Vice Dean, New York University Law School
Vice Dean of New York University Law School and author of The Will of the People: How Public Opinion has Influenced the Supreme Court and Shaped the Meaning of the Constitution
PROFILE
Barry Friedman
Guest
FROM Barry Friedman
Which Way, L.A.?
Healthcare Reform: Will a Milestone Turn Into a Millstone? Two months ago, healthcare reform seemed all but dead, and there was talk that, despite Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, President Obama might be unable to govern. Late last night, he proclaimed that his party had overcome partisanship, special interests, cynicism and fear in passing the healthcare overhaul .
To the Point
Healthcare Reform: Will a Milestone Turn Into a Millstone? Two months ago, healthcare reform seemed all but dead, and there was talk that, despite Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, President Obama might be unable to govern. Late last night, after House Democrats passed massive healthcare reform , he proclaimed that his party had overcome partisanship, special interests, cynicism and fear. While nobody disagrees that House Democrats made history, Republicans are already talking " repeal " and predicting they'll take back the Congress in the November elections. Will they be the ultimate winners, or can Democrats persuade the voters that specific provisions are in their best interests after all?
Which Way, L.A.?
Tradition of Marriage on Trial in a Federal Courtroom In a San Francisco federal court this week, a witness testified on tape that, if California’s ban on same-sex marriage is repealed, “children would suddenly find homosexuality irresistible.” The lawyers who want the ban overturned really wanted the judge to hear that. Is same-sex marriage banned because of ancient tradition or because of discrimination against gays and lesbians? What’s it like for gay and lesbian parents, and their children, to have their legitimacy challenged in such a public forum? Are the courts being asked to rule on broad social issues rather than questions of Constitutional law?
To the Point
On Trial in a Federal Courtroom: The Tradition of Marriage The US Supreme Court says the trial on Proposition 8 , California's same-sex marriage ban cannot be televised . Is that a clue as to how the case might finally be decided? Is same-sex marriage banned because of ancient tradition or because of discrimination against gays and lesbians? What's it like for gay and lesbian parents, and their children, to have their legitimacy challenged in such a public forum? Are the courts being asked to rule on broad social issues rather than questions of Constitutional law?
Which Way, L.A.?
A New Justice and a New Term for a Court in Transition The US Supreme Court began its first full term today with Justice Sonia Sotomayor in place of retired Justice David Souter.
To the Point
A New Justice and a New Term for a Court in Transition The US Supreme Court began its first full term today. Justice Sonia Sotomayor , who's replacing retired Justice David Souter adds a new face to America's highest court, though it's not clear she'll make much of a difference on major decisions. Conservatives still dominate five to four, with Anthony Kennedy the bouncing ball on constitutional questions and precedents. If Chief Justice Roberts goes ideological, decisions on gun rights, religion, campaign spending and executive power could be legal blockbusters. Is he more likely to guide the court to "incremental" rulings less likely to be overridden while Congress is controlled by the Democrats?
Recommended
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.