The most popular events for the America and the Courts Series http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?browse=series&id=1 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 19 May 2013 17:15:13 GMT America and the Courts Committee members spoke about the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court and their opposition or support for her confirmation. Following their statements committee members voted 13 to 6 to recommend confirmation by the Senate. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was the only minority member to vote in favor of confirmation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288082-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288082-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justices Stephen Breyer and Antonin Scalia participated in a discussion on the constitutional theories of original intent and the Constitution as a living document. They also discussed the use of legislative history in judicial decisions. Mr. Duff moderated. "Original Intent and a Living Constitution -- A Discussion" was part of the 2010 Leon Silverman Lecture Series: The Supreme Court and Separation of Powers. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292678-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292678-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Thomas Goldstein talked about potential Supreme Court nominees, their strengths and weaknesses, and some of the characteristics President Obama would be looking for in a nominee. He reacted to a video clip from May 1, 2009, of President Obama announcing Justice Souder's retirement and the qualities he would look for in a replacement. Mr. Goldstein talked about the significance of the appointment, the issues that the new justice might face, and the confirmation process. Possible nominees discussed included Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor (shown in a video clip from December 9, 2008), Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Diane Wood (shown in video clips from October 16, 2008, and July 29, 2005), U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan (shown in a video clip from February 9, 2009), Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (shown in a video clip from February 2, 2009), and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (shown in a video clip from January 17, 2009). Thomas Goldstein is co-head of Akin Gump's firm wide litigation and Supreme Court practice. He has argued 21 cases before the Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Goldstein teaches Supreme Court Litigation at both Stanford and Harvard Law Schools. Since 2003, Mr. Goldstein has been principally responsible for SCOTUSblog. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286536-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286536-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Supreme Court heard oral argument in [Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission]. The case arose from a political documentary called [Hillary: The Movie.] The film's producers lost a Federal Election Commission and lower court decision that prohibited them from distributing it on a video-on-demand service on grounds that it violated a McCain-Feingold ban on corporate money being used for electioneering. The court originally heard arguments of this case in March 2009 and asked the attorneys involved to provide additional briefs. The Court held this rehearing in a special session before the official start of the term on Monday, October 5, 2009. It was the first oral argument heard by Justice Sotomayor. This program contained the audio recording released by the court immediately after the arguments were presented. Still images of participants were shown on the screen as they spoke. Justice Thomas did not speak. Included in program 288797-3 http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288797-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288797-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonia Scalia and Stephen Breyer discussed their judicial philosophies of constitutional and statutory interpretation and how they reach their decisions. The two justices traded their views on the interpretation of the Constitution in a changing society, including topics such as the right to privacy, cruel and unusual punishment, and segregation in schools. Pete Williams moderated the discussion on stage. "Principles of Constitutional and Statutory Interpretation: A Discussion Between Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice Stephen Breyer" was held by the Rehnquist Center at 11:30 a.m. MT in the Leo Rich Theater of the Tucson Convention Center. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289637-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289637-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Senate resumed debate on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. They voted 68 to 31 to confirm the nomination. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288257-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288257-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts addressed students at the University of Alabama Law School about the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. Following his remarks he responded to questions from audience members. In response to a student, Justice Roberts said the Senate's confirmation process for federal judges is "broken down" and stated that President Obama's State of the Union speech degenerated "into a political pep rally." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292439-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292439-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of [District of Columbia v. Heller], in which a 1976 law was challenged that had the effect of banning handguns in the District of Columbia. The Court will decide the central meaning of the Second Amendment's "right of the people to keep and bear arms," and whether it is an individual right or a right in relation to service in a state militia. Walter Dellinger is a former solicitor general. This program contained the audio recording released by the court immediately after the arguments were presented. Still images of participants were shown on the screen as they spoke. Justice Thomas did not speak. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204466-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204466-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Second Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral argument in [Arar v. Ashcroft]. All 12 appeals judges sat in an en banc session to hear the appeal to the 2 to 1 ruling in June 2008 by a Second Circuit three-judge panel that the federal courts lacked jurisdiction to hear Mr. Arar's complaint. Maher Arar is challenging his rendition by the U.S. government to Syria, where he alleges he was tortured and released after one year without being charged. Maher Arar, a Syrian-born, Canadian citizen was detained during a layover at the J.F.K. Airport in New York City in September 2002 on his way home to Canada. He was held in solitary confinement for nearly two weeks. At the time, the U.S. government thought he was a member of al-Qaeda and sent him to Syria, not Canada, the country of his citizenship. Mr. Arar's suit charges that his Fifth Amendment due process rights were violated when he was confined without access to an attorney, both domestically and in Syria. He is seeking civil damages from a number of federal officials including former Attorney General John Ashcroft. Judge Sotomayor participated by remote video. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282779-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282779-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justice Scalia talked about his book, [Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges], published by Thomson West, which he wrote with Bryan Garner. The book gives advice to lawyers on presenting oral arguments. An audio clip of his interaction with attorney Seth Waxman in [Boumediene v. U.S.] was played. He also talked about his concern that too many of the "best and brightest" are becoming lawyers to the detriment of other careers such as teaching and engineering. He reacted to video clips of an interview about lawyers from April 1, 1986, and a forum with Nadine Strossen on October 15, 2006. Justice Scalia talked about his recent appearance on "60 Minutes" and why he is doing more media interviews as footage of the show was shown in the background. He also reacted to a clip of "The Daily Show" about the interview. Justice Scalia talked about his family of 9 children and 28 grandchildren. Video clips about his family were shown from his 1986 confirmation hearing. The interview was recorded at the U.S. Supreme Court. His formal portrait was displayed. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/205000-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/205000-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT President Bush delivered his fifth State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress. In his remarks he focused on both his foreign and domestic policy agenda. In his remarks President Bush focused on renewing America's strength and promoting democracy abroad, called for increased use of alternative energy sources, and defended his policies on surveillance programs in efforts to combat terrorism. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/190900-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/190900-2 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT President and Mrs. Obama participated in a ceremony for the 2009 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Obama praised the recipients and presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the honorees as their citations were read. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian award and recognizes exceptional meritorious service. The recipients were: Nancy Goodman Brinker; Pedro Jose Greer, Jr., M.D.; Stephen Hawking; Jack Kemp (posthumous); Senator Edward Kennedy; Billie Jean King; Sidney Poitier; Sandra Day O'Connor; Harvey Milk (posthumous); Chita Rivera; Mary Robinson; Janet Davison Rowley; Desmond Tutu; Muhammad Yunus; Reverend Joseph Lowery; and Joseph Medicine Crow http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288337-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288337-2 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of [Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder]. At issue were provisions of the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act which ban all states from voting discrimination based on "race or color," but targets states and areas with a history of racial discrimination in voting. Currently eight states and parts of eight other states are required to seek permission from the U.S. Justice Department or the federal court in Washington before making changes in the voting process such as changing voting districts, polling locations, or other election procedures. This program contained the audio recording released by the court immediately after the arguments were presented. Still images of participants were shown on the screen as they spoke. Justice Thomas did not speak. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285573-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/285573-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan talked about what a solicitor general does, how she prepares to argue cases before the Supreme Court, and her thoughts on cameras in the Supreme Court. Chief Judge Alex Kozinski moderated the discussion, which included Ms. Sager. Ms. Kagan also responded to questions from members of the audience. This was the concluding session of the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference held at the California Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey, California, at 11:30 a.m. PT on Thursday, July 23, 2009. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287952-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287952-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia talked with high school students about his life and career, the Constitution, and the operation of the Court. He responded to questions from the students from the Advanced U.S. Government Class of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. This event was held in the West Conference Room of the U.S. Supreme Court. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204785-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204785-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT At an evening event titled "Constitutional Conversation" moderated by Tim Russert, justices talked about the role and operation of the Supreme Court, the state of civics knowledge and education, and the evolution of democratic institutions and principles during periods of societal change. They also talked about constitutional interpretation, judicial precedents, federalism, and various issues before the court. A brief introductory video was shown. The event at the National Archives' McGowan Theater was also sponsored by the National Constitution Center and the Aspen Institute. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186408-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/186408-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Debate on the nomination of Samuel Alito as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court resumed with time evenly divided between both parties. Shortly after 11:00 a.m. the Senate voted to confirm Judge Alito by a vote of 58 to 42. After the vote, the Senate began consideration of the nomination of Ben S. Bernanke to be chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/190969-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/190969-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justice Antonin Scalia spoke about issues involved in interpreting the Constitution, judicial philosophies, and the decision-making process at the Supreme Court. He also referred to several cases already decided by the court and the foundations of his opinions. This event was a rare on-camera appearance by Justice Scalia. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/185883-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/185883-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justices Breyer and Thomas testified about the proposed fiscal year 2011 budget for the U.S. Supreme Court. In his opening remarks Justice Thomas said major portions of the requested five percent increase were due to the Supreme Court's modernization project and additional security personnel. The justices responded to questions on topics including the Supreme Court case load; cameras in the court; the diversity of law clerks, justices, and vendors; deciding what cases are heard and who testifies; granting stays of execution; and possible rulings on the recent health care legislation. The hearing began with Chairman Serrano honoring Jack Roosevelt Robinson, who integrated baseball when he joined the major leagues on April 15, 1947. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293017-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293017-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in the case [Miranda v. Arizona], concerning the Fifth Amendment rights of Ernesto Miranda. He signed a confession of kidnapping and rape without being informed of his constitutional rights to remain silent, to have a lawyer present when questioned, and to have the court appoint an attorney for those who cannot afford to pay for counsel. The Supreme Court decided [Miranda v. Arizona] with three other consolidated cases: [Westover v. United States], [Vignera v. New York], and [California v. Stewart]. This program consists of an audio recording presented with still images of participants as they spoke. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/59250-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/59250-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Chief Justice John Roberts talked about the U.S. Constitution at the Supreme Court. He talked about his early interest in constitutional law, the role of the constitution in the operation of government, structure of the Constitution and its Amendments, and the process of judicial review. The interview was part of a C-SPAN Classroom project designed to interest middle and high school students in the Constitution. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193515-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193515-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke about the U.S. Constitution and the role of government. In his remarks he spoke about his first interests in government and policy, individual rights in the Constitution, judicial interpretation, and the work of a Supreme Court justice. He also answered questions from the audience. The 21st annual Manhattan Institute Wriston Lecture was held at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. The keynote address was titled "Judging in a Government by Consent." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281823-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281823-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT General Richard Myers talked about his new book, [Eyes on the Horizon: Serving on the Front Lines of National Security] (Threshold Editions; March 17, 2009), in which he discusses his career in the military, the events of September 11 and the U.S. military and strategic action and response that followed, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. General Myers also outlined the mistakes made by the White House, Pentagon leadership, and the intelligence community, and he responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286327-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286327-4 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justice Scalia and Professor Strossen discussed civil liberties and the original meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Topics included the flag-burning case, police use of infrared detection, homosexuality, pornography, the due process clause, voting rights, [Brown v. Board of Education], and the right to privacy. After their discussion they responded to audience members' questions. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Williams. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194843-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/194843-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justice Kennedy testified about Supreme Court and federal judiciary operations and funding requests. He was also questioned about judicial salaries, providing proper security for federal judges, television coverage of Supreme Court proceedings, and fostering greater judicial independence. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196657-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/196657-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Second Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral argument in appeals against the decisions in lower courts of [Fox News Network LLC v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System] and [Bloomberg LP v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System]. Both the Fox News Network and Bloomberg asked, using the Freedom of Information Act, that the U.S. Federal Reserve be forced to reveal the identities of financial institutions that may have collapsed without assistance from the government's emergency lending programs. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291182-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291182-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT A discussion was held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of U.S. Supreme Court case [Tinker et al. v. Des Moines Independent Community School District et al.]. The case involved three pupils who were suspended from public school for wearing black armbands in December 1965 to protest the government's policy in Vietnam. The case was heard on November 12, 1968, and on February 24, 1969, in a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that "students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This ruling that students have a right to express speech as long as it is not disruptive was the first Supreme Court ruling that specifically provided protection for students' free expression rights. Tom Hutton was an attorney for the National School Boards Association which filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of a principal's decision to regulate student speech. On Monday, March 19, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in the [Morse v. Frederick] on whether high school principal Deborah Morse in Juneau, Alaska, violated student Joseph Frederick's free speech rights by suspending him for a banner that read "Bong Hits 4 Jesus." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283995-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283995-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The president of Israel's Supreme Court, Aharon Barak, discussed the role of the Supreme Court in a democracy, judicial objectivity, and other legal issues with Harvard law professors Elena Kagan and Charles Fried. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/174324-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/174324-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justices Scalia and Breyer talked about the relevance of foreign law for American Constitutional adjudication. Among the topics they addressed were using foreign court precedents in deciding U.S. Constitutional cases and whether the U.S. should take into account shifting world standards on social and moral issues such as the death penalty. The discussion was moderated by New York University Law Professor Norman Dorsen. This event was a rare on-camera appearance by Justice Scalia. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/185122-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/185122-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Professor Mark Graber talked about the Dred Scott case and its impact on the law and American history. Archival video clips of current Supreme Court Justices commenting on the Dred Scott case were shown. Mark Graber is the author of [Dred Scott and the Problem of Constitutional Evil], published by Cambridge University Press. Dred Scott was a slave who lived with his owner in the free state of Illinois and the free territory of Wisconsin before moving back to the slave state of Missouri. He sued in court for his freedom based on his years of living in free states. Dred Scott eventually appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court ([Dred Scott v. Sandford]). In March 1857, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, declared in a 7-2 decision that all blacks were not and could never become citizens of the United States. The court also declared the 1820 Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, thus permitting slavery in all of the country's territories. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197025-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197025-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Panelists talked about presidential powers in wartime and the impact of executive decisions on civil liberties. Among the issues they addressed were the history of the Constitutional power given to the Commander-in-Chief, recent policies adopted after terrorist attacks and military operations in Iraq, and balancing wartime security and the promotion of democratic freedoms. Ms. Kagan moderated the forum and panelists responded to questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/188100-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/188100-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Attorneys made oral arguments in the case of [Planned Parenthood of Southeast Pennsylvania v. Casey]. Robert P. Casey was the governor of Pennsylvania. Ernest Preate argued the cause for the respondents. Kathryn Kolbert argued the cause for the petitioners. Kenneth Starr argued the cause for the United States as amicus curiae. The Pennsylvania legislature amended its abortion control law in 1988 and 1989. Among the new provisions, the law required informed consent and a 24-hour waiting period prior to the procedure. A minor seeking an abortion required the consent of one parent (the law allows for a judicial bypass procedure). A married woman seeking an abortion had to indicate that she notified her husband of her intention to abort the fetus. These provisions were challenged by several abortion clinics and physicians. A federal appeals court upheld all the provisions except for the husband notification requirement. The question being argued was if a state can require women who want an abortion to obtain informed consent, wait 24 hours, and, if minors, obtain parental consent, without violating their right to abortions as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade. This program contains audio of the court with still images of participants as they spoke. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/185880-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/185880-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer and nine U.S. appeals court judges presided over a moot court reconsideration of [Dred Scott v. Sandford]. After hearing from lawyers and academics from across the country representing both Scott and his owner, the judges concluded that Scott would likely have had to remain a slave under 1850s law, but that the most significant parts of the Court's opinion were completely erroneous. The 1857 case considered a claim by Scott, a Missouri slave who lived in the free state of Illinois with his owner, that he should be free because of the time they had spent in Illinois. The case is most remembered for the vitriolic opinion issued by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney asserting that blacks were "unfit to associate with the white race" and "had no rights which the white man was bound to respect." The decision is often blamed for inflaming the political divide over slavery and contributing to the start of the Civil War. The moot court hearing, held in Ames Courtroom on the 150th anniversary of the Court's opinion, was organized by Climenko Professor of Law Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., and his Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197515-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/197515-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of [Kennedy v. Louisiana] on the constitutionality of the death penalty for child rape. This program contained the audio recording released by the court. Still images of participants were shown on the screen as they spoke. Justice Thomas did not speak. The Supreme Court decided 5-4 that Louisiana's law allowing the death penalty for child rape violated the Constitution's Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment. The Court overturned the law in Louisiana and five other states: Montana, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The two men sentenced to death for the crime of child rape, both in Louisiana, would receive new sentences of life without parole. Justice Kennedy wrote the opinion for the Court. His opinion was joined by Justices Stevens, Souter, Ginsburg and Breyer. Justice Alito wrote the dissenting opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the dissent, along with Justices Scalia and Thomas. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283008-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283008-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The panelists talked about recent noteworthy U.S. Supreme Court cases that they had covered for their respective media outlets. They all contributed to the book co-edited by Timothy Johnson, [A Good Quarrel: America's Top Legal Reporters Share Stories from Inside the Supreme Court], published by the University of Michigan Press. Each panelist presented the case that he had contributed to the book, which included [Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow] about the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, [Planned Parenthood v. Casey] about abortion rights, [Bush v. Gore] about Florida's recount process, and [Glickman v Wileman Brothers and Elliot, Inc.] about produce growers being forced to pay a federally backed entity that markets their goods. They included audio clips of the oral arguments. Then they discussed topics including the manner, behavior, and questioning of justices, the importance and role of oral argument, and cameras in the courtroom. Paul Wahlbeck moderated. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287035-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287035-2 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Attorneys presented oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark abortion case [Roe. v. Wade]. Sarah Weddington argued for Roe, the pseudonym for a Texas woman who sought to terminate her pregnancy . Texas Assistant Attorney General Jay Floyd argued on behalf of the government. The arguments were presented on audiotape with still images of the participants. This case was argued on December 13, 1971. The case was reargued on October 11, 1972 with Robert Flowers acting for the government. The case was decided on January 22, 1973 in a 7 to 2 vote. The Court ruled that a woman's right to an abortion fell within the right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment. The ruling gave a woman total autonomy over her pregnancy during the first trimester and defined different levels of state interest for the second and third trimesters. The laws of 46 states were affected by the ruling. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/59719-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/59719-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan delivered the Harvard Law School Class Day Address to the graduating class on Holmes Field in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was dean of the school before her appointment as solicitor general. The Class Day program takes place the day before the commencement ceremony. Included in program ID 287038-1. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286803-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286803-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Professor Cornel West talked about American society, race, politics and class. He discussed Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's primary race. He was interviewed by Frank Rich and responded to audience members' questions. This event of the New York Times Arts and Leisure Week (formerly Weekend) was held at The Times Center. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203593-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203593-2 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT A panel of former U.S. solicitors general discussed the role of the solicitor general, the duties associated with the job, and arguing before the Supreme Court. The moderator was former Deputy Solicitor General Kenneth Geller. Justice Anthony Kennedy made opening remarks. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290512-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290512-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Panelists talked about the history of women lawyers, the challenges women face in the legal profession, and the role women lawyers have played in oral arguments before the Supreme Court. The panel, which included the nation's first female U.S. solicitor general, was moderated by retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, its first female Supreme Court justice. The panelists discussed the current position of women in the profession of law and the issues they still face. Topics included how the goals of women tend to differ after they have been part of a law firm for a few years such as wanting more time away from work to be available for a family. They agreed that full equality of treatment for women lawyers had not yet been achieved, including appointments to the highest positions and the difference in the questions asked at a nomination hearing. The program "Women Advocates of the Supreme Court Bar -- Their Day in Court," co-sponsored by the Supreme Court Fellows Program Alumni Association and the First Amendment Center, was at 3 p.m. in the Walter and Lenore Annenberg Auditorium, at the Newseum. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291709-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291709-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Oral arguments were heard at the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in [CBS v. FCC]. The case concerned the CBS television network's appeal of a $550,000 fine levied by the Federal Communications Commission for a performance by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during CBS' coverage of the 2004 Super Bowl that involved partial nudity. This was the second time the Third Circuit heard this case. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the case but sent it back to the Third Circuit to be reviewed in light of the Supreme Court ruling on "fleeting expletives" in [FCC v. Fox Television]. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292229-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292229-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT President Bush acknowledged the seven current Justices who were in the audience, as well as members of his cabinet, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and other government dignitaries. The president talked about the historic occasion of swearing in a new Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He praised Judge Roberts as "a man with an astute mind and a kind heart." Justice John Paul Stevens administered the oath of office, after which the 17th Chief Justice, John Roberts, thanked President Bush and others, and talked about the nomination process and his determination to support and defend the Constitution. It has been 19 years since Chief Justice Rehnquist was sworn in. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/189112-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/189112-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City heard oral argument in Fox Television v. FCC. The Court will decide if the Federal Communications Commission's policy on the broadcast of curse words (also called "fleeting expletives") during live programs violates the First Amendment. This is the second time the Second Circuit Court heard this case. Both the attorneys and judges use language during this oral argument that some may find offensive. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291305-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291305-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Panelists discussed the relationship between U.S. Supreme Court decisions and American popular opinion. They focused on Mr. Friedman's thesis that the justices and the people are partners in a "marriage" that sidesteps the two elected branches. Mr. Friedman does not argue that the justices and the people are always in agreement, "but rather that they come into line with one another over time." Lyle Denniston moderated. Barry Friedman is the author of [The Will of the People: How Public Opinion Has Influenced the Supreme Court and Shaped the Meaning of the Constitution] (Farrar, Straus and Giroux; September 29, 2009), in which he examines the history of the relationship between popular opinion and the Supreme Court from 1776 to the present. "The Will of the People: The Supreme Court and the American Public," held at the National Constitution Center's Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, was co-sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Law School. The program was part of a two-day symposium at the University of Pennsylvania Law School titled "The Judiciary and the Popular Will," sponsored by the [Journal of Constitutional Law]. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291737-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291737-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justices Antonin Scalia and Stephen Breyer gave their views on the Constitution. They talked about the meaning of justice and interpreting the law, and they described many examples of cases with which they have dealt. They sat on a stage before an audience and were questioned by Ms. Greenburg. There was no question and answer session. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195650-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/195650-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT A reception to mark the publication of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' memoir, [My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir], published by Harper, was held by radio host and columnist Armstrong Williams at his home. Justice Thomas made brief remarks and talked with guests about his book. Armstrong Williams, Associate Justice and Mrs. Alito, Secretary Chertoff, and Mrs. Thomas were interviewed. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/201370-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/201370-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT On June 20, 1995 Justice Blackmun. He spoke exclusively about his 1973 majority opinion, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion. This session was recorded without an interviewer. On Thursday, March 4, 2004, the Library of Congress unsealed the papers of Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun on the fifth anniversary of his death. The collection included 38 hours of videotaped oral history interviews conducted with Justice Blackmun in 1994 and 1995 by his former law clerk, Yale professor Harold Koh. The interviews were shot by a Federal Judicial Center videographer. Justice Blackmun recorded nearly two hours during this sessions. The full recordings will be available on c-span.org, along with the nearly six hours aired last March on C-SPAN. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/183168-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/183168-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Justice John Paul Stevens was interviewed as part of C-SPAN's Supreme Court Week. He gave a guided tour through the three distinct parts of his chambers. He began in the area where his law clerks work, then went to the area where his assistants sit as he talked about many personal items on the walls. Finally, Justice Stevens went to his private chamber to talk about other personal items in his office, and the role of a Supreme Court uustice and his thoughts on the process that unfolds at the court. Justice Stevens was nominated to the bench by President Gerald Ford. He has served as a Supreme Court justice since 1975. He was preceded by Justice William O. Douglas. [This program is only available to view online.] [This interview, along with Chief Justice Roberts interview, can be purchased and viewed in program 7654-1] http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286081-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286081-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288239-101 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/288239-101 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Cases discussed: [Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier] concerns a Supreme Court 5 to 3 ruling that public school officials can determine the content of school newspapers and other activities. [California v. Greenwood] concerns garbage as a right of privacy issue. [Webster v. Doe] concerns the firing of a CIA employee. The main issue is whether the firing can be reviewed by federal court, or if the CIA director has the right to fire any employee for any reason under the National Security Act of 1947. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/594-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/594-1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT