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Do Corporations Have First Amendment Rights?
The U.S. Supreme Court is almost done hearing new cases for the term that started in October 2009. The most controversial ruling it has made this term was Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allows corporations to finance political campaigns. The majority of justices said that corporations should be treated like individuals, and that donating money to campaigns is a form of free speech allowed by the First Amendment. But dissenters argued that it is a mistake to treat corporations like human beings and that this decision gives business too much power. Learn more about this decision as well as what else the Court did this term in The New York Times.
New Cell Phone Law
The Washington State Legislature's 2010 session was dominated by the state budget, but it did pass one law that received a lot of attention: talking on a cell phone or texting while driving is now a primary offense. Learn more in the Seattle Times.
Attorney Generals Try to Block Health Care Reform
Attorney generals in 14 states are suing the federal government because they believe the new health care reform law is unconstitutional. Read about it in the Christian Science Monitor. Washington state's Attorney General, Rob McKenna, is part of the lawsuit, although Governor Chris Gregoire opposes it. Learn more about their disagreement on KOMO News' website.
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You, the Jury
"The American system of trial by jury is unique. No other nation relies so heavily on ordinary citizens to make its most important decisions about law, business practice, and personal liberty--even death. Ideally, Americans take their participation seriously lest they someday stand before their peers seeking justice."
-Stephen J. Adler, journalist and author.
Learn more about jury service in Washington on the state courts' website.
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