First Amendment

Mandatory bar in Texas violates lawyers’ First Amendment rights, 5th Circuit rules

A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the mandatory state bar in Texas violates lawyers’ First Amendment rights because of its political and ideological activities.

Jul 6, 2021 10:55 AM CDT

State ban on tuition assistance at religion-teaching schools to be reviewed by Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider the constitutionality of a Maine tuition assistance program that can’t be used at schools that teach religion.

Jul 2, 2021 11:30 AM CDT

Supreme Court won’t hear case of Christian florist who refused to provide flowers for gay wedding

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday let stand a victory for a same-sex couple who were told by a Christian florist that she would not provide flowers for their wedding.

Jul 2, 2021 10:30 AM CDT

Donor disclosure requirement violates First Amendment rights of association, SCOTUS rules

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 Thursday that California's donor disclosure requirement violates the First Amendment.

Jul 1, 2021 9:31 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Internet research is costly for juror; bar dues claim partly resurrected

Federal juror’s internet research cost over $11K A federal judge in New Jersey has held a juror in contempt and fined him more than $11,000 for conducting internet research on a case, despite warnings against such conduct. U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler of the District of New Jersey had declared…

Jun 30, 2021 4:35 PM CDT

Supreme Court will decide whether ban on some digital billboards violates First Amendment

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether Austin, Texas, violated the First Amendment when it allowed digital billboards on properties of businesses but not elsewhere.

Jun 28, 2021 2:06 PM CDT

Cheerleader’s Snapchat vulgarity had a message, Supreme Court says in 8-1 ruling against school

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a Pennsylvania school district violated a cheerleader’s First Amendment rights when it suspended her from the squad for F-word Snapchat posts.

Jun 23, 2021 9:39 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Suit tossed over ‘stateless’ BigLaw partners; Lafayette Square claims dismissed

Perkins Coie wins suit dismissal because of ‘stateless’ partners The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Chicago has ruled that former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page can’t sue Perkins Coie for defamation in federal court. Page had alleged that the law firm and the Democratic National Committee retained Fusion…

Jun 22, 2021 4:53 PM CDT

Supreme Court rules for Catholic foster agency that refuses to place children with same-sex couples

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Philadelphia violated the free exercise clause when it refused to contract with a Catholic foster care agency that refuses to place children with same-sex couples.

Jun 17, 2021 10:01 AM CDT

Florida resident loses First Amendment appeal in suit over rejection of his mansion plans

A federal appeals court has rejected constitutional claims by a Florida resident who sued when a town rejected his plans for a new beachfront mansion that would be dissimilar to nearby homes.

Jun 9, 2021 1:20 PM CDT

DOJ says it can defend religious exemption that allows LGBTQ discrimination in education

The U.S. Department of Justice is opposing an attempt by Christian colleges to intervene in a lawsuit by asserting that it can defend a religious exemption that allows the schools to discriminate against LGBTQ students.

Jun 9, 2021 11:25 AM CDT

ACLU is split by internal debate over First Amendment support for hate speech

The American Civil Liberties Union, long known for its support of the First Amendment, is dealing with internal dissension over defense of hate speech.

Jun 8, 2021 3:04 PM CDT

Stanford lifts graduation hold on law student who made satirical flyer for fake Federalist Society event

Third-year Stanford Law School student Nicholas Wallace was informed on the last day of classes that the school was placing a hold on his degree as it investigated a complaint about his satirical flyer promoting a fake insurrection event sponsored by the Federalist Society.

Jun 3, 2021 10:12 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: BigLaw firm requires tests for unvaccinated; Florida will fine social media for candidate bans

BigLaw firm requires COVID-19 tests for unvaccinated Lawyers and staff members at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom who don’t get vaccines will have to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their return to the office. The law firm hopes to formally reopen its U.S. offices Sept. 13…

May 25, 2021 4:39 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Judge rules against courtroom prayer program; public comment sought on student loans

Judge rules against courtroom prayer program A federal judge in Texas has ruled against a Texas justice of the peace in a suit claiming that he violated the establishment clause by soliciting chaplains to deliver courtroom prayers at the opening of court proceedings. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt of the…

May 24, 2021 3:21 PM CDT