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Case Western Reserve University
Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law; contributing editor to the National Review and regular contributor to the legal blog, The Volokh Conspiracy
PROFILE
Jonathan H. Adler
Guest
FROM Jonathan H. Adler
To the Point
The Supreme Court’s New Term At yesterday’s opening session, the US Supreme Court declined to take up cases involving same-sex marriage. Was that a surprise—or not? First, today’s arguments in the case of a notorious prisoner in Arkansas—a self-proclaimed Muslim jihadist who stabbed his ex-girlfriend. He says his religion requires him to wear a half-inch beard—contrary to the rules in state prison.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Supreme Court: Big Business and the First Amendment As the US Supreme Court recessed this week until next October, John Roberts completed his sixth term as Chief Justice of the United States. He continued to lead the court in a conservative direction, and this was a good term for big business, including Wal-Mart, AT&T and power companies. It was also a term dominated by the First Amendment. Is the Court more business-friendly under Roberts and the conservative majority? Is it liberal when it comes to the First Amendment?
To the Point
The Supreme Court: Big Business and the First Amendment As the US Supreme Court recessed this week until next October, John Roberts completed his sixth term as Chief Justice of the United States. He continued to lead the court in a conservative direction. The US Chamber of Commerce openly claims more influence with the US Supreme Court than any litigator except the US Solicitor General . Sure enough, big business has been winning 61 percent of its cases. Does it have better lawyers? Are the justices on its side ideologically? They often recognized the free-speech rights of business. Is that because they're dedicated to defending the First Amendment? What did the Wal-Mart case mean for women's employment rights? Why don't Supreme Court justices use the same ethics rules as other federal judges?
Which Way, L.A.?
Courts at Odds over Healthcare Law's Individual Mandate President Obama's healthcare reform requires that healthy Americans buy insurance even if they don't want to. Two federal judges, appointed by Bill Clinton, have ruled that the so-called "mandate" is constitutional. This week a third, appointed by George W. Bush, r uled that it's not .
To the Point
Healthcare, Politics and the Law President Obama's healthcare reform is being implemented nationwide, even though federal judges disagree on a major provision. Two federal judges, appointed by Bill Clinton, have ruled that the so-called "mandate" is constitutional. This week a third, appointed by George W. Bush, ruled that it's not . Is it constitutional to require healthy people to buy insurance even if they don't want to? The issue probably will be resolved by a single justice of the US Supreme Court, but will it make any difference? Would healthcare reform still go into effect without the "mandate" Republicans hate? Would support grow for the "public option" Democrats love?
To the Point
First Immigration, Now Energy The energy bills now being debated in the House and the Senate are at least as politically challenging as immigration reform. An extraordinary collection of powerful special interests could be effected by efforts to deal with skyrocketing gasoline prices, cut dependence on Middle East oil and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. One target is mileage standards for cars, trucks and SUV’s, which haven't been lowered in more two decades, largely because of opposition from America's auto industry. Does comprehensive energy policy have a chance against a vast range of special interests and political partisanship?
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To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.