U.S. Sixth Circuit
6th Circuit Ponders Down Syndrome Abortion Law
Abortion decisions are never easy, but a case before the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals is almost impossible. If a woman is carrying an unborn child with Down syndrome, does she have the right to end that life? Or can the government ban the abortion because it discriminates based on a disability? In Preterm-Cleveland v. Himes, the appeals court considered the questions in an ongoing public argument. No matter how the justices rule, their answer will not quiet the debate.
Amici Tech Giants Raise Stakes in TheDirty v. Cheerleader Case
Our first take on this case was that it seems to be pretty cut and dried: the Kentucky-based federal district court misinterpreted the Communications Decency Act when it held gossip site TheDirty.com could be held liable for users' scurrilous comments about Sarah Jones, a former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader. The comments discussed her rumored sexual habits and certain sexually transmitted diseases that she was alleged to have acquired.
Geiger v. Tower Automotive, No. 08-1314
In an Age Discrimination in Employment Act action claiming discriminatory termination, summary judgment for defendant is affirmed where: 1) there was no evidence to indicate that plaintiff's supervisor's allegedly discriminatory mindset resulted in any adverse employment action; and 2) plaintiff was not replaced by another worker and was terminated as part of a reduction in force.
Sixth Circuit Upholds County Fairgoer's Right to Swear at Police
On July 29, 2016, Michael Wood attended Ohio's Clark County Fair sporting a shirt that read "Fuck the Police." According to Wood, a few people commented on it, including a sheriff's deputy who remarked, "Hey, Wood, I like your shirt." But when a fair executive insisted on Wood's removal, he had a few choice words to say about it.
Sixth Circuit Blocks University Vaccine Mandate for Student-Athletes
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that the First Amendment rights of student-athletes at Western Michigan University were "likely violated" by the school's COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
Ohio Argues Voters Incarcerated Right Before Election Day Subject to Different Deadlines
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments earlier this month over whether those jailed in Ohio right before Election Day are entitled to the same absentee voting exemptions as those who are hospitalized. Although state law prohibits convicted felons from voting, the rules are different for those detained and awaiting trial. Generally, a person who is confined or hospitalized in Ohio can submit an absentee ballot by noon on the Saturday before Election Day.