What does the car stuck in the mud symbolize?
Do you agree with this cartoon?
Will this car begin to move?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Political Cartoon
What does the car stuck in the mud symbolize?
Do you agree with this cartoon?
Will this car begin to move?
Taxpayer Issues
http://taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=4993&category=&type=Project
In 1978 there was an investment tax credit for those who bought solar power or windpower systems.
Both parties have been trying to find ways to use alternative energy, mostly tax deductions.
Government subsidies to not allow the cheapest way of energy to show.
Huge amounts of tax dollars are spen subsidizing oil and other energy.
Most of the Republican candidates said they would let the free market choose the next best energy source, not let the government choose it for the people.
http://taxpayer.net/search_by_category.php?action=view&proj_id=4781&category=National Security&type=Project Short article but still good.
Tracking money in the Pentagon is diffucult, so enemies cannot find it.
The Defense Department spends roughly 1 billion dollars each day.
The defense department employs 3 million world-wide. That is more than any other corporation.
Ronald Reagan once said, "defense is not a budget issue: You spend what you spend."
The Defense Department spends half of the money the government spends.
In 1978 there was an investment tax credit for those who bought solar power or windpower systems.
Both parties have been trying to find ways to use alternative energy, mostly tax deductions.
Government subsidies to not allow the cheapest way of energy to show.
Huge amounts of tax dollars are spen subsidizing oil and other energy.
Most of the Republican candidates said they would let the free market choose the next best energy source, not let the government choose it for the people.
http://taxpayer.net/search_by_category.php?action=view&proj_id=4781&category=National Security&type=Project Short article but still good.
Tracking money in the Pentagon is diffucult, so enemies cannot find it.
The Defense Department spends roughly 1 billion dollars each day.
The defense department employs 3 million world-wide. That is more than any other corporation.
Ronald Reagan once said, "defense is not a budget issue: You spend what you spend."
The Defense Department spends half of the money the government spends.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Pending Bills
H.R. 1299: Secure Border Act of 2011
This has passed committee and is going to be looked at by the whole House.
S.512: Nuclear Power 2021 Act
This has passed committee and is going to be looked at by the whole Senate.
H.R. 358: Protect Life Act
This has passed the House and will go to the Senate.
Further examination is for H.R. 1299.
1. This was put on the Union calendar on Nov. 10th 2011.
2. There would be an increase in border police.
3. Some infrastructure would also be built to stop illegals from entering the country.
4. Actions will be taken within 180 days of this passing.
5. UAV's and other sensors would be added to protect the border.
6. There would be more communication throughtout police departments in the country to help solve this
problem.
1. What would the cost of this be?
2. Where would the money come from?
3. Are there states that would get more help than others?
This has passed committee and is going to be looked at by the whole House.
S.512: Nuclear Power 2021 Act
This has passed committee and is going to be looked at by the whole Senate.
H.R. 358: Protect Life Act
This has passed the House and will go to the Senate.
Further examination is for H.R. 1299.
1. This was put on the Union calendar on Nov. 10th 2011.
2. There would be an increase in border police.
3. Some infrastructure would also be built to stop illegals from entering the country.
4. Actions will be taken within 180 days of this passing.
5. UAV's and other sensors would be added to protect the border.
6. There would be more communication throughtout police departments in the country to help solve this
problem.
1. What would the cost of this be?
2. Where would the money come from?
3. Are there states that would get more help than others?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Pennsylvania in 2008 Election
In 2008, 54.7% of the voters voted for Obama.
In 2004, 51% voted for John Kerry.
John McCain won more districts, but less of the popular vote.
Only 1.1% of people voted for someone other than Obama or McCain, in 2008.
Only .6% of people voted for someone other than Bush or Kerry, in 2004.
In 2004, 51% voted for John Kerry.
John McCain won more districts, but less of the popular vote.
Only 1.1% of people voted for someone other than Obama or McCain, in 2008.
Only .6% of people voted for someone other than Bush or Kerry, in 2004.
Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District
The Four counties are Delaware, Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Chester. (All part)
The district has 646,522 people living in it.
This district is 98.56% urban and 1.44% rural.
Since 1833, there has been mostly Republicans representing the 7th district.
Pat Meehan got 55% of the votes to win over Lentz.
There are many colleges in this district.
Pennsylvania's 7th district was in a movie called State of Play.
The median income of this district is $56,126.
There has never been a member of the House from Havertown.
This area could be affected by redistricting soon.
The district has 646,522 people living in it.
This district is 98.56% urban and 1.44% rural.
Since 1833, there has been mostly Republicans representing the 7th district.
Pat Meehan got 55% of the votes to win over Lentz.
There are many colleges in this district.
Pennsylvania's 7th district was in a movie called State of Play.
The median income of this district is $56,126.
There has never been a member of the House from Havertown.
This area could be affected by redistricting soon.
Death Penalty
1) Do other countries use the death penalty?
There at least 59 other countries that do use the death penalty. Some use it more often than others.
2) How much does it cost to put someone to death?
The cost for death penalty trials are more money than life in prison trials. There is not an exact number because each case if different. Also, appeals cost a large amount of money. Some will keep appealing just to stay alive, even if it has been proven that they are guilty multiple times.
3) What are the methods of execution of a prisoner?
Lethal injection is the main method in the United States. However, some states allow the prisoner to choose how thy are executed. There are still rare occasions where the electric chair is used. Since 1976 there has also been 3 hangings and 3 deaths by firing squad.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777460.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=capital-punishment-by-lethal-injection
http://www.fnsa.org/v1n1/dieter1.html
There at least 59 other countries that do use the death penalty. Some use it more often than others.
2) How much does it cost to put someone to death?
The cost for death penalty trials are more money than life in prison trials. There is not an exact number because each case if different. Also, appeals cost a large amount of money. Some will keep appealing just to stay alive, even if it has been proven that they are guilty multiple times.
3) What are the methods of execution of a prisoner?
Lethal injection is the main method in the United States. However, some states allow the prisoner to choose how thy are executed. There are still rare occasions where the electric chair is used. Since 1976 there has also been 3 hangings and 3 deaths by firing squad.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777460.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=capital-punishment-by-lethal-injection
http://www.fnsa.org/v1n1/dieter1.html
How Washington Works
Facts
Carter once said; "Washington is isolated from the mainstream of our nation's life." 90
Congress has a short work week so they can meet and spend time with their constituents. 90
Many say there is two worlds when in Congress, hometown and states. 90
To gain power in Congress, one must make alliances and join groups. 91
Very few politicians pack up and go home after their careers, they stay and still have influence. 91
There are many members of Congress who are friends that are not in the same party. 91
Most people in government could make more money elsewhere. 94
Elliott Richardson once said, "Washington is really, when you come right down to it, a city of cocker spaniels." 94
Some members of government think they are more important that they originally thought when elected. 96
Officials must think rationally when deciding how to interact with others, or they could lose power. 96 and 97
Questions
What is it like to first go to Washington for new members of Congress?
Could these alliances lead to fraud?
Could career politicians lead to fraud because of connections and experience?
Do people in government want power or attention?
Are there ego-manics in Congress? And how does this affect relations?
Carter once said; "Washington is isolated from the mainstream of our nation's life." 90
Congress has a short work week so they can meet and spend time with their constituents. 90
Many say there is two worlds when in Congress, hometown and states. 90
To gain power in Congress, one must make alliances and join groups. 91
Very few politicians pack up and go home after their careers, they stay and still have influence. 91
There are many members of Congress who are friends that are not in the same party. 91
Most people in government could make more money elsewhere. 94
Elliott Richardson once said, "Washington is really, when you come right down to it, a city of cocker spaniels." 94
Some members of government think they are more important that they originally thought when elected. 96
Officials must think rationally when deciding how to interact with others, or they could lose power. 96 and 97
Questions
What is it like to first go to Washington for new members of Congress?
Could these alliances lead to fraud?
Could career politicians lead to fraud because of connections and experience?
Do people in government want power or attention?
Are there ego-manics in Congress? And how does this affect relations?
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Terry Gross Interview
Facts
The first birth control clinic was started in 1916.
This clinic was opened by Margaret Sanger.
Sanger came from an Irish Catholic family. She helped deliver her mother's baby.
Many ways of contraception were illegal before.
Sanger was arrested for sharing information about contraception.
There are estimates that 1 in 3 fertilizations were aborted.
Sanger told the government what she was going to do before she opened the clinic.
The Griswold v. Connecticut ruling established that the Constitution protected a right to privacy, which meant that contraceptives were legal.
This information was only given to married woman, at first.
Sanger's American Birth Control League was renamed the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Questions
Will there be any new laws passed about abortion?
Did Sanger's Catholic background play a part in her ideas/views.
Why were ways of contraception illegal/expensive?
How has Roe v. Wade affected abortion today?
Is the population growth rate affected by this?
Do you think abortion should be legal?
The first birth control clinic was started in 1916.
This clinic was opened by Margaret Sanger.
Sanger came from an Irish Catholic family. She helped deliver her mother's baby.
Many ways of contraception were illegal before.
Sanger was arrested for sharing information about contraception.
There are estimates that 1 in 3 fertilizations were aborted.
Sanger told the government what she was going to do before she opened the clinic.
The Griswold v. Connecticut ruling established that the Constitution protected a right to privacy, which meant that contraceptives were legal.
This information was only given to married woman, at first.
Sanger's American Birth Control League was renamed the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Questions
Will there be any new laws passed about abortion?
Did Sanger's Catholic background play a part in her ideas/views.
Why were ways of contraception illegal/expensive?
How has Roe v. Wade affected abortion today?
Is the population growth rate affected by this?
Do you think abortion should be legal?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Committees
Senator Pat Toomey is in the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. He is also in the Joint Economic Committee.
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
1) Tim Johnson is the Chairman of this committee.
2) Formally established in 1913.
3) Jurisdiction includes, but are not limited to: banking, insurance, financial markets, securities, housing, urban development and mass transit, international trade and finance, and economic policy
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
1) Jay Rockerfeller is the Chairman.
2) They have jurisdiction in many areas, such as Coast Guard and engineering.
3) Pat Toomey is a minority member, meaning Democrats have the majority.
Joint Economic Committee
1) Bob Casey Jr. is the chairman.
2) This is made if both Senate and House members.
3) They are constantly trying to make the economy more stabilized and better than it is now.
4) Made of 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans.
5) Made of 10 House and 10 Senate members.
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
1) Tim Johnson is the Chairman of this committee.
2) Formally established in 1913.
3) Jurisdiction includes, but are not limited to: banking, insurance, financial markets, securities, housing, urban development and mass transit, international trade and finance, and economic policy
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
1) Jay Rockerfeller is the Chairman.
2) They have jurisdiction in many areas, such as Coast Guard and engineering.
3) Pat Toomey is a minority member, meaning Democrats have the majority.
Joint Economic Committee
1) Bob Casey Jr. is the chairman.
2) This is made if both Senate and House members.
3) They are constantly trying to make the economy more stabilized and better than it is now.
4) Made of 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans.
5) Made of 10 House and 10 Senate members.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Filibuster
A filibuster was used to stop a bill from passing.
All of the press was waiting the filibuster out to see when it ends, and get the first story.
All of the people in the White House wanted to leave, but could not.
During the filibuster, the person can talk about anything. It does not have to be connected to the bill.
To stop a filibuster there needs to be a 3/5 vote. This is also called a cloture vote.
The longest filibuster ever, by one person, was a little over 24 hours.
The rules say there is not eating, drinking, sitting, or going to the bathroom for the person/people using the filibuster.
The filibuster can used to stall for more votes, or to annoy others into not voting for a bill.
Could there ever be a filibuster like this in real life?
Would a traditional filibuster even happen in today's Senate?
How accurate is West Wing when it comes to things that could happen in real life?
Was there any talk of removing the filibuster?
What was the shortest filibuster until someone changed their mind?
All of the press was waiting the filibuster out to see when it ends, and get the first story.
All of the people in the White House wanted to leave, but could not.
During the filibuster, the person can talk about anything. It does not have to be connected to the bill.
To stop a filibuster there needs to be a 3/5 vote. This is also called a cloture vote.
The longest filibuster ever, by one person, was a little over 24 hours.
The rules say there is not eating, drinking, sitting, or going to the bathroom for the person/people using the filibuster.
The filibuster can used to stall for more votes, or to annoy others into not voting for a bill.
Could there ever be a filibuster like this in real life?
Would a traditional filibuster even happen in today's Senate?
How accurate is West Wing when it comes to things that could happen in real life?
Was there any talk of removing the filibuster?
What was the shortest filibuster until someone changed their mind?
Lost in Detention
Facts
ICE is immigration and Customs enforcement.
More than 2 million illegal immigrants have been deported in Obama's time in office.
There has been 1,000 murderers deported in Obama's time in office.
Secure Communities helps deport illegal immigrants, who are breaking the law.
ICE has quotas that they are supposed to meet for the number of illegal immigrants being deported.
If the laws are broken, people should expect that they are enforced.
4.5 million have parents that are illegal immigrants.
There are 250 detention centers for illegal immigrants.
Kids are at danger when there parents are here illegally.
Obama has had more illegals deported than Bush did.
Questions
Are liberals mad at Obama for deported illegal immigrants?
Why do some think it is wrong to hold illegal immigrants in jail? It is just like any other law-breaker.
Why do illegal immigrants not apply for citizenship?
Why do some people feel like illegal immigrants should be protected in a country they do not belong in?
What is the future for illegal immigrants in the United States?
ICE is immigration and Customs enforcement.
More than 2 million illegal immigrants have been deported in Obama's time in office.
There has been 1,000 murderers deported in Obama's time in office.
Secure Communities helps deport illegal immigrants, who are breaking the law.
ICE has quotas that they are supposed to meet for the number of illegal immigrants being deported.
If the laws are broken, people should expect that they are enforced.
4.5 million have parents that are illegal immigrants.
There are 250 detention centers for illegal immigrants.
Kids are at danger when there parents are here illegally.
Obama has had more illegals deported than Bush did.
Questions
Are liberals mad at Obama for deported illegal immigrants?
Why do some think it is wrong to hold illegal immigrants in jail? It is just like any other law-breaker.
Why do illegal immigrants not apply for citizenship?
Why do some people feel like illegal immigrants should be protected in a country they do not belong in?
What is the future for illegal immigrants in the United States?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Illegal Immigration
Why is it so necessary to fuss over this situation?
This is a big deal in the United States because these people are breaking the law. There are over 10 million illegal immigrants as of 2009. Those people are taking jobs that Americans could have. Also, these illegal immigrants do not pay income tax, so the federal and state governments are not receiving money that they would be otherwise.
Are illegal immigrants that great of a threat to our country?
This answer is close to the answer to the first question. These illegal immigrants hurt the United States economy, as well as just flat out breaking laws. These are law-breaking people who think they deserve rights in a country they are not supposed to be in. The economy is hurt because immigrants take jobs that Americans could have. Some say that Americas do not want those jobs, but give it time and the jobs will be filled.
If illegals are here for a certain amount of time without being caught, should they be allowed to stay?
Absolutely not, that is like saying if you murder someone and do not get caught for a certain amount of time, you cannot be punished. Illegal immigration is not as bad as murder, of course. This would be saying, come here and hide for a certain amount of time, and then you can stay for the rest of your life. They should be deported, and then able to apply for citizenship.
http://immigration.procon.org/
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2010/0812/Obama-as-border-cop-He-s-deported-record-numbers-of-illegal-immigrants/(page)/2
This is a big deal in the United States because these people are breaking the law. There are over 10 million illegal immigrants as of 2009. Those people are taking jobs that Americans could have. Also, these illegal immigrants do not pay income tax, so the federal and state governments are not receiving money that they would be otherwise.
Are illegal immigrants that great of a threat to our country?
This answer is close to the answer to the first question. These illegal immigrants hurt the United States economy, as well as just flat out breaking laws. These are law-breaking people who think they deserve rights in a country they are not supposed to be in. The economy is hurt because immigrants take jobs that Americans could have. Some say that Americas do not want those jobs, but give it time and the jobs will be filled.
If illegals are here for a certain amount of time without being caught, should they be allowed to stay?
Absolutely not, that is like saying if you murder someone and do not get caught for a certain amount of time, you cannot be punished. Illegal immigration is not as bad as murder, of course. This would be saying, come here and hide for a certain amount of time, and then you can stay for the rest of your life. They should be deported, and then able to apply for citizenship.
http://immigration.procon.org/
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2010/0812/Obama-as-border-cop-He-s-deported-record-numbers-of-illegal-immigrants/(page)/2
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Electoral College
Facts:
The Senate Majority Leader is Dominic Pileggi.
He wants the state to not use the winner-take-all system.
The new plan is to have each candidate win one vote for the Congressional district.
Most Democrats do not like this idea.
This will allow for more specific marketing for candidates.
The other two votes would be given to the candidate winning that wins the state.
Obama would have gotten only 11 electoral votes instead of the 21 and McCain would have gotten 10 electoral votes in the past election.
Lobbying groups do not have to disclose who donates money.
Wisconsin also proposed legislation that would switch the electoral college.
A candidate could win the state, but get more electoral votes. (Just like the nation's popular vote)
Questions:
Will this pass before the 2012 election?
How will campaigning change for the districts?
What effects will this have on future elections if this passes?
Should the nation switch to a system that allows for each district to have one vote?
How will this impact redistricting?
The Senate Majority Leader is Dominic Pileggi.
He wants the state to not use the winner-take-all system.
The new plan is to have each candidate win one vote for the Congressional district.
Most Democrats do not like this idea.
This will allow for more specific marketing for candidates.
The other two votes would be given to the candidate winning that wins the state.
Obama would have gotten only 11 electoral votes instead of the 21 and McCain would have gotten 10 electoral votes in the past election.
Lobbying groups do not have to disclose who donates money.
Wisconsin also proposed legislation that would switch the electoral college.
A candidate could win the state, but get more electoral votes. (Just like the nation's popular vote)
Questions:
Will this pass before the 2012 election?
How will campaigning change for the districts?
What effects will this have on future elections if this passes?
Should the nation switch to a system that allows for each district to have one vote?
How will this impact redistricting?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
John Boehner
Facts:
1) Boehner thinks not drawing a good first spending-cut package was his biggest regret.
2) Boehner said there were “no surprises” during his first year has Speaker.
3) Republicans used the House to cut 1 billion in spending over the next 10 years.
4) Some say Boehner has been more transparent than other Speakers.
1) Boehner thinks not drawing a good first spending-cut package was his biggest regret.
2) Boehner said there were “no surprises” during his first year has Speaker.
3) Republicans used the House to cut 1 billion in spending over the next 10 years.
4) Some say Boehner has been more transparent than other Speakers.
House of Representatives
Facts:
In 1789, the House only had 65 members. This increased as population increased.
In 1911, there was a decision made to keep the members at 435.
The average Representative has a district with 640,000 citizens.
The minority is not represented as much as their population is.
If the number of House members increases, each loses power.
Questions:
How do the current congressmen feel about raising the number?
Will the number be raised in the future?
Would this just make the House less productive, due to more point of views?
Would this add millions of dollars to bills, because each member adds on "pork"?
How would this affect elections and districting?
I do not think the House should increase is side. This would decrease the power of each person in the House. Also, this would increase the disfunction in the House because more people want to state their ideas and opinions, which is good, but it would slow the process even more.
I do not think the House should increase is side. This would decrease the power of each person in the House. Also, this would increase the disfunction in the House because more people want to state their ideas and opinions, which is good, but it would slow the process even more.
Politician Fiances
Tom Coburn (R)
Total wealth rank in Senate is 49th.
Net worth is from $1,174,164 to $4,616,000.
Assets 122 totaling $1,174,164 to $4,616,000.
Numbers from 2009.
Pat Toomey (R)
Total wealth rank in Senate is 46th.
Net worth: from $1,770,062 to $4,900,999.
Assets 44 totaling $2,020,062 to $5,001,000.
I think this article has some good points and some points that are not so good. I do not think it is too much of a problem that the rate of millionaires is much higher than the average in America. If there was anything to blame about that, it would be the cost of campaigning. Congressmen are just like everyone else, so they should be able to have investments in companies. A few people invested in a company isn't going to change the whole Senate or House's vote on a bill that affects the company. I do think that the fiances should be entered in the computer. Virtually everything can be found on the Internet, and this should be part. Also, the Representatives house could be worth a lot of money, making it an asset. This means it should be added to the assets that the Representative has. The spouses income should not have to be reported, it has nothing to do with Congress.
Total wealth rank in Senate is 49th.
Net worth is from $1,174,164 to $4,616,000.
Assets 122 totaling $1,174,164 to $4,616,000.
Numbers from 2009.
Pat Toomey (R)
Total wealth rank in Senate is 46th.
Net worth: from $1,770,062 to $4,900,999.
Assets 44 totaling $2,020,062 to $5,001,000.
I think this article has some good points and some points that are not so good. I do not think it is too much of a problem that the rate of millionaires is much higher than the average in America. If there was anything to blame about that, it would be the cost of campaigning. Congressmen are just like everyone else, so they should be able to have investments in companies. A few people invested in a company isn't going to change the whole Senate or House's vote on a bill that affects the company. I do think that the fiances should be entered in the computer. Virtually everything can be found on the Internet, and this should be part. Also, the Representatives house could be worth a lot of money, making it an asset. This means it should be added to the assets that the Representative has. The spouses income should not have to be reported, it has nothing to do with Congress.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Due Process
Facts:
1) Witnesses can be very useful, and very harmful.
2) Two women who did not have law experience saved Kevin Rojas.
3) DNA could not be used to help Rojas.
4) Only 5% of cases can use DNA to determine the criminal in a case.
5) Last Resort is ran at Seton Hall.
6) There is no government programs dedicated to finding innocents in jail.
7) There are estimates of innocents in jail are 1-10 percent.
8) Last Resort freed 44 people in 31 years.
9) Eyewitnesses are a huge issue in the United States right now.
10) Out of the 44 people, 11 have been identified while the witness knew that the person was innocent.
Questions:
Is there really only 5% of cases that have DNA?
Did the government ever consider starting a section that investigates criminals who may be innocent?
How much can witnesses be trusted?
What will the Supreme Court decide about witnesses?
How many innocent people are in prison?
1) Witnesses can be very useful, and very harmful.
2) Two women who did not have law experience saved Kevin Rojas.
3) DNA could not be used to help Rojas.
4) Only 5% of cases can use DNA to determine the criminal in a case.
5) Last Resort is ran at Seton Hall.
6) There is no government programs dedicated to finding innocents in jail.
7) There are estimates of innocents in jail are 1-10 percent.
8) Last Resort freed 44 people in 31 years.
9) Eyewitnesses are a huge issue in the United States right now.
10) Out of the 44 people, 11 have been identified while the witness knew that the person was innocent.
Questions:
Is there really only 5% of cases that have DNA?
Did the government ever consider starting a section that investigates criminals who may be innocent?
How much can witnesses be trusted?
What will the Supreme Court decide about witnesses?
How many innocent people are in prison?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld
Facts:
1) Salim Ahmed Hamdan, Osama bin Laden's former chauffeur challenged the military-ran Guantonomo Bay.
2) Hamdan won the case 5-3.
3) The district court granted Hamdan a writ of habues corpes, but the circuit court in D.C. overturned that decsion.
4) Geneva Convention could not be used in militry tribunials at the time.
5) This was in 2005 and John Roberts did not take part in this case.
6) The court said it was Hamdan;s right to know why he was in prision.
Questions:
1) Was this case judged narrowly?
2) Why did John Roberts not participate in this case?
3) What if the vote was 4-4?
4) Has there been changes to any laws because of this?
1) Salim Ahmed Hamdan, Osama bin Laden's former chauffeur challenged the military-ran Guantonomo Bay.
2) Hamdan won the case 5-3.
3) The district court granted Hamdan a writ of habues corpes, but the circuit court in D.C. overturned that decsion.
4) Geneva Convention could not be used in militry tribunials at the time.
5) This was in 2005 and John Roberts did not take part in this case.
6) The court said it was Hamdan;s right to know why he was in prision.
Questions:
1) Was this case judged narrowly?
2) Why did John Roberts not participate in this case?
3) What if the vote was 4-4?
4) Has there been changes to any laws because of this?
Supreme Court Justices
Facts:
1) John Roberts was a judge in the 2nd circuit court for about 2 years.
2)Scalia was nominated by Ronald Reagan.
3) Every justice has advanced degrees, and attended good colleges.
4) George Bush (the father)nominated Clarence Thomas.
5) Many justices were judges on the circuit courts before the Supreme Court.
6) Many also start as clerks earlier in their careers then move on.
7) The justices have many different positions through out their lives, mostly getting better as they go.
8) The court has three women, one African-American, and five white men.
Questions:
Who will be the next justice to step down?
Will there be more diversity on the Supreme Court anytime soon?
1) John Roberts was a judge in the 2nd circuit court for about 2 years.
2)Scalia was nominated by Ronald Reagan.
3) Every justice has advanced degrees, and attended good colleges.
4) George Bush (the father)nominated Clarence Thomas.
5) Many justices were judges on the circuit courts before the Supreme Court.
6) Many also start as clerks earlier in their careers then move on.
7) The justices have many different positions through out their lives, mostly getting better as they go.
8) The court has three women, one African-American, and five white men.
Questions:
Who will be the next justice to step down?
Will there be more diversity on the Supreme Court anytime soon?
Roe v. Wade
Facts:
1) States can regulate abortions to a certain extent.
2) States can only allow abortions in certain institutions, if they choose.
3) The Supreme Court does not agree that abortions should be allowed whenever, however, and wherever a woman wants it to happen.
4) Many state laws are "to vague" to be Constitutional.
5) Abortions are relatively safe for the woman.
6) The mortality rates for abortions (for the woman) and normal birth are around the same.
7) Risk continues as pregnancy goes on.
8) Privacy (according to the court) means the right to control one's body.
9) Roe v. Wade was decided by the Burger Court.
10) The 14th amendment was used in deciding this case.
Questions:
1) Why do some say babies are not alive until they are born?
2) Why can privacy be used as a reason to allow abortions?
3) Are most courts against abortion because they really are, or because of precedent?
4) Why is the woman the only part that people are concerned with?
5) If privacy is controlling one's body, then the body can be controlled and not get pregnant. (Excluding sexual abuse)
1) States can regulate abortions to a certain extent.
2) States can only allow abortions in certain institutions, if they choose.
3) The Supreme Court does not agree that abortions should be allowed whenever, however, and wherever a woman wants it to happen.
4) Many state laws are "to vague" to be Constitutional.
5) Abortions are relatively safe for the woman.
6) The mortality rates for abortions (for the woman) and normal birth are around the same.
7) Risk continues as pregnancy goes on.
8) Privacy (according to the court) means the right to control one's body.
9) Roe v. Wade was decided by the Burger Court.
10) The 14th amendment was used in deciding this case.
Questions:
1) Why do some say babies are not alive until they are born?
2) Why can privacy be used as a reason to allow abortions?
3) Are most courts against abortion because they really are, or because of precedent?
4) Why is the woman the only part that people are concerned with?
5) If privacy is controlling one's body, then the body can be controlled and not get pregnant. (Excluding sexual abuse)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Court Cases
1: FCC v. Fox Television Stations, 2011
Fox is challenging the FCC's rules about vulgar language on television. Fox is saying the rules are a violation of the first and fifth amendments. This interested me because I do not believe the FCC should regulate the language used on television or radio. It is the viewer/listener's choice to watch the show or listen to that station.
2: Clark v. Arizona, 2005
Eric Clark killed a police officer during a traffic stop. A expert doctor said Clark was a paranoid schizophrenic fearing the world was being taken over by aliens. Clark wanted to use this expert's ruling for evidence, but the trial judge stated that Arizona law does not allow that to be the only evidence of insanity. If Clark was ruled insane, he would not form the necessary criminal intent. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Arizona. I think this is interesting because it was a case about punishment for a crime. Due process was a key issue.
3: Republican Party of Minnesota v. White, 2001
Gregory Wersal was running for a spot on the Minnesota Supreme Court. There was a state law saying candidates running for a Judaical position cannot state their opinions about cases that are unsolved at the time. Wersal filed a claim saying he had to deny questions in public, making himself seem incompetent. I was interested by the name of the case. In a 5-4 decision the Republican Party of Minnesota won this case. The Supreme Court said the state law was unconstitutional because it violated the First Amendment.
Fox is challenging the FCC's rules about vulgar language on television. Fox is saying the rules are a violation of the first and fifth amendments. This interested me because I do not believe the FCC should regulate the language used on television or radio. It is the viewer/listener's choice to watch the show or listen to that station.
2: Clark v. Arizona, 2005
Eric Clark killed a police officer during a traffic stop. A expert doctor said Clark was a paranoid schizophrenic fearing the world was being taken over by aliens. Clark wanted to use this expert's ruling for evidence, but the trial judge stated that Arizona law does not allow that to be the only evidence of insanity. If Clark was ruled insane, he would not form the necessary criminal intent. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Arizona. I think this is interesting because it was a case about punishment for a crime. Due process was a key issue.
3: Republican Party of Minnesota v. White, 2001
Gregory Wersal was running for a spot on the Minnesota Supreme Court. There was a state law saying candidates running for a Judaical position cannot state their opinions about cases that are unsolved at the time. Wersal filed a claim saying he had to deny questions in public, making himself seem incompetent. I was interested by the name of the case. In a 5-4 decision the Republican Party of Minnesota won this case. The Supreme Court said the state law was unconstitutional because it violated the First Amendment.
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