Precedents December 20, 2015 Fed judge: Gay couples can wed in Chicago A federal judge says gay couples in Chicago don't have to wait until June to marry. Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman's Friday order says there is no reason to delay same-sex marriages in Illinois, when the state's law is set to take effect. Her finding applies only to Cook County.
Supreme Court December 20, 2015 Trio of California cases challenge big union power in Golden State Fed up with increasing union dues and a decreasing say in how the money is spent, three California groups are challenging their big labor bosses in landmark cases that could change how unions operate in the Golden State.
Supreme Court December 20, 2015 Supreme Court to hear case on forced unionization The Supreme Court will hear arguments about forced unionization among government workers on Tuesday in a case that could greatly curtail powerful labor groups.
Supreme Court December 20, 2015 Supreme Court strikes down overall limits on political contributions The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled Wednesday that limits on the total amount of money individuals can give to candidates, political parties and political action committees are unconstitutional.
Precedents December 20, 2015 Justice Department to begin release of over 6,000 federal inmates under new guidelines The Department of Justice will begin the process Friday of releasing some 6,112 federal inmates under the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s new sentencing retroactivity guidelines for drug offenders.
Appeals December 20, 2015 Appeals court reverses ruling that found NSA program illegal A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the Obama administration in a dispute over the bulk collection of phone data on millions of Americans.