WEEKEND OPEN THREAD

With little news from the U.S. Supreme Court, we are posting an open thread so our readers may discuss what they see as today's important legal issues.

WEEKEND OPEN THREAD

With little news from the U.S. Supreme Court, we are posting an open thread so our readers may discuss the legal issues of today.

WEEKEND OPEN THREAD

With little news to report from the United States Supreme Court, we are posting an open thread so our readers may discuss today's legal issues.

PROPOSITION 8 UNLIKELY TO REACH SUPREME COURT

The Federal District Judge that struck down California's proposition 8, which banned gay marriage, has refused to place a permanent stay on the decision pending appeal. California's state officials are supportive of the Judge's ruling and, as a result, apparently will not be pursuing the appeal. Given that the State of California is the only party with standing to bring the appeal, it is unlikely this matter would ever be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

CHILD SOLDIER TRIAL TO BEGIN TODAY

The Guantanamo Bay military commission hearing against the "child soldier" will begin today. The case involves a Canadian born man, who was only 15 at the time he was taken into custody as an "enemy combatant," who is currently 23 years old. The Defendant had previously asked the Supreme Court to stay the case.

KAGAN TO BE SWORN IN SATURDAY

Elena Kagan will be sworn in as the 112th Justice of the United States Supreme Court this Saturday. Kagan, now the former Solicitor General of the United States, was confirmed to the Court by a vote of 63 to 37. We expect this event to make little to no impact as to the Court's jurisprudence as Kagan is replacing Justice Stevens, the most progressive of our Supreme Court Justices.

KAGAN TO BE CONFIRMED TODAY

Solicitor General Kagan is expected to be confirmed to the Supreme Court today. Kagan will be the 112th Justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court and the 4th woman to do so. Kagan will be replacing Justice Stevens who retired at the end of the Court's last term. The new Justice can be expected to align with the progressive block of the Court.