Category Archives: Federal Courts
DADT injunction: Now and global
A federal judge in California Tuesday issued an order to put an “immediate” and global halt to all discharges and investigations under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
High Court ponders another exception to 1st Amendment
Fred Phelps’ followers say their hate-filled messages constitute a contribution to public discourse. But, in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, attorney Sean Summers argued that these messages, when conveyed outside the funeral of a fallen soldier, inflict an injury
GOP rep. wants to defend DOMA in Mass. cases
Claiming that the Department of Justice is not doing enough to defend the Defense of Marriage Act, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) has asked a federal court for permission to serve as an intervenor-defendant in two cases expected to come
Second big legal victory against DADT
For the second time this month, a federal judge has ruled Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell violates the federal constitution.
Kagan’s recusals — potential barrier to pro-gay rulings
At first glance, it might draw a yawn: Elena Kagan, the U.S. Supreme Court’s newest member, has recused herself from some upcoming cases. But ruminate for a few minutes over this list of cases that could be before the court
Another DADT trial, but a different DOJ tack
The story of Air Force Reserve Major Margaret Witt has some drama to it and that drama may well be trotted out this week as a U.S. District Court judge hears the lawsuit challenging her discharge under “Don’t Ask, Don’t
DADT unconstitutional, says federal judge
A U.S. District Court judge in California Thursday declared the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy unconstitutional, saying it violates both the First and Fifth Amendments.
Schwarzenegger under pressure from Republicans to defend Prop 8
Supporters of Proposition 8 this month conjured up the ghost of Ronald Reagan to defend the voter-approved state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. But, so far, it hasn’t worked.
9th Circuit extends stay, expedites appeal
A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued an order granting Yes on 8’s request for a stay of Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.
