Courts and Law

I’m hoping for a victory for crime victims’ rights tomorrow before the Supreme Court

Paul Cassell

Morning Links: Federal prosecutor misconduct, narrative of a drone strike on a wedding party, SCOTUS to look at cellphone searches

Radley Balko

Utah gay couple seeking parenting rights join suit

(Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)

Associated Press

A federal judge’s decision to overturn Utah’s same-sex marriage ban allowed Matthew Barraza and Tony Milner to do more than just get married. It opened the door for Milner to become legally recognized as the parent of their 4-year-old son.

Court: Gay juror was taken off panel improperly

Associated Press

A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that potential jurors may not be removed from a trial during jury selection solely because of sexual orientation, extending to gays and lesbians a civil right that the U.S. Supreme Court has previously promised only women and racial minorities.

Justices weigh anonymous tips in traffic stops

Associated Press

There were no sound effects and certainly no cameras on hand when Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia turned an already entertaining argument over a traffic stop on a two-lane road in northern California into drama worthy of Hollywood.

Gay juror removed from California panel improperly, a federal appeals court rules

A roundup of national news.

Gay marriage and taxes: marriage penalty possible

(Richard Drew, File / Associated Press)

Associated Press

Legally married same-sex couples may be in for a couple of surprises come tax time.