Freedom of the Press and XXX-Rated Movies

Should the people of Richardson be able to keep out stores like Zone d’Erotica, if they want to?

“Though the U.S. Supreme Court has held that Cities may regulate sexually oriented businesses but not totally prohibit them from operating within a city’s jurisdictional limits, we are not alone in the desire to make that decision at the local level. We will fight the Zone d’Erotica lawsuit in federal court and are pursuing opportunities to join other communities across the nation who share our desire for local control and regulation of sexually oriented businesses.” (Gary A. Slagel, Mayor of Richardson, in a April 20, 2007 letter to Richardson residents).

Establishment of Religion

Should the people of New York be able to require public students to pray this at the beginning of the school day?

“Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country.” Prayer from NY schools declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1962 (in Engel v. Vitale).

Judges

The qualities Senator Obama and Senator McCain are looking for in a federal judge

Justice Goldberg on the role of judges

Iraq War

Feith on Bush’s decision to stress democracy as the reason we went into Iraq

(This short piece makes a great follow-up to your work on the Mid-Term essay, if you are interested.)

Illegal Immigration

Should Farmers Branch make it illegal to rent houses or apartments to people in the country illegally?

Farmers Branch: does the Federal government have the power to pre-empt local laws?

(See also this article about a raid on a slaughterhouse in Iowa and the detention of people in the country illegally)

HPV Vaccine

Shoud Texas require girls to get the HPV vaccination?

Affirmative Action

Should employers show preference to minorities when hiring?