Hillary Clinton should be classified as a political ad, making it subject to campaign finance laws. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle describes the case and its arguments.

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March 9, 2009
Update
Justices Reject Expanded Protections for Minorities Under Voting Rights Act
A Supreme Court ruling Monday refused to expand protections for minorities under the Voting Rights Act, a decision that may affect the redrawing of legislative boundaries following the 2010 Census.

March 3, 2009
Analysis
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Judicial Ethics Case
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case testing when elected judges should recuse themselves from cases because of an appearance of bias. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle provides an update.

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March 2, 2009
Analysis
Justices Review Convict's Rights to Access DNA Evidence
The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of a convicted rapist who wants access to trial evidence for additional DNA testing. The National Law Journal's Marcia Coyle details the arguments and what's at stake.

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Dec. 10, 2008
Analysis
Supreme Court Considers Detainee Rights, Maternity Leave Limits
The Supreme Court heard arguments in cases testing the rights of terror suspects to sue high-level administration officials and the limits of maternity leave in the workplace. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal recaps the day in the high court.

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Nov. 12, 2008
Analysis
Justices Side With Navy in Sonar Dispute, Hear Religious Monument Case
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to lift restrictions on use of sonar in U.S. Navy training exercises off the California coast. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the decision plus arguments in a church and state separation case.

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Nov. 4, 2008
Update
Supreme Court to Hear TV Profanity Case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday takes up a dispute between the broadcast networks and Federal Communication Commission over the use of profanity during live television programs when children are likely part of the viewing audience.

Nov. 3, 2008
Analysis
High Court Hears Arguments on Limiting Drug Company Lawsuits
The Supreme Court heard a case Monday involving a Vermont woman whose arm had to be amputated after she was injected with an anti-nausea drug. Marcia Coyle examines the manufacturer's argument against lawsuits on FDA-approved drugs.

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Oct. 6, 2008
Analysis
Justices to Weigh Free Speech, Environment in New Term
On Monday, the Supreme Court opened its new term with a docket of wide-ranging cases on issues from broadcast indecency to environmental protection. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal explains what's on the agenda for this term and speculation over upcoming justice retirements.

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