Constitutional Law Commons^™

Shin, Israeli Movement For Equal Representation Of Women V. Council For Cable Tv And Satellite Broadcasting, Dalia Dorner, Theodor Or, Eliahu Mazza, Ayala Procaccia, Edmond E. Levy, Asher Grunis, Mishael Cheshin, Jacob Turkel, Dorit Beinisch, Eliezer Rivlin, Aharon Barak

Translated Opinions

Facts: The third respondent held a concession for broadcasting the ‘Playboy’ channel in Israel. This channel shows material of an erotic or pornographic nature. The first respondent gave a licence to respondents 4-7 to broadcast the ‘Playboy’ channel, subject to a number of restrictions relating, inter alia, to the times when the broadcasts were permitted, the manner of subscribing to the channel, and measures that needed to be taken to ensure that the channel was not accessible to persons under the age of 18. The petitioners challenged the decision of the first respondent, on the grounds that the first …

Choosing Liberty Over Equality And Sacrificing Both: Equal Protection And Due Process In Lawrence V. Texas, Andrew J. Seligsohn

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article critiques the Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, arguing that the Court's reliance on substantive due process under the Due Process Clause, rather than the Equal Protection Clause, undermines the broader equality concerns faced by the LGBTQ+ community. By prioritizing liberty over equality, the Court missed an opportunity to establish a more robust legal foundation for future LGBTQ+ rights, leaving the decision vulnerable to challenge and failing to address the systemic discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Loose Not The Floodgates, Benjamin J. Cooper

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down sodomy laws, arguing that while the ruling was necessary, it raises concerns about the broader regulation of sexual conduct outside marriage. The author contends that such laws, despite rare enforcement, serve societal functions, including protecting marriage and providing moral boundaries that deter harmful behavior, particularly among young people.

The Shag-A-Delic Supreme Court: "Anal Sex," "Mystery," "Destiny," And The "Transcendent" In Lawrence V. Texas, Richard D. Mohr

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article critiques Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority opinion in Lawrence v. Texas for its lack of clarity and robust constitutional framework. While the decision overturned Texas's sodomy law, the author argues that Kennedy's reasoning conflated liberty and equality rights, relied on vague language, and failed to establish a clear legal standard, undermining its potential to provide strong protection for LGBTQ+ rights.

Challenging Dissent: The Ontology And Logic Of Lawrence V. Texas, Jami Weinstein, Tobyn Demarco

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which invalidated a Texas antisodomy statute criminalizing homosexual conduct. The Court held that the statute failed rational basis review and rejected the promotion of majoritarian sexual morality as a legitimate state interest. The decision reflects a broader recognition of the fundamental right to make autonomous, private, consensual, adult sexual choices. The analysis critiques Justice Scalia's dissent, arguing that his fears about the end of morals legislation are unfounded and that laws based solely on moral disapproval lack a rational basis.

The International Video Industry: Principles For Vertical Agreements And Integration, John H. Barton

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

In Opposition To The Proposed Media Marketing Accountability Act Of 2001, Angela M. Papalaskaris

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Free Speech Coalition & Adult Entertainment: An Inside View Of The Adult Entertainment Industry, Its Leading Advocate & The First Amendment, Clay Calvert, Robert Richards

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

"When A Nation Is At War": A Context-Dependent Theory Of Free Speech For The Regulation Of Weapon Recipes, Liezl Irene Pangilinan

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Maybe Not The Best Solution, But A Solution: The German Foundation Agreement, Jolie Bell

Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution

This note will question whether the processes devised by the Agreement really favor survivors, helping them to realize some form of compensation for their insurance polices. Despite the efforts of the Agreement to prevent litigation of such insurance claims, there are still cases being filed, and legislation being proposed, to try to facilitate compensatory actions at a faster pace. While the Agreement on its face seems to be a welcome solution to the vast amount of litigation, it may be that the Agreement was a convenient way for Germany to dispose of the hundreds of thousands of life insurance policy …

Lawrence And Garner: The Love (Or At Least Sexual Attraction) That Finally Dared Speak Its Name, Paris R. Baldacci

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the legal evolution from *Bowers v. Hardwick* to Lawrence v. Texas, highlighting how the latter marked a pivotal shift in recognizing LGBTQ+ rights by emphasizing personal autonomy and dignity. It underscores the significance of narrative strategies in shaping judicial decisions, particularly in *Lawrence*, where the plaintiffs' personal stories influenced the Court's ruling.

Grutter V. Bollinger: This Generation's Brown V. Board Of Education, Michelle Adams

Articles

At first blush, Grutter appears to be a deviation from the body of the Court's recent affirmative action jurisprudence: it says "yes" where the other cases said "no." But it is not so clear that Grutter is a deviation from current law. Instead, it might be seen as consistent with it, in that the justification for the racial preference recognized in Grutter transcended the justifications offered in the previous cases, and the method used to achieve that end, "race as a factor," diffused rather than highlighted race. From this perspective, Grutter addressed several concerns that had troubled the Court for …

Past And Present Proposed Amendments To The United States Constitution Regarding Marriage, Edward D. Stein

Articles

Proposals to amend the Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriages were recently actively discussed in the U.S. Senate and are likely to receive attention in the House before the year's end. This article situates arguments for these proposals within the history of attempts to amend the Constitution related to marriage by providing the first detailed, synthetic analysis of such previously proposed amendments. This examination reveals 133 previously proposed amendments to the Constitution relating to marriage, consisting primarily of proposals to prohibit interracial marriage, proposals to prohibit polygamy, and proposals to empower Congress to make uniform laws concerning marriage and divorce. By …

The Inevitable Failure Of Nuisance-Based Theories Of The Takings Clause: A Reply To Professor Claeys, Stewart E. Sterk

Articles

Rejecting the proposition (advanced by Professor Eric Claeys) that the Rehnquist Court's conservatives have missed an opportunity to transform takings law, this commentary demonstrates that a nuisance-based theory cannot provide a comprehensive basis for takings clause jurisprudence. The commentary further establishes that no plausible vision of originalism supports a nuisance based theory, and concludes by arguing that judicial scrutiny of state and local land use practices is less deferential than it was at the inception of the Rehnquist Court.

Changes In Immigration Law And Practice After September 11: A Practitioner's Perspective, Asli U. Bali

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

The article examines the significant changes in U.S. immigration law and practice following the September 11 attacks, highlighting how these changes have eroded civil liberties, particularly for Arab and Muslim communities. It argues that the misuse of immigration laws as a tool for anti-terrorism has led to a shift towards a security-state apparatus, undermining constitutional protections and setting a dangerous precedent for future infringements on civil liberties.

Legislative Supremacy: Myth Or Reality?, James Oakes

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

No abstract provided.

The War Powers In Brief: On The Irreducible Politics Of The Matter, Roger Pilon

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

The article argues that the president does not require congressional authorization under the Declare War Clause to engage in hostile acts, as the Constitution's sparse language on war powers intentionally allows flexibility in foreign affairs. It contends that the Declare War Clause is a juridical act, not a prerequisite for initiating hostilities, and that the war powers are fundamentally political rather than legal in nature.

In The Absence Of Democracy: The Designation And Material Support Provisions Of The Anti-Terrorism Laws, Jennifer Van Bergen

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

The article argues that post-9/11 laws, particularly the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) and the USA PATRIOT Act (USAPA), have dangerously expanded governmental power at the expense of civil liberties. These laws, through provisions like material support for terrorism and the designation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), enable prosecutions that often violate due process and First Amendment rights. The article contends that sacrificing civil liberties for national security is both unnecessary and harmful, part of a historical pattern that undermines democracy and the rule of law.

Scaling Back Constitutional Aspirations, Paula L. Miller

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Bakri V. Israel Film Council, Dalia Dorner, Ayala Procaccia, Asher Grunis

Translated Opinions

Facts: In 2002 (“Operation Defensive Wall”), petitioner 1 filmed the responses of local Palestinians and edited them into the film “Jenin, Jenin.” After advance screenings, both domestically and abroad, and in anticipation of the film’s domestic commercial screening, petitioner requested the approval of the Israel Film Council. The Council denied its approval. Petitioners claim that this decision violates their constitutional rights and Israeli administrative law.

Held: The Court held that freedom of speech constitutes one of the fundamental principles of a democratic society. Even so, the freedom of speech is not an absolute right and, under certain conditions, it may …

The Movement For Quality Government In Israel V. The Prime Minister, Mr. Ariel Sharon, Eliezer Rivlin, Eliahu Mazza, Jacob Turkel, Dalia Dorner, Theodor Or, Dorit Beinisch, Mishael Cheshin

Translated Opinions

Facts: The Prime Minister appointed respondent 3 to the position of Minister of Public Security. Petitioner asks that the High Court of Justice order the Prime Minister to refrain from making the appointment.

Held: The Court, by majority vote, held that it would not intervene in the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint respondent 3 to the position of Minister of Public Security.

Salama V. Idf Commander In Judea And Samaria, Aharon Barak, Jacob Turkel, Eliezer Rivlin

Translated Opinions

Facts: Based on classified evidence tying them to terror organizations, detention orders were issued against the three petitioners. The orders were extended by respondent, and these extensions were confirmed by the Military Appeals Court. Petitioners claim that the extensions are not legal. They argue that respondents should corroborate the suspicions against them with further investigation. This would allow the detention orders to be replaced by a criminal proceeding.

Held: The Court noted that the basic premise of administrative detention is the need to prevent future danger to the security of the state of public safety. Administrative detention is not meant …

Mofaz V. Chairman Of The Central Elections Committee For The Sixteenth Knesset, Eliahu Mazza, Jacob Turkel, Aharon Barak, Ayala Procaccia, Dorit Beinisch, Dalia Dorner, Edmond E. Levy, Eliezer Rivlin, Izhak Englard, Shlomo Levin, Tova Strasberg-Cohen

Translated Opinions

Facts: Petitioner 1, who served as Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, was included on the list of candidates submitted by petitioner 2 for elections to the Knesset. The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee determined that petitioner was ineligible to present his candidacy. Israeli law provided for a cooling off period—a certain amount of time had to pass from a candidate’s discharge from the army or civil service and the time he presented his candidacy. The Chairman determined that petitioner had not met the requirements of the applicable cooling-off period. Petitioners appealed this decision. They asserted that …

Aaron Burr And The Electoral Tie Of 1801: Strict Constitutional Construction, Jennifer Van Bergen

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

The article challenges the traditional portrayal of Aaron Burr as a schemer in the 1801 electoral tie, arguing that Burr acted with constitutional integrity and principle, unlike Thomas Jefferson, who resorted to political deals. Burr's strict adherence to the Constitution and his refusal to interfere with the electoral process are framed as honorable, while Jefferson's actions are criticized as unconstitutional. The analysis suggests that Burr has been unfairly vilified and offers a counter-narrative to the conventional view of Burr as a villain, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional principles over party loyalty.

Children As Chattel: Invoking The Thirteenth Amendment To Reform Child Welfare, Kurt Mundorff

Cardozo Public Law, Policy & Ethics Journal

The note argues that the child welfare system perpetuates systemic oppression and commodification of children, particularly targeting African American and poor families, mirroring the exploitation of slavery. The author contends that the Thirteenth Amendment, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, should be invoked to reform this system. The current system prioritizes intervention and removal over support, leading to harm and perpetuating racial and economic disparities. The author advocates for a balanced approach that protects children while addressing the systemic exploitation and racial control embedded in the foster care system.

Reconstructing The Public Square, Robert Justin Lipkin

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Narcissism, Generation X, The Corporate Elite, And The Religious Right Within The Modern Republican Party: A Set Of "Friendly" Observations For President Bush, R. Randall Kelso

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Punishing The Faithful: Freud, Religion, And The Law, Davida A. Williams

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Director General Of The Prime Minister’S Office V. Hoffman, Mishael Cheshin, Aharon Barak, Theodor Or, Izhak Englard, Jacob Turkel, Shlomo Turkel, Eliahu Mazza, Dorit Beinisch, Tova Strasberg-Cohen

Translated Opinions

[This abstract is not part of the Court's opinion and is provided for the reader's convenience. It has been translated from a Hebrew version prepared by Nevo Press Ltd. and is used with its kind permission.]

A group of Jewish women (hereinafter: the Women of the Wall) sought to pray together in the Western Wall Plaza while wrapped in tallitot [prayer shawls] and reading the Torah. The possibility of praying at the Wall in accordance with their practice was prevented due to the violent objection of other worshippers at the site. The Women of the Wall petitioned the High Court …

Beyond Tolerance, Milner S. Ball

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.