DEA agent "incurs judge's wrath"

This blogging is addictive. The Herald reports today about a story that involves drugs & guns, false testimony, and hidden evidence. Why is this story so newsworthy? According to Judge Adalberto Jordan's order, it was a DEA agent who gave false testimony (in the judge's first order, later changed to "misleading") and hid evidence.

Bush nominates John Roberts for Chief Justice

President Bush has nominated John Roberts to succeed William Rehnquist as the next Chief Justice of the United States. The Herald reports the story here.

Chief Justice Rehnquist

Yesterday, the New York Times published a comprehensive obituary.

In Memory of Chief Justice William Rehnquist

I am in Asheville, NC for the long weekend and stole a minute to post this note about the Chief Justice who died last night. Many of us did not always agree with his views, but one cannot disagree with how commited he was to the Court and to the judiciary. During the last 30+ years on the Court, he has truly shaped our country and the courts. For all the coverage on Rehnquist, his possible replacements, and how the Court will function with only 7 or 8 Justices in the coming months, check out the great SCOTUSblog (or its sister Supreme Court Nomination blog). For the news on this subject, HowAppealing is the place to go. And for those that are interested in replacements -- I have said that the next Justice should be a Floridian. In our poll (below on the right), Judge Marcus is leading the pack, with Judges Jordan, Moreno, and Altonaga right behind him. Vote! I will be back in town Wednesday...

"Meth kills"

Says acting U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta in today's Herald (Mr. Acosta is apparently "old school").* The article reports that the Bush administration has begun a nationwide campaign to eradicate the use of the aforementioned drug. Locally, the U.S. Attorney's office has brought two indictments as part of this effort. You can read the story here. The Herald article also cites a webpage where you can see the effects of meth upon a person's teeth. If you want to see go here. But, be forewarned, it is not a pretty picture.



*Back in the early days of the public service announcement (in the late 60's), the Do It Now Foundation convinced Jim Morrison of the Doors to tape an anti-drug ad for their "Speed Kills" radio campaign. Frank Zappa made a splash with an equally ominous spot warning listeners that "In general, this drug will make you just like your mother and father."