Justices Hear Arguments on Deportation

[NVMojo]

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court plunged into arguments Tuesday over the deportation of immigrants convicted of crimes, the first case in a term expected to more clearly define the court's direction under Chief Justice John Roberts.

Though the hallmark cases of the first full term for the current lineup of justices will come later when the court hears disputes over abortion, race and the environment, the outcome of the first case on the schedule could affect thousands of immigrants who have run afoul of U.S. criminal law.

Justices closely questioned lawyers from both sides as the Bush administration asserted that immigrants convicted of state drug felonies are deportable even if the same crimes are considered only misdemeanors under federal law. Disagreeing were attorneys for two men including a small businessman who has been a permanent U.S. resident for 16 years.

Justices struggled with the meaning of the federal statute, with Justice Stephen Breyer at one point calling it "perfectly ambiguous."

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-scotus/2006/oct/03/100305996.html

[Tellurian]

1. This is just the beginning..

Roberts has his work cut out for him..

The unconscionable Rehnquist would have relished the task.

No so for Roberts, who pledged his faith in a system, now kaput!

Good luck, Judge. You know you are being set up for unconscionable Acts, don't you?