Change in Content

Due to recent (very happy) events, I can no longer continue my coverage of the Harris County Bible case.

I wish both the parties the best of luck, and I hope this case reaches a satisfactory conclusion.

Founding Principles?

Interesting article about the religious proclivities of our founding fathers. I find it particularly interesting in light of the recent ten comandments case (Van Orden) before the Supremes.

Big Enough to Drive a Van Through

Well the fifth circuit has finally ruled that driving a car through a medical facility's front door is NOT constitutionally protected. Well, I hope one can assume that it is not acceptable to drive a vehicle through the front door of anything but a garage, but this fellow was prosecuted under the FACE, or freedom of access to [abortion] clinics act. The defendant argued that he was protected by a constitutional right of free "speech." OK, so it's late, and the real argument was far more estoric and based on an interpretation of a prior SCOTUS decision.

However

I just don't see how driving a car through anyone's front door could even rationally be argued as a form of free speech or even free expression. It isn't expression, it is at best vandalism and at worst attempted murder. It is clearly an impediment to access as it is very difficult to get into a clinic when there is a Ford taking up the walkway.

I suppose the moral of this story is even the Fifth Circuit isn't conservative enough to condone this sort of behavior.

Decision;
Chronicle coverage

Death Penalty Dance - No Underage Partners

Continuing my practice of only making note of REALLY significant (in my view) info, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that people who commit crimes while under 18 cannot be put to death for those crimes. This applies to a limited number of states, including my own home Texas which is one of the only three states to actually execute them (others just have a law on the books).

While the effect on active cases will be minimal, this should help us to come more in line with the rest of the western world.

Info at:
Decision:

(Check at SCOTUSblog)

Blog:

How Appealing
SCOTUSblog)


Media

Houston Chronicle
AP