Washington
Court rejects early appeal of surveillance ruling
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court has declined an early look at a constitutional challenge to the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of millions of Americans’ telephone records.
Conservative lawyer Larry Klayman persuaded a federal judge in December to rule that the agency’s activities likely violate the Constitution’s ban on unreasonable searches. The justices on Monday rejected Klayman’s unusual request to bypass the traditional appeals process and hear the case immediately.
Klayman says the case is too important to wait for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to reach a decision. The district court judge granted an injunction against the NSA, but put it on hold pending a government appeal.
The Obama administration has defended the NSA program as a crucial tool against terrorism.
Washington
Court declines to hear dispute over Mich. mine
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a dispute over construction of a new nickel and copper mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The justices on Monday rejected an appeal from an outdoor sporting club that claims the mine will spoil the environment.
The Huron Mountain Club has been challenging the Eagle Mine in state and federal courts. The club owns 19,000 acres, including land that comes within 3.3 miles of the mine. Some mining will take place under the Salmon Trout River and area wetlands.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had turned aside the club’s arguments that the mine needs federal permits.
Washington
High court declines appeal over NM gay bias case
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has turned down an appeal from a commercial photography business in New Mexico that objects to taking pictures of same-sex wedding ceremonies.
The justices on Monday left in place a state Supreme Court ruling that said Elane Photography violated a state anti-discrimination law when it refused to work for a same-sex couple who wanted pictures of their commitment ceremony.
Elane Photography co-owner Elaine Huguenin said taking the photos would violate her religious beliefs. She said she also has a right of artistic expression under the First Amendment that allows her to choose what pictures to take, or refrain from taking.
Washington
High court rejects new campaign finance case
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to century-old bans on campaign contributions by corporations.
The justices turned away an appeal without comment Monday from Iowa Right to Life, less than a week after they struck down overall limits in federal law on contributions from the wealthiest donors to candidates for president and Congress, as well as political parties.
Iowa Right to Life asked the court to hold that corporations have the same constitutional free speech rights as individuals to make campaign contributions.
Mississippi
Convicted kidnapper loses his post-conviction appeal
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a post-conviction petition from a Mississippi man sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for the 2007 kidnapping of a 2-year-old boy.
Stephen Daniel Montalto of Brandon was convicted in 2008 in Rankin County. His post-conviction petition was denied in 2011 by a trial judge and last year by the state Court of Appeals.
Montalto pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and kidnapping. He was arrested by Flowood police in November 2007 after he reportedly stopped his car and grabbed the toddler from a stroller.
Montalto sought a new trial on the grounds that his pleas were the product of fear and false promises and therefore involuntary.
The Appeals Court said there was no evidence of intimidation or coercion.
