SCOTUS Watch

The Supreme Court decided to take that census question case after all, the clock on writing the forms running out, even though a lower court opinion could have mooted the question. Unclear how broad the opinion will be. The justices, via per curiam, attacked a lower court for not following their precedent. Roberts, unlike in the abortion case, expressly said he was joining for that reason. Kavanaugh (unlike the other three) silently went along. Thomas flagged he didn't like NYT v. Sullivan, at least as applied to public figures like a Cosby accuser. Originalism aside, he might have a point. Clean Water Act case taken.

And Also: Sanders announced. Liz Warren fills his role, minus additional baggage.

Note: My comment is limited to the reach of current law to public figures. If strict defamation rules for people like a Cosby accuser are somewhat weaker, it very well might be acceptable. Public officials are of a different caliber. Maybe not, but worth thinking about.