Author Archives: mcharisse

Twitter stalking or free speech?

A federal judge in Maryland recently ruled the First Amendment protects your right to defame religious leaders, to predict and wish for their violent deaths. At least as long as you say so online, thousands of times, and to who … Continue reading

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Can states help feds against their will?

The Supreme Court agreed to Monday to hear yet another major case — Arizona’s controversial law targeting illegal immigrants. The justices said they will review a federal appeals court ruling that blocked several tough provisions in the Arizona law. One … Continue reading

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A right to tobacco advertising

The following press release from the Cigar and Pipe Retailers says graphic warnings violate the First Amendment. Me, I agree with the conservatives on the court, who have long insisted the the “greater” right to regulate tobacco includes the “lesser” … Continue reading

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Court won’t hear cross case

It’s always dangerous to read too much into Supreme Court decisions not to hear a given case. But this 8-1 vote suggests to me some things are settled law and beyond politics. WASHINGTON (AP)– The Supreme Court won’t hear an … Continue reading

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Even liars have free-speech rights

Does the free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment include a right to lie? Good question, because the Supreme Court – wisely, in my opinion, anyway – has never come right out and said exactly, one way or another. But … Continue reading

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Snyder v. Phelps discussion

We will talking about the Supreme Court’s Snyder v. Phelps decision at our weekly constitutional law lunch, Wednesday at 1 pm. at the Reader’s Cafe in Hanover. Anyone interested in talking about this important First Amendment decision is welcome to … Continue reading

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A well-regulated militia

A handful of South Dakota lawmakers with a flair for political theater have decided to introduce a bill that would require every citizen of that state over 21 to own a gun. I have friends – fellow gun owners mostly … Continue reading

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Constitutionality of health care law ‘unambiguous’

A group of more than 100 leading legal scholars have issued a statement affirming the constitutionality of health-care reform law, despite one federal judge’s ruling to the contrary. “I’ve never seen such an outpouring of support among law professors before,” … Continue reading

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Our Constitution — living or dead?

A few months back, the area chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution asked if I’d speak at their annual Constitution Day lunch. Someone, the caller told me, said I might make an interesting speaker. With months to mull … Continue reading

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Constitution anti-government?

An anti-government screed posted on our comment boards brought this response from another reader: “Great letter! Posted by someone who understands American values, traditions AND the CONSTITUTION!” Funny thing though, as carefully as I peruse my copy of the U.S. … Continue reading

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