TELECOMMUNICATIONS IMMUNITY - The Supreme Court has allowed a federal law to stand that gives immunity to telecommunications companies for helping the government with its email and telephone eavesdropping program. This includes immunity for companies like AT&T, Inc., Sprint Nextel Corp. and Verizon Communications Inc. The ACLU brought forth the claims accusing various telecommunications companies of violating the law and customers’ privacy if they worked with the National Security Agency for intelligence gathering. The case stemmed from surveillance rules passed by Congress that included protection from legal liability for telecommunications companies that allegedly helped the U.S. spy on Americans without warrants.

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION – Nine years ago the Supreme Court ruled that colleges and universities can use race to work toward admissions of diversified campuses.  This issue will be re-heard by the current Court. The arguments will take place and will question whether to limit or even rule out taking race into account in college admissions.

 

TEXAS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RESIGNS - Texas Supreme Court Justice Dale Wainwright has resigned effective Sept. 30, 2012  to join Bracewell & Giuliani LLP’s Austin office. The former Harris County district judge was elected to the state’s highest civil court in November 2002 and is already the third longest-serving justice on the court. Gov. Rick Perry will appoint a successor to fill out Wainwright’s term, which ends in 2014. The appointment will be subject to Senate confirmation.