Study Challenges Court’s Image as Defender of Free Speech

The Supreme Court led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., the conventional wisdom goes, is exceptionally supportive of free speech. Leading scholars and practitioners have called the Roberts court the most pro-First Amendment court in American history.

A recent study challenges that conclusion. It says that a comprehensive look at data from 1953 to 2011 tells a different story, one showing that the court is hearing fewer First Amendment cases and is ruling in favor of free speech at a lower rate than any of the courts led by the three previous chief justices.

Justice Breyer Wades Into Supreme Court Debate Over Recusals

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer waded into a recent debate over ethics on the nation’s highest court, defending the way he and his colleagues decide whether to remove themselves from considering a case.

Charlie Sheen’s Ex-wife Won’t Have Court Appearance Filmed

Attorneys for Charlie Sheen’s ex-wife have prevailed in keeping a celebrity-news website from airing her appearance in a Colorado courtroom on drug and assault charges.

The Aspen Times reports that a Pitkin County judge has denied a request from TMZ to air the Jan. 23 proceeding for Brooke Mueller. District Judge Gail Nichols said the live courtroom feed would “unduly detract from the solemnity, decorum and dignity of the court.”