Mar 7th, 2010 · Because of a constitutional mandate, 25 percent of the seats in the Iraqi parliament must go to women. Host Liane Hansen speaks with author Christina Asquith about the role of Iraqi women in Saturday's election, and the major ballot issues that will affect women in the country.
Mar 6th, 2010 · A New Jersey school district is being sued for disciplining students caught drinking at weekend parties. Opponents say it potentially violates students' constitutional rights to punish them at school for off-campus behavior that does not affect school safety.
Mar 2nd, 2010 · At issue Tuesday will be whether the Second Amendment right to bear arms puts the same constitutional limits on state and local laws as it does on federal laws. The city of Chicago contends that states and local governments should be able to enact regulations that they deem best for their communities.
Feb 26th, 2010 · The U.S. criminal justice system typically pits the defense against the prosecution. But defense lawyers for poor clients will get a hand from their usual adversaries when the Justice Department launches the Access to Justice initiative. A top constitutional lawyer is taking a leave of absence from Harvard to spearhead the project.
Feb 22nd, 2010 · Even if Democrats can manage to agree on a health care bill, there's widespread rebellion from the states. More than 30 states are moving to block the federal government from imposing a central feature of the bill: the individual mandate requiring that everyone buy insurance. Legal scholars generally agree that the measure is constitutional. Still, Virginia's pre-emptive law is on the governor's desk.
Feb 4th, 2010 · The top court in Illinois found that a law on the books since 2005 violates the state's constitution. The decision, though specific to Illinois, could deal a blow to malpractice reform efforts elsewhere.
Jan 23rd, 2010 · Since the Manhattan Project, the U.S. president has wielded more military power than ever before. And in the opinion of historian Garry Wills, more than the commander-in-chief is allowed by the Constitution. Guy Raz talks with Wills about his new book, Bomb Power: The Modern Presidency and the National Security State.
Jan 21st, 2010 · Lawmakers on Capitol Hill lined up on opposite sides on Thursday's Supreme Court ruling lifting limits on corporate money in politics. Those who support campaign restrictions said they would offer new legislation quickly. Supporters said the Constitution had spoken. They all agreed, however, that the ruling is a game-changer.