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Court Watch

Court Asked to Overturn Roe V. Wade
WASHINGTON -- The woman once known as "Jane Roe" has asked the Supreme Court to overturn its landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion 32 years ago. Norma McCorvey, whose protest of Texas' abortion ban led to the 1973 ruling, contends in a petition received at the court Tuesday that the case should be heard again in light of evidence that the procedure may harm women. "Now we know so much more, and I plead with the court to listen for witnesses and re-evaluate Roe v. Wade," said McCorvey, who says she now regrets her role in the case. Two lower courts last year threw out McCorvey's request to have the ruling reconsidered.

Roe v. Roe: McCorvey Rejects Abortion Decision
Thirty-two years after her case--Roe v. Wade--legalized abortion in the United States, the woman known as "Jane Roe" is petitioning the Supreme Court to reverse its decision. Norma McCorvey's quest to overturn the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling began two years ago in Dallas when her lawyers at the Justice Foundation filed a petition seeking a reversal.

Court Weighs Primary-Election Case
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court debated Wednesday whether voters from one political party should be allowed to cross over and vote in another party's primary, a practice forbidden in nearly half the states. Justices are reviewing a First Amendment challenge to Oklahoma's system by the Libertarian Party, which wants to open its primaries to voters registered as Democrats or Republicans in hopes of attracting more members.

Court Lets Stand Forced Blood Test Case
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court declined to consider Tuesday whether a police officer may take a blood test from a suspected drunken driver without a warrant. Justices let stand a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that said a forced blood test would not violate the driver's Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable searches, even if the driver already had submitted to a breath test.

Court Sidesteps Guantanamo Bay Case
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court prolonged the legal limbo of hundreds of terror suspects in a U.S. military prison in Cuba, refusing on Tuesday to consider whether the government's plan for military trials unfairly denies them basic legal rights. So far only a handful of the 550 detainees from about 40 countries have been charged with war crimes. More are expected once courts sort out how they may be tried. The legal uncertainty surrounding the men, many of whom were captured during the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan in 2001, has prompted international criticism and spawned multiple court fights.

Court Hears Pa. Death Row Appeal
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court considered Tuesday whether a jury unfairly sentenced a Pennsylvania man to death on a 17-year-old murder conviction in a case expected to clarify death penalty standards for attorney conduct and jury instructions. Ronald Rompilla, 56, was convicted of robbing, stabbing and setting on fire a tavern owner in Allentown, Pa., in 1988. He argues his sentence should be overturned because jurors weren't told by the trial judge they could sentence him to life in prison without parole.

Court to Review Mich. Truck Fees
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court said Friday it would decide if Michigan is overcharging truckers. The state lost a truck fees case at the high court nearly three years ago. About $70 million is at stake in the latest challenge. The American Trucking Associations and trucking companies want the justices to stop Michigan from charging $100 yearly fees.

Rehnquist Swears in Bush Despite Illness
WASHINGTON -- Looking frail but determined, his voice strained from thyroid cancer, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist emerged from months of seclusion to swear in President Bush. The 80-year-old Rehnquist managed a weak smile as he walked with a cane and took his place on the podium. His first public appearance in three months was brief. He administered the oath in a clear but raspy voice — very different from his usual deep-pitched speech. It was the fifth and very likely last time he will swear in a president.

Posted by Editor at January 21, 2005 10:01 AM