Nov 20th, 2008 · Californians voted in favor of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage earlier this month. Gay rights groups are now challenging the amendment in the California Supreme Court. We discuss what issues the court will consider.
Nov 12th, 2008 · Across Connecticut, town clerks began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Wednesday — just a week after voters in California passed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage there. Connecticut and Massachusetts are the only states that allow same-sex marriages.
Nov 10th, 2008 · President Dmitry Medvedev has proposed changes to the constitution that could allow former president Vladamir Putin a dozen more years in office. The Guardian's Luke Harding discusses what the changes mean for Russia and the world.
Nov 10th, 2008 · Last week's passing of Proposition 8 is the latest development in an ongoing battle among California voters over gay marriage. California's Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in May. The new provision overturns the court's decision by amending the state constitution to specifically define marriage as being between a man and a woman. A roundtable of guests familiar with Proposition 8 discuss why the provision failed, sparking an emotional reaction.
Nov 6th, 2008 · Voters in California narrowly approved Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment restricting marriage to heterosexual couples. California was one of the few states where gay couples could marry legally. Same sex partners now are turning to the courts, hoping to restore that right.
Oct 31st, 2008 · Amendment 48 would define "personhood" as beginning at the moment of conception, giving fertilized eggs constitutional rights. But the measure raises a range of questions, such as, would embryos be counted in the state census or as extra passengers in the HOV lane?
Oct 30th, 2008 · If Democrat Barack Obama wins the presidency, he will be the first White House occupant in a long time with a background in constitutional law. Fellow lawyers and friends say Obama would play a big role in personally selecting new Supreme Court justices.
Oct 11th, 2008 · A ballot initiative could make gay marriage in California illegal again. Proposition 8 asks voters to amend the state constitution so that marriage is defined solely as a union between one man and one woman. After trailing in the polls, the measure is now surging, partly due to national support.