A Federal Judge in Baton Rouge issued a temporary injunction against Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, preventing it from taking effect. This ruling from Judge John deGravelles follows a lawsuit filed by parents and clergy opposing the measure. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the endgame is getting this case to the U.S. Supreme Court…
“,,,in hope that he high court will over rule that existing precedent based on its most recent establishment clause.”
The Louisiana Attorney General’s office voiced strong disagreement with the court’s decision, announcing plans to appeal. Judge deGravelles deemed the law “facially unconstitutional,” though he has not issued a final ruling. Ciolino says its preliminary ruling and will quickly be appealed…
“…to the 5th Circuit in New Orleans and ultimately whoever loses there no doubt will aske the Supreme Court of the United States to take the matter up.”
Ciolino noted that while this is an initial ruling at the district level, both sides are likely to treat it as such to expedite the appeals process. Ciolino added that, if appealed, the U.S. Supreme Court is unlikely to review the case for some time.
“Nothing moves quickly. I wouldn’t expect the Supreme Court to see this case any earlier than a year from now.”
