| College "Speech Codes" and the First Amendment |
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| "Speech codes" on some college campuses have created debate about the freedom of speech. Opponents of speech codes contend that the policies actually violate students' right to free speech by limiting what students can say, and sometimes where they can say it. A federal court has determined that a university could not enforce those parts of a code of conduct that had the effect of limiting students' First Amendment rights. More... |
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| Feeding Tube Law Declared Unconstitutional |
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| A Florida woman died nearly two weeks after doctors, under court order, removed her feeding tube for the third and final time. The woman's parents suffered a string of legal settbacks after the removal of the tube, both in state and federal courts, trying to get her feeding tube reconnected. More... |
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| Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) |
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| The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires a school district to evaluate a student's special needs and to provide the student with an individualized education program (IEP) or an independent educational evaluation. Parents are allowed input into the planning and modification of their child's IEP. Parents can bring a lawsuit against a school district for an alleged failure to provide an IEP. More... |
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| Same Sex Survivor Benefits |
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| The same sex marriage battle continues to intensify. State and federal legislators have proposed "Defense of Marriage" laws, some of which have become laws. In November 2004, voters in 11 states passed state constitutional amendments banning same sex marriage. Conservative, religious, liberal, and civil rights groups continue the debate over whether same sex couples should be permitted to enter into legal marriage. Those in favor of same sex marriages say that same sex couples seek "marriage equality" for the same reasons that everyone else does: to protect their relationships and to receive the same benefits and recognition as heterosexual couples and their families. Among those benefits are survivor or death benefits.
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| The Right to Vote |
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| The right to vote is a "civil right" that is protected by the United States Constitution. In addition, the Voting Rights Act prohibits voting discrimination against all people, including minorities and people with limited English speaking skills.
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