Law

National

Affirmative Action: Factious Past, Uncertain Future

7:09pm December 09, 2012

by NPR Staff

The Supreme Court's expected ruling on a case involving the University of Texas could end race-based affirmative action. But while some say the program works and is still needed, others argue there are better ways of measuring diversity.

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Supreme Court Takes Up Same-Sex-Marriage Cases

11:50pm December 07, 2012

by Nina Totenberg

The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday that for the first time it will tackle the issue of same-sex marriage. Defying most expectations, the justices said they will examine two cases, presenting the possibility that the court could decide all the basic issues surrounding gay marriage in one fell swoop.

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Washington Legalizes Pot: What's Changed?

2:05pm December 06, 2012

Washington is the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Many questions remain about what will change for users, growers and law enforcement. Keith Seinfeld, assistant news director at Seattle's KPLU, explains what's changed so far in Washington.

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Is A Recess Appointment Valid If The Senate Says It's Not Really Gone?

9:09am December 05, 2012

by Carrie Johnson

President Obama and Senate Republicans have different views when it comes to what counts as "recess." A federal appeals court is now weighing the question in a case challenging three of Obama's appointments.

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Rabbi A. Romi Cohn, a noted mohel, prepares an infant for circumcision at Congregation Shaare Zion in Brooklyn on Sept. 4. Cohn opposes a New York City rule requiring parental consent for a type of circumcision ritual practiced by some Orthodox Jews.

New York, Orthodox Jews Clash Over Circumcision

8:25pm December 03, 2012

by Joel Rose

Several Jewish leaders are suing New York City to block a new rule regulating a circumcision ritual known as metzitzah b'peh. City health officials say the ritual, practiced by some Orthodox Jews, can spread the herpes virus to infants. But critics say the law infringes on their freedom of religion.

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GOP Bill On Immigrant Jobs Up For House Vote

8:06am November 30, 2012

Renee Montagne talks with Rep. Raul Labrador, Republican from Idaho and one of the congressmen who introduced the bill that's set for a vote Friday. The STEM Jobs Act allows people who are in the U.S. legally who are getting advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math to stay and get their green cards, he says.

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