this week in law

New Jersey judge rules that state is unconstitutionally denying federal benefits to same-sex couples.  (New Jersey) Court rules that a judge may not moonlight as a comedian. (NY Daily News) Egyptian court orders a ban…

The Senate Judiciary Committee approves a law defining what constitutes a “real” reporter; shielded journalists would be entitled to certain legal protections, such as being allowed to refuse to testify about sources.  (Christian Science Monitor)…

Montana Supreme Court rules that judge, who came under fire after he sentenced a former teacher who had sexual relations with a student to thirty days in prison, cannot review the sentencing.  (BBC News) After…

Bradley Manning sentenced to 35 years in prison for providing classified documents to WikiLeaks.  (Washington Post)  Manning’s announcement of a female identity named Chelsea Manning gives rise to new legal questions, including whether military prisons…

The Southern District of NY finds that the NYPD’s use of “stop and frisk” violates constitutional rights.  (SDNY) New California law allows transgender students to use bathrooms and join sports teams according to the gender they…

Does Detroit’s bankruptcy filing violate the Michigan Constitution?  (Detroit Free Press) Justice Department will continue to utilize the Voting Rights Act to challenge states’ voting laws.  (Washington Post) Federal public defenders feel the pinch of…

The NAACP requests that the Department of Justice file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. (Washington Post) On the heels of the United States Supreme Court’s decision, the Supreme Court of South Carolina finalizes the…