Amy Fisher Trial: 1992 - Long Island Lolita, Hollywood Deals, "a Walking Stick Of Dynamite", Joey's Troubles Are Not Over

Defendant: Amy Fisher Crimes Charged: Attempted murder, assault Chief Defense Lawyer: Eric Naiburg Chief Prosecutor: Fred Klein. Judge: Marvin Goodman Place: Long Island, New York Date of Trial: September 24, 1992 Verdict: Guilty of assault Sentence: 5-15 years imprisonment; released after 7 years SIGNIFICANCE: The Amy Fisher/Joey Buttafuoco affair (she being a teenager at the time) showed the ext…

2 minute read

Arizona v. Fulminante - Significance, Harmless Error And The Supreme Court, New Direction?, The Federal Bureau Of Investigation

State of Arizona Orestes C. Fulminante That the Arizona Supreme Court had erred in awarding Fulminante a new trial for murder. Barbara M. Jarrett Stephen R. Collins Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter Harry A. Blackmun, Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White Washington, D.C. 26 March 1991 Affirmed the …

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Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce - Case Background, Dissenting Opinions

Richard H. Austin, Michigan Secretary of State, and Frank J. Kelley, Michigan Attorney General Michigan Chamber of Commerce That Section 54(1) of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act did not violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. Louis J. Caruso, Solicitor General of Michigan Richard D. McLellan Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall (writing for the C…

1 minute read

Automobile Workers v. Johnson Controls - Significance, Women And Children First, Defining "business Necessity", "outright And Explicit" Discrimination

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, UAW, et al. Johnson Controls, Inc. That Johnson Controls' "fetal protection policy" is sex discrimination prohibited by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). Marsha S. Berzon Stanley S. Jaspan Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor, Will…

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Baby Jessica Case: 1993 - Biological Mother Regrets Adoption, The Battle Over Jessica Continues

Defendants: Cara and Dan Schmidt Plaintiffs: Jan and Roberta DeBoer Plaintiff Claim: The DeBoer's sought to block the order of the Michigan Supreme Court to return Jessica to the Schmidts Chief Defense Lawyer: Marian Faupel Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: Scott Bassett Justices: William H. Rehnquist, Harry A. Blackmun, John Paul Stevens, Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scalia, Anthony M. Ke…

1 minute read

Baby Maranda Case: 1994

Defendant: Jennifer Ireland Plaintiff: Steven Smith Plaintiff Claim: Custody of his daughter, Maranda Chief Defense Lawyer: Julie Field Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: Sharon-Lee Edwards Judge: Raymond R. Cashen Place: Macomb County, Michigan Date of Trial: June 27, 1994 Decision: Custody was granted to Steven Smith SIGNIFICANCE: The judge's surprising decision granting custody of Baby Maranda …

6 minute read

Baby Richard Trial: 1991-95 - Father Attempts To Gain Custody, Illinois Legislature Gets Involved

Plaintiff: Otakar Kirchner Defendants: Jay and Kimberly Warburton Chief Defense Lawyer: Richard Lifshitz Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: Loren Heineman Judges: Dom J. Rizzi and Ann G. McMorrow Place: Chicago, Illinois Dates of Trials: 1991-1995 Verdict: For the plaintiff: custody of the child Baby Richard awarded to his biological father, Otakar Kirchner SIGNIFICANCE: The Baby Richard case elicited pu…

1 minute read

Inc. Barnes v. Glen Theatre - Significance, Dissenters Vote To Uphold Nude Dancing, Nude Dancing--form Of Expression

Michael Barnes, Prosecuting Attorney of St. Joseph County, Indiana Glen Theatre, Inc. Nude dancing is a form of expressive conduct that is not protected by the First Amendment. Wayne E. Uhl, Deputy Attorney General of Indiana Bruce J. Ennis, Jr. Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter Harry A. Blackmun, Thurgood Marshal…

1 minute read

Bensonhurst Murder Trial: 1990 - Racial Jealousy Leads To Murder, Police Quickly Arrest Suspects, Racial Tensions Boil Over, Controversial And Complicated Verdicts

Defendants: Joseph Fama, Keith Mondello Crimes Charged: Riot, unlawful imprisonment, discrimination, murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Mondello: Stephen Murphy; Fama: David DePetris Chief Prosecutor: Paul Burns Judge: Thaddeus Owens Place: Brooklyn, Kings County, New York Date of Trial: May-June 11, 1990 Verdicts: Fama: guilty of murder in the second degree (manslaughter), guilty of riot; Mondello: no…

1 minute read

Board of Education of Kiryas Joel v. Grumet - Kiryas Joel, Retrenchment And Renewed Controversy, Lower Court Rulings, Challenging The Lemon Test, Legal Impact

Board of Education of Kiryas Joel Village School District Louis Grumet, et al. That Chapter 748 of New York State Law, enabling creation of a separate school district to provide special education to the children of Kiryas Joel village, did not violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution mandating the separation of church and state. Nathan Lewin Jay Worona Harry A. Blackmun, Ruth Bade…

1 minute read

New York C A Carbone v. Town of Clarkstown - Significance, Further Readings

C & A Carbone, Inc. Town of Clarkstown, New York That a Clarkstown ordinance requiring all haulers to deposit waste at a private transfer station in return for deeding over the station to the city in five years violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Betty Jo Christian William C. Brashares Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scali…

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California v. Acevedo - Significance, A Uniform Rule For Vehicle Searches, Dissent Finds Warrantless Search Unacceptable, Impact, Kids, Drugs, And Crime

State of California Charles Steven Acevedo That police may search a container seized from an automobile where there is probable cause to believe that the container holds evidence or an illegal substance. Robert M. Foster Frederick Westcott Anderson Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter Thurgood Mars…

1 minute read

California v. Hodari D. - Significance, When Questioning Is Seizure, An Erosion Of Fourth Amendment Rights?, Impact

State of California Hodari D. That police officials' use of materials discarded by a fleeing suspect prior to a warrantless arrest does not violate Fourth Amendment search and seizure standards. Kenneth Winston Starr, U.S. Solicitor General Paul L. Hoffman Anthony M. Kennedy, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, Clarence Thomas, Byron R. White Harry A. Bla…

1 minute read

Cammermeyer v. Aspin - Significance, A Military Discharge, Summary Judgment, Legitimate But Not Rational, Impact

Margarethe Cammermeyer, Colonel Les Aspin, U.S. Secretary of Defense, et al. That her discharge from service in the National Guard--based solely on her statement that she is a lesbian--was in violation of her constitutional rights. Jeffrey I. Tilden, Michael H. Himes, Mary Newcombe David M. Glass Thomas Zilly Seattle, Washington 1 June 1994 Cammermeyer's discharge violated her equal protection and…

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Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board v. Pinette - A Symbol Of Hatred Or Religious Display?, Impact, Further Readings

Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board Vincent J. Pinette Allowing the display of a large wooden cross in front of the state capitol violates the Establishment Clause because it could be interpreted as an endorsement of religion. Michael J. Renner Benson A. Wolman Stephen Breyer, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia (writing for the Court), David H. Soute…

1 minute read

Carolyn Warmus Trials: 1991 1992 - Solomon Tells Of Unusual Marriage, Vigorous Defense Launched, Second Trial Results In Conviction

Defendant: Carolyn Warmus Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: David L. Lewis; second trial: William I. Aronwald Chief Prosecutors: Douglas J. Fitzmorris and James A. McCarty Judge: John Carey Place: White Plains, New York Dates of Trials: First Trial: January 14— April 27, 1991; second trial: January 22-May 27, 1992 Verdicts: First trial: mistrial; second trial: guilty…

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Central Park Jogger Rape Trials: 1990 - Confessions Prove Crucial, Defense Unwittingly Helps Prosecution, Surprise Witness Surfaces, Second Jury Issues Surprise

Defendants: First trial: Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana Jr.; second trial: Kevin Richardson and Kharey Wise Crimes Charged: First trial: Second-degree attempted murder, rape, sodomy, first and second-degree assault, robbery, riot; second trial: all of the above, plus sexual abuse Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: Robert Burns, Michael Joseph, Peter Rivera; second trial: Howard Dill…

2 minute read

Charles Keating Trials: 1991-99 - Acc Buys Lincoln Savings And Loan, Litigation Abounds, Keating Draws Maximum Sentence, Keating Loses In Civil Court, Too

Defendant: Charles F. Keating, Jr. Crimes Charged: First trial: Securities fraud; Second trial: fraud, conspiracy, racketeering Chief Defense Lawyers: Stephen C. Neal; several other attorneys have represented him over the course of his many civil and criminal trials Chief Prosecutor: William Hodgman; several others have prosecuted him at the state and federal level Judge: Lance A. Ito Place: Los A…

2 minute read

Inc. v. City of Hialeah Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye - Significance

Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. City of Hialeah Animal sacrifices should be allowed in rituals of religion. Douglas Laycock, Jeanne Baker, Steven R. Shapiro, Jorge A. Duarte Richard G. Garrett, Stuart H. Singer, Steven M. Goldsmith Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens, Clarence…

less than 1 minute read

Cincinnati v. Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center - Significance, Obscenity Or Art?, The Nea And Sexually Explicit Art, Further Readings

Cohen v. Cowles Media Co. - Significance, The Sacred Trust Between Reporter And Source, The Press Is Subject To The Same Laws As All Citizens

Dan Cohen Cowles Media Co., DBA Minneapolis Star & Tribune Co., et al. That the First Amendment does not prevent a plaintiff from recovering damages under a state law of general applicability when a newspaper breaches a promise of confidentiality to the plaintiff. Elliot C. Rothenberg John D. French Anthony M. Kennedy, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White (writin…

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County of Allegheny v. ACLU - Significance, The Controversy Continues

County of Allegheny American Civil Liberties Union, et al. That two separate holiday displays (involving a creche and a menorah, respectively) on public property do not violate the First Amendment's Establishment of Religion Clause. Roslyn Litman Peter Buscemi (Part one, against the creche display) Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'…

1 minute read

County of Riverside v. McLaughlin - Significance, The Promptness Requirement, No More Than 24 Hours Is Needed, Impact

County of Riverside Donald Lee McLaughlin That the county's providing a probable cause hearing to those arrested without a warrant within 48 hours of the arrest was acceptable. Timothy T. Coates Dan Stormer Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, David H. Souter, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, Thurgood Marshall, Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens Wa…

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Crown Heights Trials: 1992 1997 - A Bloody Knife And A Riot, "why Did You Stab Me?", Civil Rights Charges Brought

Defendants: First trial: Lemrick Nelson, Jr.; second trial: Lemrick Nelson, Jr. and Charles Price Crimes Charged: First trial: Nelson: Murder; second trial: Nelson and Price: Violation of civil rights Chief Defense Lawyers: Nelson: Trevor L.F. Headley, Arthur Lewis, Jr., James Neuman, and Christine E. Yaris; Price: Darrell Paster and Anthony Ricco Chief Prosecutors: Valerie Caproni, Zachary W. Car…

2 minute read

Missouri Department of Health Cruzan v. Director - Significance, The Accident, Who Decides?, Defining Life, Court Rejects Parents' Appeal, Discontinuance Of Life-support V. Assisted Suicide

Nancy Beth Cruzan, by her parents and co-guardians, Lester L. Cruzan, et ux. Director, Missouri Department of Health, et al. That the state of Missouri had no authority to interfere with the parents' wish to remove the tube that supplied food and water to Nancy Cruzan. William H. Colby Robert L. Presson, Attorney General of Missouri Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (wr…

1 minute read

Inc. v. CompuServe Cubby Inc. - Significance, Impact, Regulation Of The Internet

Cubby, Inc., and Richard G. Blanchard CompuServe Inc. That CompuServe was liable for defamatory statements published in the newsletter, Rumorville, against rival newsletter, Skuttlebut. Leo Kayser Leslie Mullady Peter K. Leisure New York, New York 29 October 1991 The court ruled in favor of CompuServe finding that the Internet service provider was not liable for the statements printed in the newsl…

1 minute read

Inc. Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals - Significance, Expert Witnesses--are They Really Experts?, Further Readings

William Daubert, et ux. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The standard for determining the admissibility of expert testimony in court set by Frye v. United States was superseded by Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Under Rule 702, the expert testimony that was excluded from trial by the trial court should have been included. Michael H. Gottesman Charles Fried Harry A. Blackmun (writing fo…

1 minute read

Dellums v. Bush - Significance, Iraqi-u.s. Relations, A Congressional Duty, Impact, Further Readings

DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services - "undeniably Tragic", Who Was Protecting Joshua?, Impact, The Custody Battle, Further Readings

Melody DeShaney for her son, Joshua DeShaney Winnebago County Department of Social Services That the social workers and the county had violated Joshua DeShaney's right to due process under the Fourteenth Amendment by its failure to intervene to protect Joshua from his father's violence. Donald J. Sullivan Mark J. Mingo Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the …

1 minute read

Duckworth v. Eagan - Significance, Impact

Jack R. Duckworth Gary James Eagan That the respondent's rights were not violated simply because police officers failed to follow the exact wording of Miranda during the interrogation process. David Michael Wallman Howard B. Eisenberg Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thu…

1 minute read

East Bibb Twiggs Neighborhood Association v. Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission - Significance, Commission's Decision Not Racially Motivated, Impact, "not In My Back Yard"

East Bibb Twiggs Neighborhood Association, et al. Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission, et al. That the county planning and zoning commission's decision to allow the creation of a private landfill in an area in which most of the residents were black was motivated by racial discrimination, and thus unconstitutional Lonzy F. Edwards O. Hale Almand Wilbur D. Owens Macon, Georgia 16 Februa…

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El Sayyid Nosair Trial: 1991 - Positive Identification Introduced, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: El Sayyid A. Nosair Crime Charged: Murder, attempted murder, and assault Chief Defense Lawyers: William M. Kunstler and Michael Warren Chief Prosecutor: William Greenbaum Judge: Alvin Schlesinger Place: New York, New York Dates of Trial: November 4-December 21, 1991 Verdict: Not guilty, murder, and attempted murder; Guilty, assault with a deadly weapon Sentence: 7-22 years imprisonment …

1 minute read

Florida v. Bostick - Significance, Minority Opinion, Impact, Random Bus And Train Searches, Further Readings

State of Florida Terrance Bostick Random police searches of the effects of consenting passengers are not per se unconstitutional. Joan Fowler, Assistant Attorney General of Florida Donald B. Ayer Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens Washington, D…

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Florida v. Hill: 1994 - Killing At The Clinic, Two Fast Trials, Appeals For A "martyr", Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: Paul J. Hill Crimes Charged: Murder, attempted murder, and shooting at an occupied vehicle Chief Defense Lawyer: Paul Hill Chief Prosecutor: James R. Murray Judge: Frank L. Bell Place: Pensacola, Florida Dates of Trial: October 31-November 3, 1994 Verdict: Guilty of all charges Sentence: Death by electrocution SIGNIFICANCE: Paul Hill was the first anti-abortion activist sentenced to die…

1 minute read

Florida v. Riley - Significance, Impact

State of Florida Michael A. Riley It is not unlawful under the Fourth Amendment for a police officer to hover in a helicopter 400 feet above the home of a person and look with the naked eye into the person's property. Parker D. Thomson Marc H. Salton Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) Harry A. Blackmun, William J. B…

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Florida v. Wells - Significance

State of Florida Martin Leslie Wells It is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment for a police officer to open a locked suitcase that is found in the trunk of an arrestee's vehicle, even if the police station has no clear policy on the opening of locked containers during an inventory search. Michael J. Neimand Huntley Johnson Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgoo…

1 minute read

George Franklin Trial: 1990-91 - Daughter Goes To Police, Daughter Is Star Witness At Father's Trial

Defendant: George Franklin Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Douglas Horngrad and Arthur Wachtel Chief Prosecutor: Elaine Tipton Judge: Thomas McGinn Smith Place: Redwood City, California Dates of Trial: October 31, 1990-January 29, 1991 Verdict: Guilty (overturned on appeal) Sentence: Life imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: The trial of George Franklin raised the troubling question of how far …

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Trial George Russell Jr.: 1991 - Petty Thief Turned Murderer, Troubled Youth, A Serial Murderer On Mercer Island, Authorities Zero In On Russell

Defendant: George Walterfield Russell, Jr. Crimes Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Miriam Schwartz, Brad Hampton Chief Prosecutors: Rebecca Roe, Jeffrey Baird Judge: Patricia Aitken Place: Seattle, Washington Date of Trial: September 13-October 18, 1991 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life in prison without parole SIGNIFICANCE: Winning a conviction in Washington State's first serial-murder …

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The Glen Ridge Rape Trial: 1992-93 - Teens In The "rec Room", … The People That Teenagers Admired …", "i Still Care About Them"

Defendants: Christopher Archer, Bryant Grober, Kevin Scherzer, Kyle Scherzer Crime Charged: Rape Chief Defense Lawyers: Kyle Scherzer: Louis Esposito; Christopher Archer: Thomas Ford, Jr.; Kevin Scherzer: Michael Querques; Bryant Grober: Alan Zegas Chief Prosecutors: Glenn Goldberg, Robert Laurino, Elizabeth Miller-Hall Judge: R. Benjamin Cohen Place: Newark, New Jersey Dates of Trial: October 15,…

1 minute read

Gregory v. Ashcroft - Judges Challenge Mandatory Retirement, Both Claims Overturned Again, Petitioners Assert Portions Of Act Not Applicable

Ellis Gregory, Jr., Anthony P. Nugent, Jr. John D. Ashcroft, Governor of Missouri The Missouri Constitution's mandatory retirement provision required retirement of state judges over age 70. Petitioners claimed it violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it irrationally distinguished between old and younger judges,…

1 minute read

Harris v. Forklift - Significance, Harris Files A Lawsuit, Discrimination By Any Other Name, Justice Clarence Thomas, Further Readings

Teresa Harris Forklift Systems, Inc. That she was sexually harassed by the owner. Irwin Bennick Stanley M. Chernau Harry A. Blackmun, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens, Clarence Thomas None Washington, D.C. 9 November 1993 The Court found that Teresa Harris did work in a sex…

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Hodgson v. Minnesota - Judicial Background, The Case At Hand, The Lower Courts Rule, The Supreme Court Affirms The Court Of Appeals Decision

Jane Hodgson, et al. State of Minnesota, et al. That a Minnesota law requiring minors to notify both their parents before obtaining an abortion was unconstitutional. John Tunheim Janet Benshoof Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor, John Paul Stevens (writing for the Court) Anthony M. Kennedy, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White Washing…

1 minute read

Horton v. California - Significance, Background Laws And Decisions, The Crime And The Evidence, The Case Of Terry Horton

Terry Brice Horton State of California That the court must suppress the evidence Sergeant LaRault discovered in plain view while conducting a lawful search, because his search warrant did not mention these items and because LaRault did not find them inadvertently. Juliana Drous Martin S. Kaye Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, John Pau…

1 minute read

Hudson v. McMillian - Prison Inmate Claims Beating Violated His Civil Rights, High Court Defines Force Used On Inmates, Excessive Use Of Force Against Inmates Violates Societal Standards

Keith J. Hudson Jack McMillian, et al. Proof of serious injury is not required to prove a claim under the Eighth Amendment of cruel and unusual punishment. Alvin J. Bronstein Harry McCall, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas Washington, D.C. 2…

1 minute read

Illinois v. Perkins - Significance, A Coercive Atmosphere Is Lacking, Deception And Manipulation Practiced, Compulsion Includes Police Deception

State of Illinois Lloyd Perkins That Perkins's jailhouse admission of murder to an undercover agent should be admissible, even though Perkins did not receive Miranda warnings before the questioning. Marcia L. Friedl Dan W. Evers Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Antonin Scalia, Byron…

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Illinois v. Rodriguez - Significance, Further Readings

State of Illinois Edward Rodriguez It was a violation of the Fourth Amendment when police officers used the consent of a third party to enter his apartment and arrest him without a search warrant or arrest warrant. Joseph Claps James W. Reilley Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia (writing for the Court), Byron R. White William J. Brennan…

1 minute read

In Re Baby Girl Clausen - Significance, A Change Of Heart, Iowa Is Judged Home, Impact, Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act

Jan and Roberta DeBoer Daniel Schmidt and Cara Clausen That Michigan courts could modify Iowa custody orders under authority of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act. Suellyn Scarecchia Richard S. Victor, Scott Bassett, Marian L. Faupel Patricia J. Boyle, James Brickley, Michael F. Cavanagh (writing for the court), Richard A. Griffin, Conrad L. Mallatt, Jr., Dorothy Comstock Riley Charles Lev…

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International Society for Krishna Consciousness v. Lee - Running The Gamut, Hare Krishna And The Public Forum Doctrine, Defining A Public Forum, Impact

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, et al. Walter Lee, Police Superintendent of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey That the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's regulations against soliciting funds and distributing literature inside airports under its control violated the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech. Barry A. Fisher Arthur P. Berg Sandra Day O'C…

1 minute read

Ira Einhorn Trial: 1993 - An Abusive Relationship Leads To Murder, Defendant Flees The Country, A Trial Without The Defendant Present

Defendant: Ira Einhorn Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyer: Norris E. Gelman Chief Prosecutors: Lynne Abraham, Joel Rosen Judge: Juanita Kidd Stout Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Date of Trial: September 1993 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: Philadelphia prosecutors took the unusual step of trying Ira Einhorn in absentia more than 12 years after he had jumped bai…

1 minute read

J. E. B. v. Alabama ex rel T. B. - Significance, The Peremptory Challenge, Different Discrimination?, Need For Limited Use, The Dissent, Impact

J. E. B. Alabama ex rel T. B. Because Batson v. Kentucky (1986) prohibited peremptory challenges based on racial discrimination, intentional discrimination on the basis of gender was also violative of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. John F. Porter III Lois B. Brasfield Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, …

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Jack Kevorkian Trials: 1994-99 - The Public Debate Over Assisted Suicide Begins, Michigan Suspends Kevorkian's License, The Severely Iii Ask Kevorkian For Help

Defendant: Dr. Jack Kevorkian Crimes Charged: Assisted suicide, murder, delivering a controlled substance for administering drugs without a license Chief Defense Lawyers: 1994 and 1996: Geoffrey Fieger, Mayer Morganroth; 1999: David Gorosh, Lisa Dwyer Chief Prosecutor: 1994 and 1996: Richard Thompson, Lawrence Bunting, Michael Modelski; 1999: David Gorcyca, Daniel L. Lemisch, John O'Brie…

2 minute read

James v. Illinois - Significance

Darryl James, et al. State of Illiniois, et al. That the state should be allowed to use illegally obtained evidence to impeach the credibility of defense witnesses. Martin S. Carlson Terence M. Madsen Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia…

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Jim Bakker Trial: 1989 - Hurricane Interrupts Trial

Defendant: Jim Bakker Crime Charged: Fraud and conspiracy Chief Defense Lawyers: Harold Bender and George T. Davis Chief Prosecutors: Jerry Miller and Deborah Smith Judge: Robert D. Potter Place: Charlotte, North Carolina Dates of Trial: August 21-October 5, 1989 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 45 years imprisonment and $500,000 fine SIGNIFICANCE: This trial marked the first prosecution of a television …

2 minute read

Jim Mitchell Trial: 1992 - The Falling Out And The Killing, The Trial, Video At The Trial, Admission And Verdict

Defendant: Jim Mitchell Crimes Charged: Murder, burglary, weapons charges Chief Defense Lawyers: Michael Kennedy, Nanci Clarence Chief Prosecutor: John Posey Judge: Richard Briener Place: San Rafael, California Date of Trial: January 13-February 19, 1992 Verdict: Guilty of voluntary manslaughter and weapons charges Sentence: Six years, three on voluntary manslaughter and three on weapons charges; …

1 minute read

John Gotti Trial: 1992 - Gotti Eludes Conviction, Witnesses Weaken Prosecution, Tide Changes For Prosecutors, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: John Gotti Crimes Charged: Racketeering; racketeering conspiracy; murder; Illegal gambling; obstruction of justice; and conspiracies to murder, bribe a detective, obstruct justice, commit loan sharking, and commit tax fraud Chief Defense Lawyer: Albert J. Krieger Chief Prosecutors: John Gleeson and Andrew J. Maloney Judge: I. Leo Glasser Place: Brooklyn, New York Dates of Trial: January…

1 minute read

John Wayne and Lorena Bobbitt Trials: 1993 1994 - Lorena Bobbitt Is Charged, John Bobbitt Tried For Malicious Assault, Lorena Bobbitt's Trial Begins

Defendants: First trial: John Wayne Bobbitt; second trial: Lorena Bobbitt Crimes Charged: First trial: marital sexual assault; second trial: malicious wounding Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: Gregory L. Murphy; second trial: Lisa B. Kemler Chief Prosecutor: Both trials: Paul B. Ebert. Judge: Both trials: Herman Whisenaut, Jr. Place: Both trials: Manassas, Virginia Dates of Trials: First Trial:…

3 minute read

Kingsley v. Kingsley - Significance, A Child As A Person, Improper Parental Comparisons, Impact, Further Readings

Ladue v. Gilleo - The Facts Of The Case, The Lower Courts Rule, The Supreme Court Rules

City of Ladue, et al. Margaret P. Gilleo That the city of Ladue's ban on residential signs except in ten exempted cases did not violate Margaret Gilleo's First Amendment right to free speech. Jordan B. Cherrick Gerald P. Greiman Harry A. Blackmun, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens (writing for the …

1 minute read

Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District - Significance, Was The School District Discriminatory?, Federal Court, Further Readings

Lamb's Chapel, et al. Center Moriches Union Free School District, et al. That the Center Moriches Union Free School District violated the First Amendment rights of the Lamb's Chapel by not allowing them to use the school facilities for the showing of a religious-based film series on family values. Jay Alan Sekulow John W. Hoefling Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William…

less than 1 minute read

Inc. v. NLRB Lechmere - Significance, Unfair Labor Practices Charged, Property Rights Upheld, Minority Opinion, Impact

Lechmere, Inc. National Labor Relations Board That prohibiting distribution of organizational literature and evicting non-employees for trespassing on private parking property was justifiable. Robert P. Joy Michael R. Dreeben Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, Clarence Thomas (writing for the Court) Harry A. Blackmun, John Paul Stevens, …

less than 1 minute read

Lee v. Weisman - Significance, Political Landscape, Graduation Traditions, Application Of Lemon, A Test For Lemon, Impact

Robert E. Lee, et al. Daniel Weisman That nonsectarian prayers offered as invocations and benedictions at public school graduation ceremonies do not represent an infringement of the Establishment Clause suggesting separation of church and state. Charles J. Cooper Sandra A. Blanding Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, David H. Souter, John Paul Steven…

1 minute read

Los Angeles Police Officers' Trials: 1992 1993 - A City In Flames, Textbook Tactics

Defendants: Theodore J. Briseno, Stacey C. Koon, Laurence M. Powell, and Timothy E. Wind Crimes Charged: First trial: Assault, excessive force by a police officer, and filing false report; Second trial: Violating civil rights Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: Paul DePasquale, Darryl Mounger, and Michael P. Stone; second trial: Harland W. Braun, Paul DePasquale, Ira M. Salzman, and Michael P. Sto…

3 minute read

Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council - Significance, Impact, Coastal Zones And The Law Of The Sea

David H. Lucas South Carolina Coastal Council The South Carolina State Beachfront Management Act deprived the petitioner of profitable use of his property by prohibiting construction of new dwellings on his parcels. Thus, it must compensate the petitioner. A. Camden Lewis C. C. Harness III Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia (writing for the Court), Claren…

1 minute read

Inc. Madsen v. Women's Health Center - Significance, Standards Of Scrutiny, The Majority Opinion, Stevens Dissents In Part, Scalia Dissents

Judy Madsen, et al. Womens Health Center, Inc. Portions of an injunction limiting the activities of abortion protesters violate First Amendment rights to free speech. Matthew D. Staver Talbot D'Alemberte Harry A. Blackmun, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), David H. Souter, Clarence Thomas Anthony M. Kennedy, Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens Wa…

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Malice Green Beating Death Trials: 1993-2000

Defendants: Larry Nevers, Walter Budzyn, Robert Lessnau Crimes Charged: Nevers and Budzyn: murder; Lessnau: aggravated assault Chief Defense Lawyers: Carol Stanyar, James Howarth, Michael Batchelor, John Goldpaugh Chief Prosecutor: Kym Worthy Judge: Robert W. Crockett Ill Place: Detroit, Michigan Dates of Trials: First trial: JuneAugust 1993; Budzyn retrial: April 1998; Nevers retrial: March 2000 …

7 minute read

Manuel Noriega Trial: 1991 - Cartel Contacts Revealed, Judge Taken Iii, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: Manuel Antonio Noriega Crime Charged: Drug trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy Chief Defense Lawyers: Jon May and Frank A. Rubino Chief Prosecutors: James McAdams, Myles Malman, and Michael P. Sullivan Judge: William M. Hoeveler Place: Miami, Florida Dates of Trial: September 6, 1991-April 9, 1992 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 40 years imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: This landmark trial ma…

1 minute read

Mapplethorpe Obscenity Trial: 1990 - Obscenity Or Art?, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendants: Dennis Barrie and the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center Crime Charged: Displaying obscene material, namely pictures by the artist Robert Mapplethorpe Chief Defense Lawyers: Marc D. Mezibov and H. Louis Sirkin Chief Prosecutors: Richard A. Castellini, Frank H. Prouty, Jr., and Melanie J. Reising Judge: F. David J. Albanese Place: Cincinnati, Ohio Dates of Trial: September 24-October 5…

1 minute read

Marion Barry Thal: 1990 - Violent Relationship

Defendant: Marion Barry, Jr. Crime Charged: Drug offenses (14 counts) Chief Defense Lawyers: Robert Mance and Kenneth Mundy Chief Prosecutors: Judith Retchin and Richard Roberts Judge: Thomas Penfield Jackson Place: Washington, D.C. Dates of Trial: June 4-August 10, 1990 Verdict: Guilty on 1 count of cocaine possession; Not guilty on 1 count; Mistrial on remaining 12 counts Sentence: 6 months impr…

2 minute read

Martin v. Wilks - Significance, Reverse Discrimination, Further Readings

Robert K. Wilks, et al. John W. Martin, et al. That less qualified African Americans were being promoted instead of more qualified caucasians. Raymond P. Fitzpatrick, Jr. Robert D. Joffe, James P. Alexander Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, John Paul St…

less than 1 minute read

Maryland v. Craig - Significance, Court Overrides Plain Language Of The Sixth Amendment, Further Readings

State of Maryland Sandra Ann Craig That allowing an alleged victim of child abuse to testify by closed circuit television violates the Sixth Amendment right of criminal defendants to confront their accusers in court. J. Joseph Curran, Jr. William H. Murphy, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. White William J. Brenna…

less than 1 minute read

Massachusetts v. Oakes - Significance, Overbroad Or Not?, Creating A "chilling Effect", Dissension In The Court, Further Readings

State of Massachusetts Douglas Oakes That the conviction of Oakes, who took photographs of his partially nude stepdaughter, should be upheld under a Massachusetts law prohibiting adults from "posing or exhibiting nude minors for purposes of visual representation or reproduction in any book, magazine, pamphlet, motion picture, photograph, or picture." James M. Shannon, Massachusetts Attorney Genera…

less than 1 minute read

Masson v. Malcolm et al.: 1993 1994 - Back And Forth In The Courts, Final Decision, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: Jeffrey M. Masson Defendants: Janet Malcolm and the New Yorker magazine Plaintiff Claim: That certain quotes in a profile of the plaintiff written by the defendant and published in the New Yorker were libelous Chief Defense Lawyer: Gary Bostwick Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: Charles 0. Morgan Judge: Eugene F. Lynch Place: San Francisco, California Dates of Trials: May 6-June 3, 1993; Octo…

1 minute read

Menendez Brothers' Trials: 1993-94 1995-96 - Organized Crime Hit?, Testimonials Of Sexual Abuse, Cold-blooded Killers?, Battle Over Incriminating Tape

Defendants: Lyle and Erik Menendez Crimes Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: Leslie Abramson, Jill Lansing; second trial: Leslie Abramson, Jill Lansing, Barry Levin Chief Prosecutor: First trial: Pamela Bozanich; second trial: David Conn Judge: Both trials: Stanely M. Weisberg Place: Both Trials: Los Angeles, California Dates of Trials: First trial: July 20, 1993-January 28, 1994;…

1 minute read

Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission Metro Broadcasting - Significance, Supreme Court Upholds Affirmative Action In Broadcasting, Further Readings

Metro Broadcasting, Inc. Federal Communications Commission That federal programs designed to increase minority ownership of broadcast licenses violate the principle of equal protection. Gregory H. Guillot Daniel M. Armstrong Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Re…

less than 1 minute read

et al. Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz - Significance, One Checkpoint Attempt, Challenged Immediately, Brown V. Texas, What About Airport Checkpoints?

Michigan Department of State Police, et al. Rick Sitz, et al. That the lower court had erred in ruling roadside sobriety checkpoints were unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment. Thomas L. Casey Mark Granzotto Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, John …

less than 1 minute read

Mike Tyson Trial: 1992 - Brutal Attack

Defendant: Michael Gerard Tyson Crimes Charged: Rape, criminal deviant conduct, and confinement Chief Defense Lawyers: Kathleen I. Beggs, Vincent J. Fuller, and F. Lane Heard Chief Prosecutors: David Dreyer, J. Gregory Garrison, and Barbara J. Trathen Judge: Patricia J. Gifford Place: Indianapolis, Indiana Dates of Trial: January 26-February 10, 1992 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 10 years imprisonment…

2 minute read

Minnesota v. Dickerson - Significance, Impact, Nightwalker Statutes, Further Readings

State of Minnesota Timothy Dickerson A police officer's patdown search of a person on the street and subsequent seizure of a small object does not violate the Fourth Amendment. Michael O. Freeman, Beverly J. Wolfe Peter W. Gorman Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) Harry A. Blackmun, William H. Rehnquis…

less than 1 minute read

Minnesota v. Olson - Significance, Impact

State of Minnesota Robert Darren Olson It was not unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment for police officers to enter a home without a warrant to arrest a murder suspect if the suspect does not have a sufficient connection with the home. Anne E. Peek Glenn P. Bruder William J. Brennan, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. Whi…

1 minute read

Mistretta v. United States - Significance, The Sentencing Reform Act Comes Under Challenge, "an Unusual Hybrid", Dissent: "a Sort Of Junior-varsity Congress"

John Mistretta United States That the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 violated the constitutional separation-of-powers doctrine by establishing a Sentencing Commission of judges with "excessive legislative powers." Alan B. Morrison Charles Fried, U.S. Solicitor General Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor, Will…

less than 1 minute read

Inc. v. Scheidler National Organization for Women - Significance, Access V. Protest, A New Reading Of Rico, A Chilling Effect, Impact

National Organization for Women, Inc. (NOW); Delaware Women's Health Organization, Inc. (DWHO); Summit Women's Health Organization, Inc. (SWHO) Joseph Scheidler, Pro-Life Action Network (PLAN), et al. That respondents belonged to a nationwide conspiracy to shut down abortion clinics in violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) chapter of the Organized Crime Control Act…

less than 1 minute read

National Treasury Employees Union v. Von Raab - Significance, Impact, Further Readings

National Treasury Employees Union William Von Raab, Commissioner, U.S. Custom Service Chemical drug testing of U.S. Customs Service employees (considered a "search") was constitutionally intrusive and irregular under the provisions of the Fourth Amendment. Lois G. Williams Charles Fried Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Byron …

less than 1 minute read

New York v. United States - Significance, Radioactive Waste, "take-title" Provision, Dissent: Upsetting A "delicate Compromise"

State of New York; County of Allegany, New York; County of Cortland, New York United States et al. That the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Act Amendments of 1985, which regulated states' management of nuclear waste, violated the Tenth Amendment's reservation of powers for the states, as well as the Guarantee Clause of the Constitution. Peter H. Schiff, Deputy Solicitor General of New York Wallace, U.…

less than 1 minute read

Nixon v. United States - Significance, Another Nixon, A Different Impeachment, Simple Words: "try" And "sole"

Walter Nixon, U.S. District Judge United States, et al. That Senate Rule XI, which allowed a Senate committee to hear evidence against an impeached official and present a report to the full Senate, violated the Constitution's Impeachment Trial Clause. David Overlock Stewart Kenneth Starr, U.S. Solicitor General Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writi…

less than 1 minute read

Ohio Sedition Trial (7 ): 1989 - The Underlying Crimes, Raising The Stakes, The Long Road To The Verdicts Begins, Expensive Acquittals And Mistrials

Defendants: Patricia Gros Levasseur, Raymond Luc Levasseur, Richard C. Williams Crimes Charged: Seditious conspiracy to overthrow the government; racketeering; conspiracy to engage in racketeering Chief Defense Lawyers: Peter Avenia, Robert Boyle, Elizabeth Fink, Kenneth J. King, William Newman Chief Prosecutors: David Douglass, Michael K. Loucks Judge: William G. Young Place: Springfield, Massach…

1 minute read

Oliver North Trial: 1989 - Unhelpful Witnesses, Missing Funds

Defendant: Oliver Laurence North Crimes Charged: Obstruction of justice, corruption, and perjury Chief Defense Lawyers: Barry Simon and Brendan V. Sullivan, Jr. Chief Prosecutors: Michael Bromwich, John Keker, and David Zornow Judge: Gerhard Gesell Place: Washington, D.C. Dates of Trial: January 31-May 4, 1989 Verdict: Guilty, 3 counts; Not guilty, 9 counts Sentence: $150,000 fine, 2 years probati…

2 minute read

Osborne v. Ohio - Significance, Osborne's Pictures, The Subjectivity Of Words

Clyde Osborne State of Ohio That an Ohio law banning the possession of child pornography violated the First Amendment. S. Adele Shank Ronald J. O'Brien Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens Washington, D.C. 18 April 1990 The Court upheld t…

less than 1 minute read

Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co. v. Haslip et al. - Significance, Punitive Damages

Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co. Cleopatra Haslip, et al. That the punitive damages awarded by an Alabama State jury were excessive, and the decision was unconstitutional because it violated Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of due process. Bruce A. Beckman Bruce J. Ennis, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Jo…

1 minute read

Pamela Smart Trial: 1991 - Payoff For Murder: Stereo Speakers And $250, The Ice Melts

Defendant: Pamela Smart Crime Charged: Conspiracy to commit murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Mark Sisti and Paul Twomey Chief Prosecutors: Paul Maggiotto and Diane Nicolosi Judge: Douglas R. Gray Place: Exeter, New Hampshire Dates of Trial: March 4-22, 1991 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: Millions watched this trial on live television, fascinated by the sensational saga of a…

1 minute read

Paul Cox Trials: 1994 - A Confidantes Testify Against Cox

Defendant: Paul Cox Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyer: Andrew A. Rubin Chief Prosecutor: George L. Bolen Judge: James R. Cowhey Place: White Plains, New York Dates of Trials: First trial: June 1994; second trial: November-December 1994 Verdicts: First trial: Mistrial/hung jury; second trial: Guilty of manslaughter Sentence: 16-50 years imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: The courts refusal in the …

2 minute read

Paula Coughlin v. the Las Vegas Hilton: 1994 - The President Is Briefed On The Situation, Report Cites 90 Victims, Coughlin Sues Hilton

Defendant: Paula Coughlin Plaintiff: The Las Vegas Hilton Plaintiff Claim: That the Las Vegas Hilton failed to provide adequate security during the 1991 Tailhook convention Chief Defense Lawyer: Eugene Walt Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: Dennis Schoville Judge: Philip M. Pro Place: Las Vegas, Nevada Date of Trial: September 12-October 28, 1994 Verdict: Against the defendant, awarding the plaintiff $1…

2 minute read

Payne v. Tennessee - Significance, The Crime, The Trial, A Defendant's Rights, Further Readings

Supreme Court of Tennessee Pervis Tyrone Payne That the conviction of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault with intent to murder in the first degree should be upheld on the grounds that rights under the Eighth Amendment were not violated by the introduction of victim impact evidence. J. Brooke Lathram Charles W. Burson, Attorney General of Tennessee Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra…

1 minute read

Pennsylvania v. Muniz - Significance, Exception From Miranda's Coverage, Exceptions Undermine Miranda, Impact

State of Pennsylvania Inocencio Muniz That videotaped evidence should not be suppressed although Miranda warnings were not given. J. Michael Eakin Richard F. Maffett, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White Thurgood Marshall Washington, D.C. 18 June 1990 …

less than 1 minute read

Penry v. Lynaugh - Significance, Supreme Court Finds Application Of Capital Punishment To The Mentally Retarded Constitutional, Impact, Further Readings

Pete Rose Trial: 1990 - Some Losses Greater Than Winnings, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: Pete Rose Crime Charged: Filing false tax returns Chief Defense Lawyers: Reuven Katz, Roger J. Makley, and Robert Pitcairn, Jr. Chief Prosecutors: G. Michael Crites and William E. Hunt Judge: S. Arthur Spiegel Place: Cincinnati, Ohio Date of Trial: April 20, 1990 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 5 months' imprisonment, 3 months in a community treatment center or halfway house, $50,000 f…

2 minute read

Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey - Significance, Win Some, Lose Some, The Dark Horse, Massachusetts's Abortion Consent Act

Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania Robert P. Casey, Governor of Pennsylvania, et al. That under the due process clause of the Constitution, the 1988 and 1989 amendments to the Pennsylvania abortion law were illegal. Kathryn Kolbert Ernest D. Preate, Jr., Attorney General of Pennsylvania Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, David H. Souter…

less than 1 minute read

Inc. v. Kay R.I.S.E. - Significance, The King And Queen Landfill Dilemma, Community Mobilization, Impact, Further Readings

Residents Involved in Saving the Environment, Inc., and others King and Queen County Board of Supervisors consisting of five members: R. A. Kay, Jr., R. H. Bourne, J. R. Walton, R. F. Alsop, and W. L. Hickman That placing a landfill in a predominantly African American area results in a racially disproportionate impact and violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Sa'ad El-Amin J…

less than 1 minute read

R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul - Fighting Words, The Lower Court's Rule, The Supreme Court Rules, Further Readings

R.A.V. City of St. Paul, Minneapolis That a St. Paul city ordinance banning all public displays of symbols that arouse anger on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, or gender was invalid under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Edward J. Cleary Thomas J. Foley Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, …

1 minute read

Randy Weaver Trial: 1993 - A Fugitive From Justice, A Gunfight In The Woods, Prosecution Witnesses Help The Defense

Defendants: Randall Weaver, Kevin Harris Crimes Charged: Conspiracy, murder, failure to appear for trial, interference with federal marshals, possession of illegal firearms, resisting arrest, violation of bail Chief Defense Lawyer: Gerry Spence Chief Prosecutor: Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Howen Judge: Edward J. Lodge Place: Boise, Idaho Date of Trial: April 12-July 8, 1993 Verdict: Guilty of bail…

1 minute read

Richard Lapointe Trial: 1992 - A Disputed Confession, Rights Of Mentally Handicapped Raised In Appeal

Defendant: Richard Lapointe Crimes Charged: Murder, arson, assault, sexual assault, kidnapping Chief Defense Lawyers: Patrick Culligan, Christopher Cosgrove Chief Prosecutors: Rosita Creamer, Dennis O'Connor Judge: David M. Barry Place: Hartford, Connecticut Date of Trial: May 6— July 6, 1992 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 60 years SIGNIFICANCE: While the trial itse…

less than 1 minute read

Richard Lyon Trial: 1991-92 - Doctor's Suspicions Prompt Investigation, Lawyer Promises Perry Mason Defense, A Marriage On The Rocks

Defendant: Richard Allen Abood Lyon Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyer: Dan C. Guthrie Chief Prosecutor: Jerri Simms Judge: John C. Creuzot Place: Dallas, Texas Date of Trial: December 2, 1991-January 19, 1992 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life in prison and $10,000 fine SIGNIFICANCE: This murder case had all the elements of a good "whodunit": old money, a marriage gone sour, and…

less than 1 minute read

Richmond v. J. A. Croson Co. - Significance, Related Cases, Further Readings

City of Richmond J. A. Croson Co. That the Richmond City ordinance that non-minority owned primary contractors on city construction contracts must pledge at least 30 percent "set-aside" (assign that portion of the job) to minority subcontractors, did not violate the Constitution. John Payton Walter H. Ryland Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Ant…

less than 1 minute read

Rust v. Sullivan - Significance, Supreme Court Rejects Challenges To The "gag Rule" On Federally Funded Family Planning Clinics

Irving Rust, et al. Louis W. Sullivan, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services That federal regulations forbidding family planning clinics from providing their clients with information about abortion violate both the right to freedom of speech and a woman's right to abortion. Laurence H. Tribe Kenneth W. Starr, U.S. Solicitor General Anthony M. Kennedy, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Co…

1 minute read

Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois - Significance, State Workers Challenge The System, Another Blow To Patronage

Cynthia Rutan, et al. Republican Party of Illinois, et al. That the Republican governor of Illinois violated their First Amendment freedom of association by requiring they support the Republican Party to receive state jobs, transfers, recalls, or promotions. Mary Lee Leahy Thomas P. Sullivan Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens, B…

1 minute read

Shaw v. Reno - Case Background, When Has A State Gone Too Far?, Dissension, Impact, Related Cases

Ruth O. Shaw, et al. Janet Reno, U.S. Attorney General, et al. That the state of North Carolina created an unconstitutional racially gerrymandered district, which violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Robinson O. Everett H. Jefferson Powell Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas Harry A. Blackmun…

less than 1 minute read

Simon Schuster v. Members of the New York State Crime Victims Board - Significance, Crime For Profit

Simon & Schuster, Inc. New York Crime Victims Board That New York's "Son of Sam" law restricts free speech and is therefore inconsistent with the First Amendment. Howard L. Zwickel Ronald S. Rauchberg Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White None (Clarence Thomas did …

1 minute read

Skinner v. Railway Labor Executives' Assn. - Significance, Highly Intrusive Searches Should Be Based On Probable Cause

Samuel K. Skinner, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Railway Labor Executives' Association, et al. That regulations requiring the testing of bodily fluids after a train accident do not violate the Fourth Amendment rights of railroad employees. Richard Thornburgh, U.S. Attorney General Lawrence M. Mann Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Reh…

less than 1 minute read

Soldal v. Cook County - Significance, Impact, The Plain View Exception

Edward Soldal et ux. Cook County, Illinois, et al. The seizure and removal of their mobile home by a property manager, overseen by police officers, was a violation of the Fourth Amendment. John L. Stainthorp Kenneth L. Gillis Stephen Breyer, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens, Clarence Thomas, Byron R. White (writing fo…

less than 1 minute read

Stanford v. Kentucky - Significance, Court Declares That Capital Punishment May Be Imposed On Those Over Sixteen Years Of Age

Kevin N. Stanford State of Kentucky That the imposition of a death sentence for a murder he committed when he was 17 years old violated the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Frank W. Heft, Jr. Frederic J. Cowan Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia (writing for the Court), Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgoo…

1 minute read

Texas v. Johnson - Significance, Flag Burning: Protected Expression Or Desecration?, Further Readings

State of Texas Gregory Lee Johnson That the Texas statute against "desecration of venerated objects," in this instance burning an American flag, did not violate Gregory Lee Johnson's constitutional rights. Kathi Alyce Drew William M. Kunstler Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, Antonin Scalia Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Reh…

less than 1 minute read

Texas v. Johnson: 1989 - Suggestions For Further Reading

Appellant: State of Texas Defendant: Gregory Lee Johnson Appellant Claim: That the Texas statute against "desecration of venerated objects," in this instance burning an American flag, did not violate Gregory Lee Johnson's constitutional rights Chief Defense Lawyer: William M. Kunstler Chief Lawyer for Appellant: Kathi Alyce Drew Justices: Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan,…

3 minute read

Tierce v. Ellis - Significance, A Matter Of Inheritance, Presumption Of Paternity, Dissent Urges Justices To Decide By Facts

Dennis Ray Tierce Sheila Ellis That the circuit court ruling that appellant was not the biological son of his father be reversed. Borden M. Ray, Jr. Dan M. Gibson Oscar W. Adams, Jr., Sonny Hornsby, Gorman Houston (writing for the court), Mark Kennedy, Janie L. Shores Kenneth I. Ingram, Alva Hugh Maddox Montgomery, Alabama 10 September 1993 That the rule of repose, which dictates that claims must …

less than 1 minute read

Tupac Shakur Trial: 1994-95 - Rap Star Tried On Sex Charges, Shakur Shot During Trial, Judge Imposes Prison Sentence

Defendants: Tupac Shakur and Charles Fuller Crimes Charged: Sexual abuse, sodomy, and illegal possession of a firearm Chief Defense Lawyer: Michael Warren Chief Prosecutor: Francine James Judge: Daniel P. Fitzgerald Place: New York, New York Dates of Trial: November-December 1994 Verdict: Guilty of sexual abuse; acquitted on the two other charges Sentence: Shakur: 18 months to 4 and one-half years…

2 minute read

Turner Broadcasting System v. Federal Communications Commission - The History Of Cable Television, Regulation Begins, Back To District Court

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., et al. Federal Communications Commission, et al. That the Federal Communications Commission was violating the First Amendment rights of cable operators by requiring them to broadcast local channels. H. Bartow Farr III Bruce Ennis Stephen Breyer, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, David H. Souter, John Paul Stevens Ruth Bader Ginsburg…

1 minute read

Twigg v. Mays - Significance, Switched At Birth, The Rights Of A Child, Impact, Child Emancipation

Ernest and Regina Twigg Robert Mays That the parental rights held by the Twiggs compelled that they be granted custody of 14- year-old Kimberley Mays who was switched at birth with another newborn. John Blakely George Russ, David Denkin (guardian ad litem) Stephen Dakan Sarasota County, Florida 18 August 1993 Ruled in favor of Mays, by terminating the Twiggs' legal rights to Kimberly and clearing …

1 minute read

U.S. v. Helmsley: 1989 - "we Don't Pay Taxes. Only The Little People Pay Taxes.", Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: Leona Helmsley Crimes Charged: 47 criminal offenses concerning conspiracy, tax evasion, filing false tax returns, mail fraud, and extortion Chief Defense Lawyer: Gerald A. Feffer Chief Prosecutors: James R. DeVita and Rudolph Giuliani Judge: John M. Walker Place: New York, New York Dates of Trial: June 26-August 30, 1989 Verdict: Guilty on 33 counts Sentence: 4 years in prison and more …

2 minute read

United States v. Alvarez-Machain - Significance, Abduction An Option, A Monstrous Decision, Impact, Further Readings

United States Dr. Humberto Alvarez-Machain That U.S. courts have jurisdiction over internationally abducted criminal defendants when not taken in explicit violation of an extradition treaty. Kenneth Winston Starr, U.S. Solicitor General Paul L. Hoffman Anthony M. Kennedy, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, Clarence Thomas, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmu…

less than 1 minute read

United States v. Eichman - Significance, Court Declares Federal Flag Protection Act Unconstitutional, Further Readings

United States v. Fordice - Significance, Further Readings

United States Kirk Fordice That the State of Mississippi failed to fulfill its duty under the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause in dismantling the state's "separate but equal" university educational system. Kenneth Wilson Starr, U.S. Solicitor General in case No. 90-1205, and Alvin O. Chambliss, Jr. in case No. 90-6588 William F. Goodman, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, San…

less than 1 minute read

United States v. Sokolow - Significance, A Brief And Unusual Trip, A Successful Police Operation, An Invasion Of Privacy

United States Andrew Sokolow That agents of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency had probable cause to suspect that Sokolow was in possession of an illegal substance, and were legally justified under the Fourth Amendment in detaining Sokolow and searching his belongings. Paul J. Larkin, Jr. Robert P. Goldberg Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist (wr…

1 minute read

University of Pennsylvania v. EEOC - Significance, Two Claims Lead To One Question, No Academic Institutional Privilege, Impact, Further Readings

University of Pennsylvania Equal Employment Opportunity Commission That the university has special privilege grounded in either common law or the First Amendment to prohibit disclosure of peer review materials relevant to racial, sexual, or national origin discrimination claims in tenure decisions. Rex E. Lee Kenneth Winston Starr, U.S. Solicitor General Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), …

less than 1 minute read

Wanda Holloway Trial: 1991 - Tapes Lead To Conviction, Plea Agreement Ends Second Trial

Defendant: Wanda Webb Holloway Crimes Charged: Solicitation of capital murder and solicitation of aggravated kidnapping Chief Defense Lawyers: Troy McKinney and Stanley Schneider Chief Prosecutors: Mike Anderson and Casey O'Brien Judge: George H. Godwin Place: Houston, Texas Dates of Trial: August 23-September 4, 1991 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 15 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine (later…

1 minute read

Ward v. Rock Against Racism - Rock And A Loud Place, A Sound Lesson

Benjamin R. Ward, New York City Police Commissioner Rock Against Racism U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that a city guideline regulating sound volume as unconstitutional was in error. Leonard J. Koerner William M. Kunstler Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy (writing for the Court), Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood M…

1 minute read

Wards Cove Packing v. Atonio - Significance, Title Vii, New Era, New Majority, Pro-business Climate, What Is White Collar Crime?

Wards Cove Packing Company, Inc., et al. Frank Atonio, et al. That an earlier court judgment showing discrimination though "disparate impact" was incorrect. Douglas M. Fryer Abraham A. Arditi Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor, William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens Washingto…

less than 1 minute read

Waters v. Churchill - Significance, A Reasonable Belief, She Said She Said, Impact, Whistleblower Protection Act Of 1989

Cynthia Waters, Kathleen Davis Cheryl Churchill That a public hospital employee's speech is not protected by the First Amendment when it disrupts the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the facility. Lawrence A. Marison John J. Bisbee Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra Day O'Connor (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, David H. Souter, Clarence Thomas …

1 minute read

Webster v. Reproductive Health Services - Significance, Friends Of The Court, Dumping Roe, Roe Must Not Go, Both Sides Now

William L. Webster, Attorney General of Missouri, et al. Reproductive Health Services, et al. That the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit erred in overturning Missouri's laws restricting access to abortions. William L. Webster, representing himself pro se (without counsel) Frank Susman Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor,…

less than 1 minute read

The West Memphis Three Trials: 1994 - The Confession Of Jessie Misskelley, The Trial Of Damien Echols And Jason Baldwin, Appeals Fail

Defendants: Damien Wayne Echols, Charles Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley Crimes Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Val P. Price, Scott Davidson, Daniel Stidham Chief Prosecutors: Brent Davis, John Fogleman Judge: David Burnett Place: Jonesboro, Arkansas Date of Trial: January-April 1994 Verdict: Guilty Sentences: Echols: Death by lethal injection; Baldwin and Misskelley: life imprisonment SIG…

1 minute read

Whitewater Trials and Impeachment of a President: 1994-99 - The Whitewater Trials, The Impeachment, Regulators In, Mcdougal Out, Suicide, Special Counsel, Hearings - Anonymous Phone Calls, McDougal Indicted Again

William Kennedy Smith Trial: 1991 - Tabloid Interview Nets $40,000, Defendant Remains Cool, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: William Kennedy Smith Crime Charged: Rape Chief Defense Lawyers: Roy E. Black, Mark Schnapp, and Mark Seiden Chief Prosecutors: Moira K. Lasch and Ellen Roberts Judge: Mary E. Lupo Place: West Palm Beach, Florida Dates of Trial: December 2-11, 1991 Verdict: Not guilty SIGNIFICANCE: The Kennedy family name and the concomitant glare of global media attention made this nothing less than th…

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Wisconsin v. Mitchell - Significance, Further Readings

State of Wisconsin Todd Mitchell That the Wisconsin statute allowing penalty enhancements for crimes motivated by the "race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry" of the victim was constitutional, and that respondent's enhanced sentence should stand. James E. Doyle, Attorney General of Wisconsin Lynn S. Adelman Harry A. Blackmun, Anthony M. Kennedy, Sandra D…

less than 1 minute read

Woody Allen-Mia Farrow Custody Trial: 1993 - Life Imitating Art?, The Custody Trial Begins, The Aftermath

Defendant: Woody Allen Plaintiff: Mia Farrow Plaintiff Claim: Custody of three children Allen Shared with Mia Farrow Chief Defense Lawyers: Alan M. Dershowitz, Eleanor B. Alter Chief Lawyer for the Plaintiff: Elkan Abramowitz Judge: Elliot Wilk Place: New, York, New York Date of Trial: March 19-June 7, 1993 Verdict: Petition for custody was denied SIGNIFICANCE: This custody battle between two very…

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World Trade Center Bombing: 1993-94 1997 - Van Deposit Leads To Arrests, Far-reaching Conspiracy Alleged, Defendants Tied To Van, Bomb Manuals

Defendants: First trial: Mahmud Abouhalima, Ahmad Ajaj, Nidal Ayyad, and Mohammed Salameh; second trial: Eyad Ismoil and Ramzi Yousef Crimes Charged: Multiple offenses, including explosive destruction of property, conspiracy, interstate transportation of explosives, and assault on a federal officer Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: Hassen lbn Abdellah, Atig Ahmed, Austin Campriello, and Robert P…

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Yahweh Ben Yahweh Trial: 1992 - A Criminal Or A Role Model?, Arrest And Indictment, Jury Deadlocks On Several Charges

Defendants: Yahweh Ben Yahweh (Hulon Mitchell); Codefendants (15 in all): Mikael, Absalom, Jesee Obed, Abiri, Isaiah Solomon, Hezion, Hoseah Isaac, Enoch, Aher, Job, Amri, Dan, Ahinadab, Sister Judith (who was Yahweh's second in command), Ahaz (all codefendants had "Israel" as their surname) Crimes Charged: Conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering Chief Defense Lawyer: Alcee …

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Zion v. New York Hospital: 1994-95 - Formal Complaint Served, Conflicting Trial Testimony, Both Demerol And Doctors Blamed, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: Sidney E. Zion Defendants: The New York Hospital, Maurice Leonard, M.D., Raymond Sherman, M.D., Gregg Stone, M.D., and Luise Weinstein, M.D. Crime Charged: Medical malpractice resulting in wrongful death Chief Defense Lawyers: Francis P. Bensel, Peter T. Crean, Luke M. Pittoni, and Keith C. Thompson Chief Lawyers for Plaintiff: David Bamberger, Cheryl Bulbach, Judith Livingston, and Tho…

3 minute read

Zobrest v. Catalina Foothills School District - Historical Background, The Facts Of The Case, The Lower Courts Rule, The Supreme Court Rules

Larry Zobrest, et al. Catalina Foothills School District The government can pay to provide a sign language interpreter for a deaf student attending a parochial school without violating the constitutional separation of church and state. William B. Ball John C. Richardson Anthony M. Kennedy, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackm…

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