by Mike | 8 Jun 2012 | Top Stories, Judicial, 2012
Throughout the week, Governor Larsen has been in court selection meetings, seeking out delegates to fill the open judicial roles in Cornhusker Boys’ State. On Thursday evening, the selected justices were sworn in by Nebraska Chief Justice Michael Heavican in front of the entire delegation of Cornhusker Boys’ State. These justices are:
Chief Justice:
Alex Varon, resident of Valley Forge
Associate Justices of Washington County:
Alex Brechbill of Valley Forge
Jared Knust of Bunker Hill
Jacob Tierra of Gettysburg
Associate Justices of Lincoln County:
Benjamin Burnmester of Belleau Wood
Spencer Creal of Manila Bay
Austin Wendt of Manila Bay
District Judges of Washington County:
Ethan Cox of Valley Forge
Chris Van Nostrand of Valley Forge
District Judges of Lincoln County:
Seth Hunt of Manila Bay
Skyler Teten of Alamo
In addition to these justices, winners of today’s general election for state office were sworn into their new offices as well.
Nebraska Chief Justice Michael Heavican inaugurates Boys’ State Chief Justice Alex Varon
Cornhusker Boys’ State Associate Justices
by Mike | 8 Jun 2012 | Judicial, Recent Posts, 2012
On Thursday afternoon, the justices of the Supreme Court of Cornhusker Boys’ State met to review and decide which cases they would hear in the evening. Meanwhile, attorneys were hard at work preparing cases for the Supreme Court or District Court of Cornhusker Boys’ State. More information will be forthcoming regarding the cases heard and the verdicts reached.
by Mike | 8 Jun 2012 | Legislative, Top Stories, 2012
Despite legislative gridlock for the past two days, LB65, authored by House Speaker Bob Leddy of Gettysburg, was passed by the Cornhusker Boys’ State Legislature on Thursday afternoon. Pending approval by Governor Larsen, this bill would create an “Energy Independence Commission” and establish efficiency standards for Cornhusker Boys’ State. Other bills debated on Thursday include LB135, which would legalize gambling in the state, and LB14, which would allow off-road vehicles to be driven in forests and parks near Chadron. LB135 was passed and is pending Governor Larsen’s signature; no updates yet on LB14.
by Mike | 8 Jun 2012 | Top Stories, Judicial, 2012
On Thursday afternoon, the Cornhusker Boys’ State Supreme Court heard the case of Fisher v. University of Texas. After deliberation, the court reached a 6-1 majority vote striking down affirmative action on the grounds that it “violates an applicant’s right to equal opportunity based on the premise of ethnicity [as] guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.” The dissenting opinion, however, found that “a diverse class including multiple races would be very beneficial to both the students and the institution.” The Supreme Court will be hearing other cases into the evening, and the opening remarks have already been heard on a case regarding the legality of same-sex marriage.
Cornhusker Boys’ State County Courts have also been busy today. The Lincoln County Court overturned the law allowing police officers to stop citizens at any time to inquire about their immigration status. The court found that “reasonable suspicion” is not thoroughly defined enough to ensure the avoidance of racial profiling in this matter. The Lincoln County Court also ruled in favor of a 14 year old defendant’s argument that his life sentence without parole violated his 8th Amendment rights prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment.
In Washington County, judges found government-mandated healthcare unconstitutional, and ruled that the federal government does not have the authority to mandate the purchase of such services. The Washington County Court also ruled today that the state of Nebraska does indeed have the right to enact Eminent Domain for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline through portions of the state. Our sources say to expect an appeal to the Cornhusker Boys’ State Supreme Court in this case.
by Dan | 7 Jun 2012 | CBS, Recent Posts, 2012
This afternoon, Deb Fischer, the Republican candidate for the Senate seat to be vacated by the retiring Ben Nelson, stopped by the Harper Dining Hall to shake hands and chat with the delegates. While Ms. Fischer could not stay long, the delegates appreciate the chance to meet and speak with her.
