Constitutional

New York Appeals Court Upholds Red-Flag Law, Rejects Constitutional Challenge

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ALBANY, N.Y. – In a groundbreaking decision on Wednesday, a New York appeals court upheld the state’s red-flag law, dismissing claims that the law violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This marks the first time a New York appeals court has addressed the constitutionality of the red-flag law. The Second Department of the Appellate Division, in its ruling, stated that the red-flag law, which allows law enforcement officials to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals considered a danger to themselves or others, is in line with the nation’s historical tradition of regulating access to … Read more

Ohio’s Constitutional Right to Abortion: A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain

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Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans now have a constitutional right to abortion, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to reproductive rights. However, for the average patient seeking an abortion in Ohio, not much has changed. Abortion providers in the state continue to face restrictions, such as a ban on abortions after 22 weeks and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. The use of telemedicine for abortions is also being disputed in court. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Adarsh Krishen, acknowledges that lifting the severe abortion restrictions in Ohio will take time … Read more

Maine Secretary of State Faces Lawsuit Over Signature Collection on Presidential Primary Day, Raises Constitutional Questions

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AUGUSTA, Maine — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed a lawsuit against Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, alleging that she violated the Constitution. Kennedy claimed that Bellows denied his team the opportunity to collect signatures at polling locations on March 5, the state’s presidential primary day. This denial prevents Kennedy from qualifying for the November ballot. Responding to the lawsuit, Bellows emphasized that Maine law clearly prohibits any influence on voters’ decisions within the voting place itself. She stated that presidential campaigns are therefore unable to collect signatures on presidential primary … Read more

Federal Judge Rules California’s Ammunition Background Checks Violate Constitutional Right to Bear Arms

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SAN DIEGO – A federal judge in San Diego has ruled that California’s law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases is unconstitutional, as it violates the right to bear arms protected by the Second Amendment. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez argued that the background checks have “no historical pedigree” and treat all citizens as if they have no right to buy ammunition. The judge, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, also criticized California’s handling of the more than 1 million annual background checks, deeming the 11% rejection rate to be too high. … Read more