New SCOTUS brief argues Hobby Lobby’s request is unconstitutional
The popular arts and crafts store Hobby Lobby is seeking a religious exemption from covering certain forms of contraception it would be required to provide under the contraception mandate of the Affordable Care Act. The case is headed to the Supreme Court, with oral arguments set to begin this spring. “Granting the exemption would shift the cost of accommodating Hobby Lobby’s religious exercise to employees who do not share its beliefs,” argues Elizabeth Sepper, JD, associate professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. “Such cost-shifting violates the Establishment Clause.” Sepper is one of several experts who have authored an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court arguing the unconstitutionality of Hobby Lobby’s request.
Religious holiday displays – three wise men and a heap of legal troubles
The upcoming holiday season brings with it the
annual gaze upon religious displays — and the legal issues that come
with them. “The Supreme Court’s approach to public religious displays
under the Establishment Clause has been less than clear,” says John
Inazu, JD, expert on religion and the constitution and professor of law
at Washington University in St. Louis.“Some commentators have
described it as the ‘three plastic animals rule’ –a Christian nativity
scene on public property passes muster if it is accompanied by a
sufficient combination of Rudolph, Frosty, and their friends.” Inazu
says that future litigation will likely press against this
line-drawing, but even apparent victories for religious liberty may come
at a significant cost.
Political empowerment fading for black Americans in the age of Obama
Hailed by some as the “end of race as we know it” and
the beginning of a “post-racial” America, the 2008 election of Barack
Obama sparked a measurable bump in feelings of political empowerment
among black Americans. But those sentiments have faded considerably over
the last year or so, according to a new analysis of political survey
data, with the sharpest declines in perceived political power coming
among blacks who identify themselves as conservatives or “born again”
Christians.
‘Politics, issues and theatrics’ of 2012 presidential election focus of Arts & Sciences panel discussion
Four Arts & Sciences faculty at Washington University in St. Louis will explore the “politics, issues and theatrics” of this year’s presidential election during a 6 p.m. panel discussion
Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Laboratory Sciences Building, Room 300. The event, which is part of the Arts & Sciences Connections Series, is free and open to the Washington University community. A
5:30 p.m. reception in Lab Sciences’ Rettner Gallery will precede the discussion, titled “Decision 2012.”
Religion and the Constitution expert discusses Pulpit Freedom Sunday
The annual celebration of Pulpit Freedom Sunday on Oct. 7
encourages pastors to preach politics from the pulpit. The Internal
Revenue Code exempts certain organizations including churches from
taxation, but prohibits them as a condition of tax-exemption from “any
political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for
public office.” “Both the restriction and Pulpit Freedom Sunday
raise important questions about the relationship between church and
state, the role of religious argument in political discourse, and the
significance of clergy in political debate,” says John Inazu, JD,
professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis and expert on religion and the Constitution.
Financial regulatory systems fragmented and unprepared for next crisis, says bailout expert
The “No More ‘Too Big to Fail’” rallying cry is unrealistic, says Cheryl Block, JD, federal taxation, budget and bailout expert and professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. “When the next really big economic crisis arises, Congress is unlikely to stick to its ‘no bailout’ pledge,” she says.
Contraception fight not just ‘a Catholic thing’ says Inazu in USA Today
First amendment expert John Inazu, JD, associate professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis, argues in a USA Today opinion column that evangelicals are wise to join the legal fight over the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraception mandate.
Health economist discusses how SCOTUS decision impacts ACA implementation
The Supreme Court’s decision today means the implementation of the Affordable Care Act can go forward, thus improving the delivery and affordability of medical care, says Timothy McBride, PhD, health economist and associate dean for public health at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
Supreme Court’s health-care decision to shape presidential campaign, says WUSTL health economist
The Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have a major impact on the presidential campaign, says Timothy D. McBride, PhD, health economist and associate dean for public health at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. “The health reform legislation was the signature piece of social legislation passed by President (Barack) Obama’s administration in his first term,” he says. How the court’s decision will influence the election could be quite complex, says McBride. The court is hearing arguments in the case March 26-28
Could the GOP be headed for a brokered convention?
Three Republican primaries or caucuses have ended with three different winners. Upcoming state contests may make the Republican candidate picture clearer, but if division remains, the GOP could end up with a brokered convention. “If the process of voting based on delegates’ commitments does not produce a nominee, then something has to break the logjam,” says Gregory P. Magarian, JD, election law expert and professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. Magarian discusses the potential for a surprise candidate and the impact of superdelegates.
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