Jan 28
Constitution Check: What are the limits on the president’s appointment powers?
Lyle Denniston looks at Friday’s appeals court decision over presidential recess appointments and why the case could be headed to the Supreme Court.
Jan 24
UPDATE: Do women have a constitutional right to serve in military combat?
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to announce on Thursday that he is ordering the start of a process that would allow women in the military to take positions in direct ground combat, with some positions opening as early as this year. The process, however, involves studies running through 2015 by the military services on… [Continue Reading]
Jan 22
Constitution Check: Can one word make constitutional history?
Lyle Denniston looks at President Barack Obama’s historic discussion of gay rights in his inaugural address, and its constitutional significance. The statement at issue: “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still, just as it guided… [Continue Reading]
Jan 17
Constitution Check: Where does the U.S. stand now on secession?
Lyle Denniston looks at the White House’s response to secession petitions, and how the idea extends beyond America’s shores. The statements at issue: “Free and open debate is what makes this country work…But as much as we value healthy debate, we don’t let that debate tear us apart….Our Founding Fathers enshrined in the Constitution the… [Continue Reading]
Jan 15
Setting some limits on gun rights
Whatever awaits the Obama administration’s planned campaign to reduce gun violence across America, Second Amendment advocates are sure to bring lawsuits to challenge virtually anything that emerged from Congress, or from direct White House orders. The Supreme Court could be a major player in this, perhaps as early as its next term starting in October…. [Continue Reading]
