“Constitutional law” on The Daily Caller

The framers of our Constitution understood that men aren’t angels, so they created a document that was designed to limit the powers of government officials. Likewise, they established an independent judiciary so that when members of the other branches of government exceeded their authority, there’d be someone to look out for ordinary Americans. But all of this is a sham — and we will inevitably see the loss of our rights — if judges refuse to judge. (more)

Irony is defined as “the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.” The term doublespeak means “evasive, ambiguous language that is intended to deceive or confuse.” (more)

What is it that judges should do? (more)

We all saw it coming. It was only a matter of time after Judge Robert Vinson declared Obamacare unconstitutional last week before cries of “judicial activism” began emanating from the left. (more)

Another year, another big turnout. (more)

On the first day of the 112th Congress, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, H.R. 140, which would amend “the Immigration and Nationality Act to consider a person born in the United States ‘subject to the jurisdiction of the United States for citizenship at birth purposes if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; (2) a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States; or (3) an alien performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces.” With the Congressional balance of power now in the hands of those who favor tighter immigration controls, the Birthright Citizenship Act (introduced in previous years by former congressman, and current governor of Georgia, Nathan Deal) is a front-page national immigration story — and a source of great confusion for the journalists who cover it. Here are just a few of the recent gaffes made by reputable papers. (more)

Next week, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the second time in the late Anna Nicole Smith’s lawsuit against her husband’s estate. A tribute to forum shopping and litigation run amok, the original parties to the suit including Anna Nicole Smith have all died, but nearly 16 years later, the lawsuit lives on. While the case continues to capture headlines because of the deceased centerfold at the center of the controversy, it deserves more serious attention for what it could mean for estate planning and the rule of law. (more)

(Via Ricochet.com) (more)

On Thursday, as part of the new House rules package, members of the United States House of Representatives will read the United States Constitution from the House floor. This is a reflection of a call from “the genius of the American people,” as Alexander Hamilton so aptly described the American people in The Federalist, that Congress not forget the guiding principles set forth in our nation’s Constitution. After all, in a republic it is the people who rule through their representatives. Even James Madison, who believed that “Liberty is to faction, what air is to fire,” would be thrilled that Congress has taken the time out of bickering to remember the foundations of our country. (more)

This week President Obama announced recess appointments of six individuals to fill key administration posts. The White House press office said these were slots “left vacant for an extended period of time.” (more)

In the next Congress, Republicans will require every bill to cite its specific constitutional authority, a reminder to color inside the lines drawn long ago by the Founding Fathers. (more)

The Sunday edition of the UK’s “The Independent” reports on the possibility the US might consider passing a new law to prosecute Julian Assange and shut down his successful efforts to publish leaked secret documents. (more)

When the new Congress — including many representatives and senators purporting to be ideological citizen-activists inspired by the Tea Party — takes office Jan. 2, it is likely that perhaps the most unsettled issue in the nation’s history will be showcased: the debate over states’ rights. This time, though, it may take the form of a proposed constitutional amendment to empower states against federal overreaches. (more)

Small farmer advocacy groups disagree over what the Food Safety Modernization Act (SB 510), a measure that  would substantially increase the power and reach of the Food and Drug Administration, will mean for small farmers if passed by the Senate Tuesday. (more)

Washington (CNN) — The Supreme Court has again cast aside an appeal that raised doubts about President Barack Obama’s U.S. citizenship, a grass-roots legal issue that has gained little legal or political footing, but continues to persist in the courts. (more)

Rapidly growing support for the “Repeal Amendment” –  a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow a vote by two-thirds of the states to repeal an act of Congress —  symbolizes the intense level of anger Americans have with Washington, according to observers. (more)

When Utah Senator-elect Mike Lee arrives in Washington, he will push for a balanced budget amendment in the Senate, while simultaneously, a group called Balanced Budget Amendment Now will pressure Congress through a grassroots campaign that encourages voters to write to their senators and ask them to support the amendment. (more)

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear the appeal of two Colorado residents who were excluded from a speech by President Bush in 2005 because White House aides saw them arrive in a car with a bumper sticker that proclaimed: “No More Blood For Oil.” (more)

On Monday, the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of allowing eleven foreign governments to file friend of the court (amicus) briefs in the legal battle over Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration law, SB 1070, which is almost identical to an existing federal law and was enacted to help Arizona combat its illegal immigration crisis. (more)

Willful and intentional disregard for the US Constitution has been the name of the game in Washington for decades now. Scheming elected elites, having drunk from the wells of power, have become intoxicated by it. (more)