Justices appeared divided at oral argument in a California man’s challenge to the constitutionality of the “traffic impact mitigation” fee that he was required to pay when building his home.
Amy Howe Posts
Justices rule Minnesota county violated takings clause
by Amy Howe | Jun 12, 2023 | Property
The Supreme Court ruled that Hennepin County’s actions violated the Fifth Amendment’s takings clause, which bars the government from taking private property for public use without adequately compensating the property owner.
Justices appear likely to side with homeowner in foreclosure dispute
by Amy Howe | Apr 28, 2023 | Property
Justices heard arguments in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota to assess if taking and selling a home to satisfy a debt to the government, and keeping the surplus value as a windfall, violates the Fifth Amendment’s takings clause and if the forfeiture of property worth far more than needed to satisfy a debt, plus interest, penalties, and costs, is a fine within the meaning of the Eighth Amendment.
Court rules federal immunity law does not shield Turkish bank from U.S. prosecution
by Amy Howe | Apr 21, 2023 | U.S. Foreign Relations Law
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a Turkish bank can be prosecuted in U.S. courts for its role in a conspiracy to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran.
Closely divided court scrutinizes various provisions of Indian Child Welfare Act
by Amy Howe | Nov 8, 2022 | American Indian Law
The Supreme Court of the United States will hear arguments regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
U.S. Supreme Court Adds Two Cases on Native American Law and Issues Two Opinions Granting Police Officers Qualified Immunity
by Amy Howe | Oct 19, 2021 | American Indian Law, Policing
The Supreme Court on Monday morning added two new cases, both involving Native Americans, to its docket for this term. The justices also issued two unsigned decisions holding, without oral argument, that police officers are entitled to qualified immunity from lawsuits accusing them of using excessive force. The justices, however, did not act on several of the high-profile petitions that they considered at their private conference last week.
Court Denies Republicans’ Request to Reinstate Witness Requirement for Rhode Island Absentee Ballots
by Amy Howe | Aug 17, 2020 | Election Administration
On August 13, the Supreme Court refused to intervene in a dispute over absentee ballots for the upcoming elections in Rhode Island.
Democrats Urge Justices to Stay Out of Wisconsin Primary Dispute
by Amy Howe | Apr 6, 2020 | Election Administration
One day after Wisconsin Republicans asked the Supreme Court to block a lower-court ruling that extended the deadline for voters to submit absentee ballots in the state’s primary election, Wisconsin Democrats urged the justices to stay out of the dispute and allow that ruling to stay in place for now.
The Chief Justice’s 2018 Year-End Report: The Federal Judiciary and #MeToo
by Amy Howe | Jan 2, 2019 | Sexual Assault
Chief Justice John Roberts released his annual report on the federal judiciary today, focusing on the judiciary’s response to allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Roberts had discussed this issue in his 2017 report, after several female law clerks accused Judge Alex Kozinski – then a prominent judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit – of inappropriate sexual conduct.