Takeover specialists; why many litigators hand their cases to High Court pros

Article Abstract:

Only about 80 cases make up the Supreme Court calendar each term, down from the 150 or so it used to hear, and an even higher percentage is argued by lawyers whose specialty is Supreme Court work. These specialists state that understanding the Court's unique role, the views of each justice and how to work with local counsel are what count. The key first step is drafting the kind of certiorari petition which will guarantee a hearing for the case. Charles Cooper, a Washington, DC Supreme Court specialist, maintains that 98% of cases are won or lost with a denial.

Attorneys, Practice, Legal specialization, United States. Supreme Court

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Free exercise gives courts a workout; appeals panel protects bankrupts' tithes and resurrects religious freedom act

Article Abstract:

Appellate judges, scholars and civil libertarians disagree on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which holds that government cannot burden a person's religion unless it can demonstrate a compelling interest for doing so. RFRA suporters feel City of Boerne held that RFRA did not compel the federal government to grant more protection to religion than required by the First Amendment, holding only that state governments may not do so, while critics feel the court rejected the law in its entirety.

Laws, regulations and rules, Freedom of religion, Separation of powers

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A marriage proposal; Vermont Supreme Court seeks common ground on gay unions

Article Abstract:

Baker v. Vermont, the 1999 Vermont Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage is discussed. Baker directed the legislature to either provide for same-sex marriage licenses or devise a domestic partner system giving all or most of those rights and privileges the law provides to married partners.

Vermont, Same-sex marriage

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