WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court upheld the use of a controversial drug in lethal injection executions Monday, as two dissenting justices said for the first time that they think it’s “highly likely” that the death penalty itself is unconstitutional. The justices voted 5-4 in a case from Oklahoma that the sedative midazolam can be used […]
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Maine equality backers tout role of Portland’s Mary Bonauto
Also on this page: U.S. Supreme Court rules same sex marriage legal in all 50 states | Read the U.S. Supreme Court decision PORTLAND — Advocates for marriage equality in Maine are celebrating the role played by Portland resident Mary Bonauto, the attorney who represented same-sex couples in the case that on Friday extended gay marriage nationwide. Bonauto […]
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Supreme Court upholds Obamacare subsidies for 60,000 Mainers
Also on this page: Read the King vs. Burwell decision WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has upheld the nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul in a ruling that preserves health insurance for millions of Americans, including more than 60,000 in Maine. The justices said in a 6-3 ruling Thursday that the […]
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Supreme Court won’t hear Maine appeal over Medicaid cuts
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it would stay out of a dispute between Gov. Paul LePage and the federal government over whether Maine can eliminate Medicaid coverage for thousands of low-income young adults. The justices’ refusal to hear the case means LePage’s administration must adhere to a lower court’s ruling to continue providing […]
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Supreme Court rules that Muslim shouldn’t be denied job over headscarf
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled Monday for a Muslim woman who did not get hired after she showed up to a job interview with clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch wearing a black headscarf. The justices said that employers generally have to accommodate job applicants and employees with religious needs if the employer at least […]
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Supreme court throws out conviction based on Facebook threats
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday threw out the conviction of a Pennsylvania man convicted of making threats on Facebook, but dodged the free speech issues that had made the case intriguing to First Amendment advocates. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for seven justices, said it was not enough for prosecutors to show that […]
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Cal Thomas: Supreme Court debate opens questions
In 2-1/2 hours of oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday, Justice Anthony Kennedy asked the right question: whether it is appropriate for the Court to discard a definition of marriage that “has been with us for millennia,” adding, “it’s very difficult for the court to say, ‘Oh, well, we know better.’ “ Kennedy, […]
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Portland gay marriage advocate among lawyers arguing before Supreme Court
WASHINGTON — Five lawyers will take turns at the Supreme Court lectern Tuesday for the highly anticipated and extended arguments over same-sex marriage. Among them are the Obama administration’s top lawyer at the high court, with more than two dozen arguments behind him, and two lawyers making their first appearance before the justices. The cases […]
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Supreme Court shows deep division over ACA
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is sharply divided over the tax subsidies that make insurance affordable for millions of Americans under President Barack Obama’s health overhaul. The justices on Wednesday aggressively questioned the lawyers on both sides of the latest politically charged fight over the Affordable Care Act. Chief Justice John Roberts said almost nothing […]
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U.S. Supreme Court to hear same-sex marriage case
WASHINGTON — Setting the stage for a potentially historic ruling, the Supreme Court says it will decide whether same-sex couples nationwide have a right to marry under the Constitution. The justices said Friday they will review an appellate ruling that upheld bans on same-sex unions in four states. The case will be argued in April […]