Topic: Constitutional Rights

APSU mock trial explores boundaries of Constitutional Rights

By Debbie Boen | April 8, 2008 |

A “Mock Trial” is being held in conjunction with the American Constitutional Law II class being taught by Dr. Greg Rabidoux in the Department of Political Science. This class deals with individual civil liberties including free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. The trial will be held April 8, 10, 15, and 17, (Tuesdays and Thursdays) between 9:30-11:00 at the University Center, Room 308 and is open to the public. The verdict will be announced April 17th at the end of that day’s session.

The issues are on the Bill of Rights and implicate university free speech zones, university speech codes, and the USA Patriot Act powers and students’ rights of free assembly. «Read the rest of this article»

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SCOTUS non-ruling: More chips in the Constitutional foundation

November 28, 2007 |

With their refusal to hear a San Diego County case yesterday regarding unannounced searching of homes of public assistance applicants, the Supreme Court once again turned noted English jurist William Blackstone on his head. In the view of the Roberts court, it is better that ten truly needy people suffer than one potential fraudster escape.Perhaps you just don’t care. After all, it’s just Cadillac welfare queens that the refusal applies to, right?

You better think again… «Read the rest of this article»

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Senate Approves Whistleblower Rights Breakthrough

By Bill Larson | June 23, 2006 |

I am posting this here, due to the large number of civil service employees in our community. I feel that it directly affect them, and their constitutional rights. Whistleblowing should be encouraged and protected, Whistleblowers should have nothing to fear. Sadly this is not the case, and has been made worse by the recent Supreme Court decision.

Legislation Added to Defense Bill Would Restore Free Speech Rights Canceled by Supreme Court for Federal Government Workers on the Job.

WASHINGTON - June 23 - (Press release) - The Senate yesterday acted quickly to plug a government accountability loophole created less than one month ago, when the Supreme Court’s Garcetti v. Ceballos decision canceled constitutional free speech rights for government workers carrying out their job duties. Senate bill S. 494, which includes that reform amidst a general overhaul of the Whistleblower Protection Act, was agreed to by unanimous consent as an amendment to the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, passed 96-0 last evening. For the last three Congresses, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) approved similar legislation, but until yesterday Senate leaders had refused to permit a floor vote. «Read the rest of this article»

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