Jan 19 Supreme Court sets election-year clash on immigration By Mark Sherman, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court stepped into a boiling political dispute over immigration Tuesday, setting up a likely decision in the middle of a presidential campaign marked by harsh rhetoric about immigrants. Continue reading
Jan 12 Florida death penalty system is unconstitutional, Supreme Court rules By Sam Hananel, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Florida's unique system for sentencing people to death is unconstitutional because it gives too much power to judges — and not enough to juries — to decide capital sentences. Continue reading
Jan 11 Watch What a teachers' challenge to union fees could mean for organized labor By PBS News Hour Can teachers who are not union members be required to pay some union dues? That question is being weighed at the Supreme Court, which heard arguments in a case that could have wide ramifications for organized labor. Judy Woodruff learns… Continue watching
Jan 11 High court seems skeptical of mandatory public union fees By Sam Hananel, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Monday appeared ready to deal a major blow to organized labor as it considers the free speech rights of government workers who say they shouldn't be forced to pay fees to public sector unions. Continue reading
Jan 06 Watch 5:43 News Wrap: Ala. chief justice urges halt on same-sex marriage licenses By PBS News Hour In our news wrap Wednesday, Alabama state Chief Justice Roy Moore urged local officials to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, saying the Supreme Court decision is at odds at his court's earlier rulings, causing confusion. Also, the Republican-led House… Continue watching
Dec 28 Activists predict abortion will be a hot issue in campaigns By David Crary, Associated Press With a deeper-than-ever split between Republicans and Democrats over abortion, activists on both sides of the debate foresee a 2016 presidential campaign in which the nominees tackle the volatile topic more aggressively than in past elections. Continue reading
Dec 10 Democratic leader Reid criticizes Scalia for using 'racist' rhetoric By Deb Riechmann, Associated Press Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid on Thursday blasted Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia for uttering what he called "racist ideas" from the bench of the nation's highest court. Scalia on Wednesday suggested it's possible that some black students would benefit… Continue reading
Dec 09 Watch 10:06 What's different about the latest challenge to affirmative action? By PBS News Hour Should race be a consideration in college admissions? For the second time in three years, the Supreme Court justices are considering the constitutionality of that question. Gwen Ifill examines the opposing viewpoints with Richard Kahlenberg of the Century Foundation and… Continue watching
Dec 09 Supreme Court torn over Texas affirmative action program By Mark Sherman, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appears torn over the use of race in college admissions and may not be ready to make a decision without more information. Continue reading
Dec 08 Watch Supreme Court mulls representation in 'one person, one vote' case By PBS News Hour Who should be counted when states divvy up their territory for representation: all residents or only those who can vote? The Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday involving the very nuts and bolts of how American democracy works. Marcia Coyle… Continue watching