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Over the 230-year history since the ratification of the Constitution in 1789, the Supreme Court has weighed in on many big issues, from free speech, abortion and discrimination to freedom of religion, gun rights, and the powers of the president. Here is a list of ten of the most important Constitutional Cases of all time.
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Over the 230-year history since the ratification of the Constitution in 1789, the Supreme Court has weighed in on many big issues, from free speech, abortion and discrimination to freedom of religion, gun rights, and the powers of the president. Here is a list of 10 of the most important Constitutional cases of all time.
Read moreAdded to the Constitution in 1967, partly in response to John Kennedy’s assassination, the 25th Amendment has been much in the news lately, with stories about its possible use and misuse. The Amendment creates a dramatic process to transfer power to the Vice President (VP)—even against the wishes of the President—if the President is unable to fulfill his duties. This article aims to give a short overview of the history and workings of this important Amendment while staying neutral on politics.
Read morePerhaps no word better defines America than “liberty.” Patrick Henry was not joking when he said, “Give me liberty or give me death.” His fellow patriots knew that if they failed in their fight for liberty from England, they would face death. Cherished by all Americans regardless of political leanings, liberty finds its foundation in the Constitution. This article looks at how liberty is protected by the Constitution and beyond.
Read morePresident Trump nominated federal judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court. His nomination shines a bright light on a number of “hot” constitutional issues. Many news stories claim that Kavanaugh will fundamentally change the court’s position on key issues facing America. While steering clear of politics (a goal of this column), we try to separate fact from fiction on three important areas where Kavanaugh could have a direct impact.
Read moreBy Benedict Lenhart The Supreme Court ruled this week in favor of a baker who refused to sell a wedding cake
Read moreA battle rages in America over marijuana laws. On one hand, more than half of the states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use (or both). However, marijuana remains strictly illegal under federal law, with stiff penalties for violations.
Read moreRecently I was fortunate to visit the ancient Temple Church in London, built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar. The church is relevant here because it was the location of one of the earliest demands for due process of law. In January 1215, a group of English barons confronted King John and asked that he recognize certain fundamental rights. Among those was the great right of due process: the barons demanded that the crown not imprison them or take their property without first following the customary legal procedures that were “due” to them. Six month later, at Runnymede, the King agreed to the Barons’ demands and signed the Magna Carta.
Read moreBy Ben Lenhart The Mueller investigation into alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign provides a helpful springboard to
Read moreBy Ben Lenhart The Constitution protects religious freedom for all Americans in two important ways. First, the government can’t create
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