Israel to authorize four West Bank settler outposts

Published on May 16, 2013

Israel plans to declare legal four unauthorized West Bank settler outposts, a court document showed on Thursday, days before U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry returns to the region to try to restart peace talks.

Gay marriage: A matter of conscience

Published on April 22, 2013

In the sphere of human rights there comes a time when people of conscience are morally required to stand up and declare what they believe is right based on principles of justice and fairness, not for themselves but for others.

The Supreme Court and gay marriage: no compelling secular reason to deny it

By Mark Paredes
Published on April 6, 2013

Thoughts on Happiness, Courage, and Rights

By Maya Paley
Published on March 28, 2013

Is DOMA doomed? Supreme Court indicates it may strike down marriage law

Published on March 27, 2013

Several Supreme Court justices on Wednesday indicated interest in striking down a law that denies federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples, presenting the possibility of a major change in a few months in gay marriage law.

Charedi media personalities call for settlement boycott

Published on March 6, 2013

Israeli Charedi Orthodox media personalities are calling for a boycott of West Bank settlement products in response to the Jewish Home party's position on drafting yeshiva students.

Women of the Wall Megillah reading undisturbed by Israeli police

Published on February 25, 2013

A women’s Megillah reading at the Western Wall took place on Shushan Purim without incident or arrests.

Super Pacs, Democracy, and This Imperfect Union

By Aryeh Cohen
Published on February 15, 2013

Menachem Elon, former Supreme Court justice and Israel Prize winner, dies

Published on February 6, 2013

Rabbi Menachem Elon, a former Israeli Supreme Court justice and an Israel Prize winner, has died.

Israel’s Supreme Court allows evacuation of E-1 Palestinian tent city

Published on January 16, 2013

Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the government can dismantle a Palestinian tent city set up in the controversial E-1 area.

Israeli Supreme Court shortens whistleblower’s prison term

Published on December 31, 2012

Israel's Supreme Court on Monday shortened by a year the 4-1/2-year prison term of a soldier who gave a journalist classified military documents, some relating to operations against Palestinian militants.

Meretz leader petitions court to force Lieberman resignation

Published on December 14, 2012

The leader of Israel's Meretz Party petitioned the country’s Supreme Court to order the resignation of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman following his indictment on fraud.

Jewish groups ready to weigh in as Supreme Court considers same-sex marriage

Published on December 11, 2012

With public acceptance of same-sex marriage growing, liberal Jewish groups are hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down the Defense of Marriage Act that they have long opposed.

Legal treatment of alleged ‘price tag’ vandals reportedly akin to terror suspects

Published on December 6, 2012

Israel's Supreme Court upheld a police decision to prohibit three Jewish suspects in "price tag" attacks from meeting with their lawyer for three days after their arrest.

Six women detained for wearing prayer shawls at Western Wall

Published on November 15, 2012

Six women were detained by Jerusalem police for wearing prayer shawls at the Western Wall as more than 100 women gathered there for the monthly Women of the Wall service.

Olmert’s acquittal in corruption cases appealed to Israeli Supreme Court

Published on November 7, 2012

Israel's state prosecutor appealed the acquittals of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in two corruption cases.

Supreme Court denies appeal of Holy Land Foundation convictions

Published on October 30, 2012

The U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal of four Holy Land Foundation organizers who were convicted on charges of conspiring to send money to Hamas.

The case for President Obama’s reelection

Published on October 30, 2012

The Obama administration has strongly supported Israel’s security by helping to construct the Iron Dome, by backing Israel’s responses to rocket attacks from Gaza and by coordinating closely with its military.

U.S. Supreme Court rejects kosher meat plant manager’s appeal

Published on October 1, 2012

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by the former chief executive of a kosher meat packing plant in Iowa who was sentenced to 27 years in prison on charges of financial fraud.

Taking on Islam

By David Suissa
Published on September 27, 2012

It’s not exactly true that Jews have nothing to do with the controversy surrounding the anti-Islam video that has sparked riots in the Muslim world, along with a furious debate about the limits of free speech.

Migron not evacuated as scheduled

Published on August 28, 2012

The Migron outpost in the West Bank was not evacuated as scheduled.

Everyone knows Israel’s true capital

Published on August 22, 2012

In international relations there is sometimes a situation of political make-believe whereby states conduct themselves in a manner that actively and consciously ignores reality.

Evacuate Migron on time, state says

Published on August 20, 2012

The West Bank outpost of Migron must be evacuated on time, Israel's State Prosecutor's office told the Supreme Court.

Israel’s universities file Supreme Court lawsuit against West Bank college

Published on August 20, 2012

Israel's seven universities have asked the country's Supreme Court to reverse a decision to make the Ariel University Center in the West Bank a full-fledged university.

Calif. Supreme Court upholds lawsuit against Jewish cemetery firm

Published on July 25, 2012

The California Supreme Court upheld class-action status for a lawsuit alleging gross misconduct by a Jewish funeral services provider that had paid a $100 million settlement over similar misconduct.

Israeli panel backs legalizing settler outposts

Published on July 9, 2012

A government-appointed committee on Monday proposed granting official status to dozens of unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank, challenging the world view that Israeli settlement there is illegal.

Editorial Cartoon: The Supreme Court taketh away… and the Supreme Court giveth

By Steve Greenberg
Published on July 5, 2012

Jewish groups largely applaud health care ruling

Published on July 2, 2012

American Jewish groups -- with the notable exception of the Republican Jewish Coalition -- were largely satisfied with the U.S. Supreme Court’s vote to uphold President Obama’s landmark Affordable Care Act in a 5-4 vote.

HEALTH CARE DECISION — Jews React: Spokesperson for Los Angeles’ Saban Free Clinic

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 29, 2012

"Obviously we're very excited over the Supreme Court's decision to uphold this important law. We applaud theirdecision and think it's a huge step forward for our patients and the community," Ray said.

HEALTH CARE DECISION: L.A. Jewish community reacts

Published on June 28, 2012

The following are some of the statements from community leaders and from Jewish organizations that were issued following the Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act.

HEALTH CARE DECISION — Jews React: Chief executive officer of Bend the Arc

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 28, 2012

"This is a huge win for the American people," said Alan van Capelle, chief executive officer of Bend the Arc, a Jewish social justice organization. "The Supreme Court has validated the ACA [Affordable Care Act]."

HEALTH CARE DECISION — Jews React: One LA community organizer

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 28, 2012

Skip Koenig, a Temple Judea congregant and co-chair of the community organizing group One LA's health strategy team. Koenig said he is "thrilled" and "excited" about the court's decision to uphold the mandate that requires all Americans to buy health insurance.

HEALTH CARE DECISION — Jews react: Jewish Family Service CEO

By Julie Gruenbaum Fax
Published on June 28, 2012

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles CEO Paul Castro lauded the announcement of the Supreme Court's decision this morning to uphold President Obama's Affordable Care Act, saying it will benefit JFS's target population.

Supreme Court upholds most of Obama’s health care law

Published on June 28, 2012

The U.S. Supreme Court voted to uphold President Obama's landmark Affordable Care Act in a 5-4 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts voting in the majority.

Praying over the Supreme Court’s health care decision

By Brad A. Greenberg
Published on June 28, 2012

U.S. Supreme Court upholds Obama healthcare law centerpiece

Published on June 28, 2012

A sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the centerpiece of President Barack Obama's signature healthcare overhaul law that requires that most Americans get insurance by 2014 or pay a financial penalty.

In Supreme Court’s immigration ruling, Jewish groups see progress but have concerns

Published on June 25, 2012

Most Jewish groups who have weighed in on Arizona's controversial immigration law saw progress in the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to repeal three of the law's four parts, but had concerns that law enforcement officials would still be allowed to check the legal immigration status of people they detain.

The audacity of WTF

By Marty Kaplan
Published on May 21, 2012

We’re getting used to what’s been going on during this campaign. That’s dangerous. We should be reminding ourselves just how strange it is.

Ulpana residents ask Supreme Court to reconsider evacuation order

Published on May 14, 2012

Two Ulpana residents have asked Israel's Supreme Court to reconsider its evacuation order against the neighborhood on the outskirts of the Beit El settlement in the West Bank.

The Other Choo

By Steve Greenberg
Published on May 9, 2012

Editorial Cartoon

Israeli court orders removal of settlement houses

Published on May 7, 2012

Israel's Supreme Court rejected on Monday a government request to delay the demolition of five apartment buildings in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, ruling the houses must be removed by July 1.

Rubashkin appeals conviction, sentence to Supreme Court

Published on April 3, 2012

Former Agriprocessors executive Sholom Rubashkin has appealed his conviction and sentence for bank fraud to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Obamacare’s heated day at Supreme Court: Kagan, Ginsburg attempt to aid defense of the law

Published on March 27, 2012

The Supreme Court appeared closely divided along ideological lines during tense arguments over President Barack Obama's healthcare law on Tuesday, with conservative justices vigorously questioning the Obama administration's lawyer on whether Congress had the power to require people to buy medical insurance.

Supreme Court decides that Zivotofsky suit remains viable

Published on March 26, 2012

On Monday, 9-year-old Menachem Zivotofsky won a resounding, if partial, victory from the Supreme Court in his litigation against the U.S. government. On an 8-1 vote, the Court decided that the courts can decide whether the President must obey a Congressional command to enter “Israel” in the identity papers of Americans born in Jerusalem.

Supreme Court rules federal courts can consider Jerusalem passport issue

Published on March 26, 2012

American parents of a boy born in Jerusalem can go to court to argue that their son's U.S. passport can list Israel as his birthplace, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday in a setback for the U.S. government.

American activist’s parents ask Israeli Supreme Court to reopen case

Published on March 13, 2012

The parents of American activist Tristan Anderson, who was injured during a West Bank protest, have asked Israel's Supreme Court to reopen the case against Israeli border police.

Arab-Israeli justice stirs controversy by declining to sing ‘Hatikvah’

Published on February 29, 2012

The first Israeli Arab with a permanent appointment to Israel's Supreme Court has come under fire for not singing Israel's national anthem at a public court event. Salim Joubran remained silent Tuesday during the singing of "Hatikvah" at the end of a ceremony swearing in new Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.

Arab-Israeli justice stirs controversy by declining to sing ‘Hatikvah’

Published on February 29, 2012

The first Israeli Arab with a permanent appointment to Israel's Supreme Court has come under fire for not singing Israel's national anthem at a public court event. Salim Joubran remained silent Tuesday during the singing of "Hatikvah" at the end of a ceremony swearing in new Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.

Will Israel’s Supreme Court tilt conservative after Dorit Beinisch leaves?

Published on February 28, 2012

It ordered the West Bank security fence rerouted because it cut through private Palestinian property. It overturned state-backed discrimination against Arab Israelis on issues of land distribution and ruled against the Israel Defense Forces' use of military methods deemed to cause "disproportionate" harm to Palestinian civilians. It overturned Israel’s ban against political parties said to be too "radical."

California gay marriage ban overturned, appeal planned

Published on February 7, 2012

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday found California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional in a case that is likely to lead to a showdown on the issue in the U.S. Supreme Court. Proponents of the ban said they would appeal the ruling, and the Protect Marriage coalition that sponsored the ban called the judgment "out of step with every other federal appellate and Supreme Court decision." The appeal is likely to keep gay marriage on hold pending future proceedings.

Opinion: Israel's Supreme Court is danger to democracy

Published on December 2, 2011

Listen to the defenders of Israel’s system for selecting judges for the supreme court and you might think democracy is coming to an end. They are strongly opposed to a legislative initiative that would change the process to one reflective of the US

Is Jerusalem in Israel? Supreme Court takes up passport case

Published on November 8, 2011

The U.S. Supreme Court convened Monday to ponder the implications of a single word that is conspicuously missing from the passport of a 9-year-old boy who was born in Jerusalem.

U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments in Jerusalem passport case

Published on November 7, 2011

The U.S. Supreme Court was scheduled to hear arguments in a case that would allow American citizens born in Jerusalem to have their birthplace listed as Israel on their passports.

Israeli Supreme Court discusses prisoner exchange appeals

Published on October 17, 2011

Israelis opposed to a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas sought Supreme Court intervention on Monday to block the release of hundreds of jailed Palestinians in return for captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

U.S. Supreme Court will not review French railway case

Published on October 4, 2011

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the descendants of Jews deported during World War II who want to sue a French railway in American courts.

Supreme Court hears Katsav plea

Published on August 8, 2011

Israel's Supreme Court began hearing an appeal by former President Moshe Katsav on his conviction for sexual offenses.

Israeli Supreme Court defends Jenin film

Published on July 27, 2011

Israel's top court rejected a last-ditch bid by veterans of the Jenin offensive to sue a film that they say slanders the military.

Supreme Court to consider Jerusalem passport question, ‘ministerial exception’ cases

Published on June 21, 2011

Among the issues the U.S. Supreme Court will consider when it reconvenes next October is whether an American born in Jerusalem may list his birthplace as Israel in his passport. That case probably will garner the most Jewish attention in a fall docket that includes several cases of interest to the Jewish community, court watchers say.

Katsav prison sentence delayed pending appeal

Published on May 18, 2011

Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the start of former President Moshe Katsav's prison sentence on rape and sexual assault convictions will be delayed pending his appeal. Katsav had been scheduled to enter prison May 8 to serve a seven-year sentence, which was delayed until Wednesday's ruling.

Katsav prison sentence postponed

Published on May 3, 2011

Israel's Supreme Court has postponed the date former President Moshe Katsav will begin serving his prison sentence on rape and sexual assault convictions. Katsav had been scheduled to enter prison next week to serve a seven-year sentence; on Monday he appealed his conviction on rape and sexual assault charges and requested a delay of his prison sentence, which was granted by the court Tuesday.