Mark Sherman

July 22, 2008 | National Law Journal

Louisiana prosecutors asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to revisit its recent decision outlawing the death penalty for people convicted of raping children. The unusual request is based on the failure of anyone involved in the case — lawyers on both sides as well as the justices — to take account of a change in federal law in 2006 that authorizes the death penalty for members of the military who are convicted of child rape. It is unclear when the justices will take up the request.

By Mark Sherman

4 minute read

September 07, 2010 | Daily Report Online

By MARK SHERMAN

5 minute read

July 21, 2008 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP-Twice convicted of felonies, James Francis Barton Jr. faces charges of violating a federal law barring felons from owning guns after police found seven pistols, three shotguns and five rifles at his home south of Pittsburgh.As a defense, Barton and several other defendants in federal gun cases argue that last month's Supreme Court ruling allows them to keep loaded handguns at home for self-defense.

By MARK SHERMAN

5 minute read

February 26, 2008 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP - Two years and 144 cases have passed since Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas last spoke up at oral arguments. It is a period of unbroken silence that contrasts with the rest of the court's unceasing inquiries.Hardly a case goes by, including two appeals that were argued Monday, without eight justices peppering lawyers with questions.

By MARK SHERMAN

4 minute read

July 13, 2009 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP - Judiciary Committee senators kept up partisan bickering Monday over whether Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor would render impartial justice as she stood on the cusp of a historic confirmation hearing."I think philosophically her statements indicate an approach to judging that is outside the mainstream," Sen.

By MARK SHERMAN

4 minute read

January 09, 2012 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP - A federal law says states and localities with a history of discrimination cannot change any voting procedures without first getting approval from the Justice Department or a federal court in Washington. Yet Texas is asking the Supreme Court to allow the use of new, unapproved electoral districts in this year's voting for Congress and the state Legislature.

By Mark Sherman

5 minute read

July 13, 2009 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP - Senate Democrats praised Sonia Sotomayor as a Hispanic pioneer well qualified for the Supreme Court on Monday, but Republicans questioned her impartiality and President Barack Obama's views as well at the start of confirmation hearings.Despite Republican misgivings, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Sotomayor, "Unless you have a complete meltdown, you're going to get confirmed.

By DAVID ESPO and MARK SHERMAN

6 minute read

April 22, 2009 | National Law Journal

Putting new limits on vehicle searches conducted immediately after a suspect's arrest, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that police need a warrant to search a suspect's vehicle if the person is locked up in a patrol cruiser and poses no safety threat to officers. The majority ruled that warrantless searches may still be done if a car's passenger compartment is within reach of a suspect removed from the vehicle or there is reason to believe that evidence will be found of the crime that led to the arrest.

By Mark Sherman

5 minute read

September 09, 2009 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP - "Hillary: The Movie" is returning to the Supreme Court for a limited engagement and with the chance to overhaul laws governing federal campaigns ranging from the White House to Congress.The justices were hearing arguments in the case Wednesday for the second time. It began as a dispute over whether a 90-minute movie attacking Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential ambitions should be regulated as a campaign ad.

By MARK SHERMAN

4 minute read

March 25, 2008 | Daily Report Online

WASHINGTON AP - President Bush overstepped his authority when he ordered a Texas court to reopen the case of a Mexican on death row for rape and murder, the Supreme Court said Tuesday.In a case that mixes presidential power, international relations and the death penalty, the court sided with Texas and rebuked Bush by a 6-3 vote.

By MARK SHERMAN

5 minute read