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2003 DECEMBER
Dec. 31, 2003
Analysis
Leak Probe
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself Tuesday from the investigation into the disclosure of an undercover CIA officer. The Justice Department named U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald as a special counsel to oversee the investigation. Elaine Shannon of Time magazine talks about the latest developments.

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Dec. 26, 2003
Analysis
Shields and Brooks
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the Democratic candidates, President Bush's approval rating, the war in Iraq and the biggest political surprises of 2003.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Dec. 19, 2003
Analysis
Shields and Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the unexpected news on Libya, the political implications of Saddam Hussein's capture and the federal court rulings against the Bush administration in the war on terror.

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Dec. 18, 2003
Analysis
John Hinckley: Mentally Stable?
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that John Hinckley, the man who shot former President Reagan, will be allowed to leave his mental institution on visits supervised only by his parents. Ray Suarez follows up in a conversation with former U.S. attorney Joseph DiGenova and Stephen Morse of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

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Dec. 18, 2003
Update
Appeals Court Orders Dirty Bomb Suspect Released
A federal appeals court ruled that the U.S. government does not have the authority to detain accused American "dirty bomb" suspect Jose Padilla as an enemy combatant, ordering the Department of Defense to release the Chicago native within 30 days.


Dec. 16, 2003
Analysis
Trying Saddam Hussein
A panel of international law experts discuss the legal issues surrounding the impending trial and punishment of Saddam Hussein for crimes committed while he was the leader of Iraq.

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Dec. 16, 2003
Analysis
Stopping E-mail Spam
President Bush signed a bill Tuesday that seeks to stop spam from jamming people's e-mail accounts. Margaret Warner asks AOL Vice President Randall Boe and anti-spam activist John Mozena about the effectiveness of this new law.

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Dec. 12, 2003
Analysis
Coping in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati coroner ruled that the death of Nathaniel "Skip" Jones at the hands of police was a homicide, but no officers have been charged in connection with the incident. Jones is the 17th African American to be killed in a confrontation with Cincinnati police since 1995.

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Dec. 12, 2003
Analysis
Weekly Analysis of Shields and Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the 2004 presidential race, allegations that Halliburton overcharged the Army for gasoline and the controversy over the U.S. banning Iraq war opponents from reconstruction contracts.

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Dec. 10, 2003
Analysis
Court Upholds Campaign Reform
In a lengthy, multi-part decision, the Supreme Court upheld the major components of the most sweeping campaign finance reform law in nearly 30 years. The Chicago Tribune's Jan Crawford Greenburg outlines the key aspects of the ruling.

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Dec. 9, 2003
Analysis
Miranda Rights
The U.S. Supreme Court heard two cases related to the landmark 1966 Miranda case. Margaret Warner discusses the cases with Chicago Tribune Supreme Court correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg.

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Dec. 4, 2003
Analysis
Gay Marriage in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' highest court last month ruled in a 4-3 decision that the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional and ordered the state legislature to come up with a solution within 180 days. The state's ruling has brought the legal and political debate over gay marriage to the national level..

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FUNDED IN PART BY: The Pew Charitable Trusts


Dec. 3, 2003
Analysis
Terrorism Cases
A federal court in Virginia heard arguments about whether to grant Sept. 11 suspect Zacarias Moussaoui access to three al-Qaida detainees, who Moussaoui says could aid his defense, and the Defense Department announced it will allow "enemy combatant" Yaser Esam Hamdi, a U.S. citizen, to see his lawyer.

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Dec. 2, 2003
Analysis
Religious Studies and State Funds
The Supreme Court may refine the line between church and state with its ruling in a case over whether a state can withhold scholarship money from a student studying theology.

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Dec. 2, 2003
Analysis
Religious Studies & State Funds
The Supreme Court may refine the line between church and state with its ruling in a case over whether a state can withhold scholarship money from a student studying theology.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video

NOVEMBER
Nov. 28, 2003
Analysis
Investors' Guide
More than ten mutual fund companies have been implicated or investigated for questionable or illegal trading practices. Two experts offer advice on how the investing public can deal with the scandals.

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Nov. 24, 2003
Analysis
Death Penalty
The Virginia Beach jury that convicted John Muhammad of one of the Washington-area sniper murders recommended today that he receive the death penalty. Terence Smith discusses the sentencing phase of the trial with New York Times national correspondent James Dao.

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Nov. 18, 2003
Analysis
Gay Marriage in Massachusetts
Massachusetts' highest court ruled in a 4-3 decision Tuesday that the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional and ordered the state legislature to come up with a solution within 180 days. Experts debate the impact of the ruling.

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Nov. 17, 2003
Analysis
D.C. Sniper Verdict
The jury that convicted John Allen Muhammad in one of the Washington-area sniper killings must now determine whether he deserves the death penalty. Gwen Ifill discusses the deliberations with New York Times national correspondent James Dao, who has been following the trial from Virginia Beach.

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Nov. 14, 2003
Analysis
No Comity
Kwame Holman reports on the two-day Senate talkathon and the ongoing acrimony over the Democrats' filibusters of conservative Bush judicial nominees.

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Nov. 13, 2003
Analysis
No Comity
Kwame Holman updates the marathon debate session in the Senate on judicial nominees.

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Nov. 13, 2003
Essay
Court Television
Essayist Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune explores America's interest in court television.


Nov. 12, 2003
Analysis
Age Bias
A new case asks the Supreme Court to consider whether younger workers can use anti-discrimination laws to sue employers that favor older employees with retirement savings benefits. Ray Suarez discusses this case of alleged reverse discrimination with Chicago Tribune Supreme Court correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg.

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Nov. 12, 2003
Analysis
Background: No Comity Tonight
Senate Republicans Wednesday scheduled a 30-hour marathon debate session to blast Senate Democrats for blocking four of President Bush's judicial nominees for the federal bench.

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Nov. 12, 2003
Analysis
No Comity Tonight
Senate Republicans Wednesday scheduled a 30-hour marathon debate session to blast Senate Democrats for blocking four of President Bush's judicial nominees for the federal bench. Gwen Ifill discusses the ongoing battle over judicial nominees and the GOP's standoff strategy with former senators.

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Nov. 11, 2003
Analysis
D.C. Sniper Trials
Jury selection for the trial of accused Washington-area sniper Lee Boyd Malvo entered its second day, while the tandem trial of his alleged accomplice, John Allen Muhammad, has been underway for three weeks. Gwen Ifill gets an update on the two trials from Washington Post investigative reporter Sari Horwitz.

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Nov. 10, 2003
Analysis
Money and Politics: Howard Dean
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean announced Saturday that he would forgo public matching funds for his 2004 presidential campaign, becoming the first Democrat to opt out of the presidential public financing system in 30 years. Experts discuss Dean's decision and its possible ramifications for the future of campaign financing.

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Nov. 6, 2003
Analysis
Street Cop: Eliot Spitzer
New York state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has become perhaps the most vigorous enforcer of the rules against corporate wrongdoings in America. Paul Solman speaks with Spitzer about his efforts to combat Wall Street's abuses and his recent testimony at the congressional mutual fund fraud hearings in Washington.

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Nov. 5, 2003
Analysis
'Partial Birth' Abortion Ban
President Bush signed legislation Wednesday banning the dilation and extraction procedure commonly called partial birth abortion. Gwen Ifill discusses the medical implications of the law with two physicians.

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Nov. 3, 2003
Analysis
Supreme Court Watch
Can police arrest everyone riding in a car if they discover drugs concealed there? The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday about the constitutional limits of suspicion. It is the first of three cases before the Supreme Court this week that concern crime, punishment and the Fourth Amendment.

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OCTOBER
Oct. 28, 2003
Analysis
Law and Order in Russia
The arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Russia's top entrepreneur and a government critic, has rocked the country's financial markets and fueled criticism of President Putin for being anti-democratic.

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Oct. 22, 2003
Analysis
On the Record
The Senate Judiciary Committee struggled over President Bush's nomination of conservative California Supreme Court Justice Janice Brown to the D.C. Court of Appeals. Some Democrats sought to forestall the Brown nomination, fearing that President Bush may be grooming her for a potential appointment on the Supreme Court.

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Oct. 22, 2003
Analysis
The Right to Live or Die
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush ordered that a severely brain-damaged woman be placed back on life support, at the request of her parents, after the woman's husband won a court order to have his wife removed from life support six days ago. Ray Suarez leads a discussion about "end of life" wishes and the law.

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Oct. 21, 2003
Analysis
John Allen Muhammad's Self Defense
John Allen Muhammad, the alleged Washington area sniper, on Monday won the right to defend himself against murder charges stemming from the three-week shooting rampage last October. Two law experts discuss the possible effects on the trial.

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Oct. 14, 2003
Analysis
Medical Marijuana
The Supreme Court said Tuesday it would not involve itself in a debate over whether doctors can talk to patients about medical marijuana. Gwen Ifill gets two perspectives on the controversial decision.

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Oct. 8, 2003
Analysis
Start of the Term
The Supreme Court began its new term this week with a decision on the docket over whether the Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to rehire employees who were terminated for drug or alcohol abuse. Ray Suarez previews the new Supreme Court term with Chicago Tribune correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg.

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Oct. 6, 2003
Analysis
Colombia's Struggle to Control Narcotics Trafficking
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe discusses his efforts to control narcotics trafficking and growing incidents of rebel attacks on civilians.

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SEPTEMBER
Sept. 26, 2003
Analysis
The Moussaoui Case
In an unusual twist, federal prosecutors asked a judge Thursday to dismiss the case against alleged Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui. Ray Suarez gets legal perspectives on the case.

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Sept. 15, 2003
Analysis
The California Recall Election
A federal appeals court in California has postponed the Oct. 7 gubernatorial recall election. Legal experts discuss the ramifications of this ruling on the candidates and the election.

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Sept. 11, 2003
Analysis
Security vs. Liberties
Within 45 days of Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush signed the Patriot Act, making it easier for investigators to obtain private records, conduct searches without notice and monitor phone and Internet usage. Ray Suarez gets perspective on the debate surrounding the Patriot Act from John Yoo and Patricia Williams.

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Sept. 9, 2003
Analysis
Illegally Downloading Music
The Recording Industry Association of America on Monday filed lawsuits against 261 people for allegedly downloading thousands of copyrighted songs via popular Internet file-sharing networks. Two musicians debate the merits of the RIAA's move and its effect on the music industry.

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Sept. 8, 2003
Analysis
Campaign Finance Law
During an unusual late-summer session, the Supreme Court heard a challenge to campaign finance laws that were put into place in 2002. Jeffrey Brown discusses the case and arguments with Jan Crawford Greenburg, Supreme Court reporter for The Chicago Tribune.

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Sept. 7, 2003
Update
Campaign Finance Law Faces Critical Test in Supreme Court
The legalities of political campaign fundraising will be examined during a one-day September session of the Supreme Court on Monday, when the court hears arguments challenging the constitutionality of recently passed campaign finance legislation.


Sept. 4, 2003
Analysis
Estrada Withdraws
Judicial nominee Miguel Estrada withdrew his name Thursday after two years of failed attempts to obtain Senate approval. Jim Lehrer speaks with Senate Judiciary Committee members Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Charles Schumer (D-NY).

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Sept. 3, 2003
Analysis
Smoke and Fire: Anti-Smoking Ads
Jeffrey Kaye of KCET Los Angeles looks at the tobacco industry's lawsuit against the state of California over controversial anti-smoking ads.

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Sept. 1, 2003
Analysis
Prison Ministry
A prison ministry program, run by former Nixon aide Charles Colson to reform Texas inmates, is leading some critics to question the legality of religion in state prisons and the exclusion of non-religious prisoners.

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AUGUST
Aug. 27, 2003
Analysis
Church and State
The Ten Commandments monument was removed from public view at the Alabama state judicial building Wednesday. Gwen Ifill discusses the separation of religion and state with Robert Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, and Barry Lynn, the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

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Aug. 25, 2003
Analysis
Church in Crisis: John Geoghan's Death
Convicted pedophile priest John Geoghan died last weekend after a fellow inmate attacked him in prison. Ray Suarez discusses the murder with Mitchell Garabedian, an attorney for many of Geoghan's alleged victims, and Stephen Pope, the chairman of the Theology Department at Boston College.

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Aug. 25, 2003
Analysis
Science and Security: Los Alamos National Laboratory
The University of California has managed the Los Alamos National Laboratory since it was founded during World War II. In 2005, the contract to manage the lab will be open to competitive bidding for the first time. Spencer Michels looks at the recent allegations of mismanagement and security lapses at the lab.

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Aug. 22, 2003
Analysis
Oliphant and York
Political analysts Tom Oliphant of The Boston Globe and Byron York of the National Review discuss the week's news, including how the Bush administration is faring on domestic issues in the face of continuing developments in Iraq and the latest on the California recall election.

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Aug. 19, 2003
Analysis
Considering the Patriot Act
Attorney General John Ashcroft began a nationwide tour Tuesday promoting the USA Patriot Act. Margaret Warner leads a discussion with former Assistant Attorney General Viet Dinh and Laura Murphy of the American Civil Liberties Union, on the Patriot Act and the balance between security and freedom in America.

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Aug. 13, 2003
Analysis
Sentencing Dispute
Following Attorney General John Ashcroft's order that U.S. attorneys should report federal judges if their sentences do not match federal guidelines, Ray Suarez and guests discuss the dispute that has ensued over mandatory minimum sentencing.

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Aug. 12, 2003
Analysis
Chicago Affirmative Action Debated
A model for the use of affirmative action in city contracts faces a constitutional challenge in Chicago. Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW-Chicago reports on the public and legal debate.

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Aug. 6, 2003
Analysis
Tests of Faith: First Openly Gay Bishop
As the Episcopal Church deals with possible internal division over the approval of its first gay bishop, theologians discuss how debate about sexual orientation is affecting denominations worldwide.

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Aug. 1, 2003
Analysis
A Church's Choice: First Openly Gay Bishop
The nomination of the first openly gay bishop, the Reverend V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, has sparked a debate over homosexuality in the Episcopal Church -- even prompting threats of schism in the church.

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JULY
July 31, 2003
Analysis
Gay Marriage: Background
Spencer Michels reports on the debate over gay marriage.

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July 31, 2003
Analysis
Gay Marriage
Experts discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that could block legal gay marriage, a recent statement by the Catholic Church opposing the legalization of same-sex unions and the challenges facing states as they consider the legal and moral issues of gay marriage.

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July 25, 2003
Analysis
Importing Drugs
Last night the House of Representatives approved a bill allowing Americans to purchase drugs imported from approved industrialized countries. Susan Dentzer reports on passage of the bill and its chances of being enacted into law.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


FUNDED IN PART BY: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation


July 23, 2003
Analysis
Bench Battle: William Pryor
Democrats objected to another federal judicial nominee put forward by President Bush. Kwame Holman reports on the debate in the Senate.

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July 16, 2003
Analysis
Religious Properties: Federal Money for Historic Religious Buildings
Ray Suarez reports on a church-state controversy over federal money being authorized to restore historic religious buildings.

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July 11, 2003
Analysis
Flashpoints: Homeland Security and the Right to Civil Liberties
Gwen Ifill examines the concern for homeland security and the right to civil liberties in the first installment of the new PBS program, Flashpoints USA. A preview features a report on the Evansville Eight, a group of Muslims detained in Indiana after Sept. 11, 2001.

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July 11, 2003
Analysis
Gay Marriage in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts court will rule over the next few days in the case of seven homosexual couples who have sued the state for the right to legally marry. Betty Ann Bowser reports on the gay marriage debate.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


July 7, 2003
Analysis
Violent Video Games
The video game industry went to court today to challenge a Washington law regulating violent video games. Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Television reports on the case against this new law.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video

JUNE
June 27, 2003
Analysis
Supreme Court Wrap
As the 2002-2003 Supreme Court term came to a close this week, the court issued landmark rulings on issues involving affirmative action and privacy rights. Four law professors review the major opinions from this year's high court term and reflect on what its trends may bode for the future.

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June 27, 2003
Analysis
Shields and Brooks
Regular political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news, including the congressional debate over Medicare reform, the latest Supreme Court decisions and the late Sen. Strom Thurmond.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


June 26, 2003
Analysis
Free Speech Decision
The Supreme Court also refused to rule in a case against athletic apparel maker Nike, Inc. involving free commercial speech. Jim Lehrer discusses the Nike ruling with Jan Crawford Greenburg of The Chicago Tribune.

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June 26, 2003
Analysis
Expanding Privacy
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas sodomy law Thursday, ruling that it violates the right to privacy. Margaret Warner and legal experts discuss the impact of the ruling.

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June 26, 2003
Analysis
Background: Expanding Privacy
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas law banning sodomy today, ruling that it violates the right to privacy. Jim Lehrer looks at the decision with Jan Crawford Greenburg, Supreme Court reporter for The Chicago Tribune.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


June 26, 2003
Update
Supreme Court Strikes Down Texas Sodomy Law
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court struck down Thursday a Texas law making homosexual sex illegal, ruling that the ban unconstitutionally infringed on privacy rights.


June 24, 2003
Analysis
Editorial Views
Terence Smith gauges the public's reaction to the Supreme Court's affirmative action decisions with four editorial page editors from across the country.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


FUNDED IN PART BY: The Pew Charitable Trusts


June 23, 2003
Analysis
Affirmative Action
The Supreme Court upheld a limited use of race in university admissions. Spencer Michels provides background on the affirmative action cases.

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June 23, 2003
Analysis
Affirmative Action Decisions
Jim Lehrer discusses the decisions with Jan Crawford Greenburg, Supreme Court reporter for The Chicago Tribune.

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June 23, 2003
Analysis
Affirmative Action
The Supreme Court narrowly found that states have a compelling interest in creating diverse student bodies at public universities, but that programs must be carefully structured.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


June 23, 2003
Analysis
Libraries and the Internet
The Supreme Court ruled to uphold the use of filters to block Internet pornography on public library computers. Jim Lehrer discusses the case with Jan Crawford Greenburg of The Chicago Tribune.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


June 23, 2003
Update
High Court Splits on University Affirmative Action Policies
In a set of critical decisions on affirmative action, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday in favor of a university law school race-based admissions policy, finding that it fairly sought a "critical mass" of minority students.


June 23, 2003
Update
Court Allows Use of Internet Filters in Libraries
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law that requires public libraries and schools to use filtering programs on computers that access the Internet in order to ensure that minors are not exposed to pornographic material.


June 20, 2003
Analysis
Allegations of Justice Denied in Tulia, Texas
Jeffrey Kaye reports on 12 people imprisoned on the testimony of a discredited undercover officer that were released this week in Tulia, Texas.

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June 20, 2003
Analysis
Secret Arrests
The secret detentions of hundreds of terror suspects since the Sept. 11 attacks have stirred both controversy and legal scrutiny. Two experts examine the debate over balancing civil liberties and domestic security.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


June 18, 2003
Analysis
Libraries and Liberties
The Patriot Act empowered the FBI to check the records of some businesses, including public libraries and bookstores. Correspondent Spencer Michels looks at the impact on readers in Santa Cruz, California.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


June 16, 2003
Analysis
Supreme Court Watch
Among Monday's rulings, the Supreme Court limited the government's right to forcibly medicate mentally ill defendants in preparation for a court appearance. Jan Crawford Greenburg of The Chicago Tribune outlines the court's decision.

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June 16, 2003
Update
Supreme Court Allows "Limited" Drugging of Defendants
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that under "limited" circumstances, the government may order anti-psychotic medication for certain defendants who will stand trial for serious but non-violent crimes, even when it is against their will.


June 10, 2003
Analysis
Imclone Founder Sam Waksal: Paying the Price
Imclone founder Sam Waksal was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for his part in an insider trading scandal. Gwen Ifill examines the case and its possible wider meaning with John Coffee of the Columbia University Law School.

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June 9, 2003
Analysis
The Majesty of the Law
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor discusses her historic appointment, women in the legal profession, major court decisions, and her new book entitled The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice.

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June 5, 2003
Analysis
Too Tough?
Attorney General John Ashcroft defended the Justice Department's policies during congressional testimony. Kwame Holman reports on his response to the internal Justice Department report questioning the treatment of many foreigners after 9/11.

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June 3, 2003
Analysis
Finding Fault
The Justice Department's inspector general issued a report Monday criticizing the way some detainees were handled during the months after Sept. 11. Following a background report, experts debate the report and the future of immigrant rights.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video

MAY
May 26, 2003
Analysis
Military Tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Margaret Warner reports on military tribunals for the alleged terrorists who are held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Guests incude Ruth Wedgewood, a professor of international law at Johns Hopkins University; and David Cole, a law professor at Georgetown University Law Center and an attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights.

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May 20, 2003
Analysis
Pricing Drugs
Ray Suarez discusses the states' efforts to make prescription drug coverage more affordable with Marjorie Powell of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America; and Kevin Concannon, director of the Iowa Department of Human Services.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


May 19, 2003
Update
High Court Allows State Discount Drug Program
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday in favor of a Maine-run program that would require pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower prescription drug prices for the poor and uninsured, but warned that the program may not stand up to future legal scrutiny.


May 16, 2003
Analysis
Cities Preparing for the Worst
Chicago and Seattle have been testing the readiness of top officials and first responders through mock terrorist attacks this week. Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW Chicago reports on the lessons learned during these trials.

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May 14, 2003
Essay
Essay: What is Freedom?
An Anne Taylor Fleming essay.

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May 8, 2003
Analysis
Politics and Justice
As the Senate remains deadlocked over two judicial nominations, two key players on the Senate Judiciary Committee discuss efforts to improve the nomination process.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


May 7, 2003
Analysis
Los Angeles New Police Chief
Jeffrey Kaye reports on the new police chief in Los Angeles, who is fighting an uphill battle to revolutionize the way that city fights crime and violence.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video

APRIL
April 29, 2003
Update
Supreme Court Allows Criminal Immigrants' Detention
The United States Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that legal immigrants who have committed serious crimes and already served their sentences can be detained in prison without bail while awaiting their deportation hearings.


April 25, 2003
Analysis
Crime and Punishment: Saddam Hussein Regime Leaders
As the number of Saddam Hussein regime leaders in coalition custody grows, questions arise about what the United States will do with them. Iraq watchers and legal experts discuss the issue with Ray Suarez.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


April 23, 2003
Analysis
Commercial Claims
The Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case involving corporate free speech. Gwen Ifill discusses the proceedings with Jan Crawford Greenburg of The Chicago Tribune.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


April 11, 2003
Analysis
Shields and Brooks
Jim Lehrer discusses the week's political events with syndicated columnist Mark Shields and The Weekly Standard's David Brooks.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


April 7, 2003
Update
Supreme Court Upholds Cross Burning Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday to uphold a state law banning cross burning carried out with the intent to intimidate, ruling that the act is an instrument of terror and not a form of expression protected by the First Amendment.


April 1, 2003
Analysis
Affirmative Action
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in two highly anticipated affirmative action cases in what may prove to be the most important civil rights debate before the high court in decades.

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April 1, 2003
Update
Supreme Court Tackles Debate Over Affirmative Action
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in two highly anticipated University of Michigan affirmative action cases that may prove to be the most important civil rights debate before the high court in decades.

MARCH
March 24, 2003
Analysis
Protecting POW's
American and Iraqi forces have taken prisoners during this first week of war. Margaret Warner discusses prisoners' rights with Amanda Williamson, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross; and Eugene Fidell, president of the National Institute of Military Justice and a former lawyer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


March 23, 2003
Analysis
Senate Views on the War with Iraq
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a member of the Select Intelligence Committee, and Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio), of the Foreign Relations Committee, discuss the latest developments in the war with Iraq.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


March 19, 2003
Analysis
Dissention and the Iraq War
Republicans denounced Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle on Tuesday for his criticism of President Bush with the nation on the brink of war. Jim Lehrer and guests discuss the appropriate role for those who oppose a war.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


March 13, 2003
Analysis
Monitoring Protesters in Denver
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed suit against the city of Denver over its surveillance of community activists.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


March 5, 2003
Analysis
Supreme Court Watch: Registering Sex Offenders
The Supreme Court ruled to require sex offenders to register with the state and keep in touch with authorities and to uphold California's "three strikes" sentencing law. Ray Suarez speaks with Jan Crawford Greenburg of The Chicago Tribune about the court's decisions.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


March 4, 2003
Analysis
Los Angeles: Paying for Readiness
The city of Los Angeles is hard at work implementing homeland security measures -- and hard-pressed to find ways to pay for them. Jeffrey Kaye reports.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video

FEBRUARY
Feb. 26, 2003
Analysis
Background: Judicial Politics
The Senate has debated the judicial nomination of Miguel Estrada for three weeks. Ray Suarez reports.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Feb. 26, 2003
Analysis
Judicial Politics
The debate in the U.S. Senate over the judicial nomination of Miguel Estrada has stretched into its third week. Two U.S. Senators discuss the embattled nomination and the politics of the confirmation process.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Feb. 24, 2003
Analysis
The Patriot Act
Tom Bearden takes a look at how civil liberties are faring in the war on terrorism.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Feb. 21, 2003
Analysis
Paying for Crime
Jeffrey Kaye of KCET-Los Angeles reports on California's attempt to solve budget problems at the state level by cutting spending for prisons.

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Feb. 21, 2003
Analysis
Deadly Fire in Rhode Island
Ray Suarez discusses the deadly nightclub fire in Rhode Island with Chris Rowland of the Boston Globe.

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Feb. 19, 2003
Analysis
Tuition Tug of War
Tom Bearden reports on the looming fight over undocumented students and college tuition.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Feb. 13, 2003
Analysis
Judicial Politics: Judicial Nominee Miguel Estrada
Kwame Holman reports on the continuing struggle in the Senate over the confirmation of judicial nominee Miguel Estrada.

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JANUARY
Jan. 24, 2003
Analysis
Weekly Political Analysis of Mark Shields and David Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks assess the week's political events, including the latest developments in the debate over disarming Iraq.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Jan. 23, 2003
Analysis
Truth and Justice in Sierra Leone
The devastated nation of Sierra Leone struggles to recover after a brutal decade-long civil war.

audioRealAudio  videoStreaming Video


Jan. 22, 2003
Analysis
Update: The Guantanamo Bay Detainees
A year ago last week, the United States brought the first prisoners in the war on terrorism to the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Jeffrey Kaye of KCET Los Angeles reports on the state of the site.

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Jan. 17, 2003
Analysis
Weekly Political Analysis of Mark Shields and David Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's recent statement on the University of Michigan Supreme Court affirmative action case.

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Jan. 16, 2003
Analysis
Medical Malpractice
President Bush called on Congress Thursday to place limits on medical malpractice lawsuits, including imposing a $250,000 cap on potential damage awards. Experts discuss this proposed reform and the debate over the medical liability system.

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Jan. 16, 2003
Analysis
Rights and Registration
New Justice Department regulations require male visa holders from certain Middle Eastern countries to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Spencer Michels looks at the debate over the new requirement and the detention of some Arab men.

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Jan. 15, 2003
Analysis
Weighing Affirmative Action
President Bush enters the affirmative action debate, calling a University of Michigan program unconstitutional.

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Jan. 15, 2003
Analysis
Supreme Court Watch: Federal Medical Leave Act
Gwen Ifill discusses the debate over the Federal Medical Leave Act with the Supreme Court reporter for The Chicago Tribune.

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Jan. 14, 2003
Analysis
Life or Death
Outgoing Governor George Ryan of Illinois has sparked a national debate over the use of the death penalty after he granted clemency to 167 inmates on death row in his state.

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Jan. 13, 2003
Analysis
Justice Reconsidered
In the largest emptying of death row in U.S. history, outgoing Illinois Gov. George Ryan has commuted all Illinois death sentences to prison terms of life or less, while condemning the state's capital punishment system as fundamentally flawed and unfair. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

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Jan. 9, 2003
Essay
Essay: Crime in L.A.
Anne Taylor Fleming considers the crime problem in Los Angeles.


Jan. 1, 2003
Analysis
Stealing Identities
Spencer Michels reports on the use of computer technology in the growing problem of identity theft.

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Jan. 1, 2003
Analysis
Telemarketers: Hold That Call
The federal and many state governments have begun to work to limit the 300 telemarketer calls that the average American receives each year. Margaret Warner discusses these efforts with Eileen Harrington of the Federal Trade Commission and Matt Mattingley of the American Teleservices Association.

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Jan. 1, 2003
Update
Supreme Court History
"It is relatively easy to describe in one or two sentences the role of the Supreme Court of the United States in our nation's system of government," Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote in his book, "The Supreme Court."

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