Legal Briefs: This Week in Law

March 17, 2014

Supreme Court will hear case about an Ohio law that criminalizes the spreading of falsehoods about a political candidate. (The Economist)

Former teacher files a discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit against a Catholic high school, claiming that the school told him to choose between divorcing his husband or getting fired. He claims that he relied upon certain non-discrimination provisions in the employee handbook when accepting the job; the school argues that the suit should be dismissed because the state’s same-sex marriage law exempts religious institutions and that the lawsuit also violates the school’s First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion. (NY Daily News)

In response to a court ruling, Massachusetts’ legislature passes a bill banning “upskirt” photos. (CNN)

Supreme Court declines to hear “I Heart Boobies” bracelets case, allowing students to continue to wear the bracelets. The Third Circuit held that the bracelets were not plainly lewd and could be viewed as commenting on a social issue (e.g., breast cancer awareness). (Christian Science Monitor)

Man imprisoned for murdering seven people in a botched robbery receives large payout in a civil lawsuit in which he claimed a prison guard punched him; however, he will likely face obstacles in actually receiving his damages.  (Fox News)

Fourth Circuit holds that a minority-owned corporation has standing to sue for race discrimination under the Civil Rights Act. (United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit)

National Security Agency writes letter to the American Bar Association, stating that the NSA respects the role of privileged attorney-client communications acquired during its intelligence activities. (ABA)

Preservationists battle developers in Miami when a landmark archaeological site is discovered. (National Geographic)

Multiple lawsuits are filed against McDonald’s, with employees claiming they were underpaid. (Wall Street Journal)