Muslim and Christian parents filed suit yesterday in a Maryland federal district court challenging the Montgomery County School Board’s policy that introduces their pre-K and elementary school students to various “Pride Storybooks.” The parents are seeking the right to opt
The Origins and Current State of the Debt Limit (or Debt Ceiling)
The debt limit (or debt ceiling) is the total amount of outstanding debt that the US Department of the Treasury can incur. The so-called “X-date” is the day on which the Department would no longer be able to pay interest…
U.S. Executive Branch Update – May 24, 2023
The U.S. Court of Federal Claims Rules that the Defense Logistics Agency Must Buy from a Mandatory Source of Supply
The AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act in 1971, requires federal government agencies to procure certain products and services from community-based nonprofit agencies that employ individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.
Facts
In a recent…
Illinois AG Releases Report on Catholic Clergy Child Sex Abuse
Yesterday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released its 696-page Report on Catholic Clergy Child Sex Abuse in Illinois (full text). The Report stems from an investigation thar began in 2018. The Attorney General’s message that begins the report says…
Court Defines Clergy-Penitent Privilege Under Montana Law
Caekaert v. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, (D MT, May 22, 2023), involved a motion by plaintiff to compel production of documents that the Jehovah’s Witnesses parent body withheld in discovery claiming clergy-penitent privilege. At issue…
Deputy Has Qualified Immunity In Suit Claiming His Failure to Intervene in Establishment Clause Violation
In White v. Goforth, (6th Cir., May 18, 2023), the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals held that Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Goforth had qualified immunity in a suit against him for failing to intervene in conduct by Daniel Wilkey,…
Annexation Agreement Binds Successor Owners of Portion of Undeveloped Land in Subdivision
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled in favor of a municipality in a motion to dismiss its lawsuit that alleged that a successor owner breached an annexation agreement between the municipality and a successor owner. Village of Kirkland v. Kirkland Properties…
Judge’s Religious Comments Did Not Violate Defendant’s Rights
In State of Ohio v. Loftis, (OH App., May 19, 2023), an Ohio state appellate court held that a judge’s references to religion during a sentencing hearing for defendant who was convicted of sexual battery did not violate defendant’s…
AAUP Issues Report on Hamline University Islamic Art Controversy
The Association of American University Professors Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure has released its report (full text) on the actions of Hamline University in refusing to renew the contract of a part-time art history professor who…