Here it was at 11pm:
I thought of trying to get one of the first-come, first-served seats provided to members of the Supreme Court bar, but I figure it’s a lot of lost sleep for 20 minutes of sparks given that we’ll get the transcript anyway. (For some reason, the Justices refused to release the audio. I don’t understand why, but perhaps today was just generally a day of irrational Supreme Court orders.)
Thanks to Mike Sacks (featured in the video) for the link: Mike has more video and more pictures of the McDonald line over at FIRST ONE @ ONE FIRST
Tim says:
I’m just jealous that I can’t be there. What a historic day it will be.
March 2, 2010, 2:52 amJ. Aldridge says:
Now if people could display this much interest in changing laws instead of having the court invent laws we might have something going.
Just sayin’
March 2, 2010, 3:45 amKharn says:
Too bad I can’t take a flask in to the courthouse, should we drink if Scalia harps about Bingham? I’m on the Metro now, hoping to get a 3min spot. :-/
March 2, 2010, 5:25 ampublic_defender says:
Instead of letting scalpers (paid place keepers) make money, maybe the Court should capture the money itself by auctioning off the seats. Ticketmaster has figured this out, which means the Court will figure it out in another, say 100 years.
March 2, 2010, 5:54 amDrew says:
I went to oral arguments on Monday. When I arrived at 6:15 a.m., there were already a few people in line for McDonald.
March 2, 2010, 6:08 amKharn says:
I just heard one of the line standers say they’re getting $5 each for being #70ish in line for the whole argument. Thought it would’ve been more
March 2, 2010, 6:26 amHercules says:
Good luck to Alan Gura.
March 2, 2010, 8:15 amShag from Brookline says:
Do Second Amendment self defense rights apply to those in attendance at oral arguments in the Supreme Court or just in District homes?
March 2, 2010, 8:52 amSenator Christmas says:
I sent Mr. Gura a “thank you” note after the Heller case, and to my surprise, he responded! I wish him the best as well.
Bringing back P|I would be an amazing accomplishment, though I’d settle for Incorporation of the 2nd.
March 2, 2010, 9:31 amDennis Nicholls says:
I’m shocked to read editorials in both the NY Times and LA Times today supporting 2nd Amd. incorporation.
March 2, 2010, 9:53 amJoe says:
I’m shocked
Some basic right to possess firearms is well accepted even by liberal law professors these days. Two were even quoted by Thomas in Printz. Of course, many of them might not accept the law in question violates it!
It’s really outrageous that the Supremes did not agree to release the audio … a matter of more personal interest and importance to the general public this term is hard to imagine. Citizens United was after all technically heard last term.
March 2, 2010, 9:59 amRexx Shelton says:
About 1/5th of the way in the video stops and will not restart.
March 2, 2010, 10:15 amPer Son says:
That is amazing. Considering my jog brings me past the Court everyday, I should have put it in my schedule. That being said, now that Souter is gone – bring on the audio (I don’t care about the video).
I will also use this thread to point out that Gura’s brief is the greatest piece of legal writing I have ever read in my life for so many reasons. Basically it reads like a fascinating history text. I think every legal writing class should have the students read the brief before the first day, and then drum up discussions on the techniques used.
From the prose, to the use of headings, to the order of the arguments – it is simply amazing.
I’ll admit that it did not hurt that the subject was interesting to begin with.
March 2, 2010, 10:15 amRexx Shelton says:
I was talking about the “Reason” video
March 2, 2010, 10:23 amHercules says:
Anyone have an update to share.
March 2, 2010, 10:33 amSenator Christmas says:
Assuming Incorporation rules the day, what level of judicial review will be applied to it? Strict, intermediate…? I’m not sure if this is a question before the court, and whether they’d specify it regardless.
And if SCOTUS goes with P|I, would Thomas write the opinion? He seems to be the most vocal proponent of overruling the Slaughter-House cases.
March 2, 2010, 10:37 amJoe says:
level of judicial review
CJ Roberts during the Heller orals was rather dismissive in caring about that. I’m guessing (in a somewhat amusing development) a sort of intermediate “undue burden” test though I doubt it will be called that.
if SCOTUS goes with P|I,
I doubt it … but even money at least on Thomas writing a concurrence focusing on it.
March 2, 2010, 10:48 amDay-um! | The League of Ordinary Gentlemen says:
[...] out the line at 11PM last night to get into this morning’s oral arguments on McDonald v. City of Chicago. It’s almost [...]
March 2, 2010, 11:48 amMeredith M. says:
I got there at about 5:30 the night before- that’s my air mattress at about :28! I had gone to a friend’s house for more clothes and blankets… Little did I know I missed my chance at Volokh Conspiracy fame! But a generally good (albeit cold) experience, especially considering the free pizza arranged by Mike Sacks and the aforementioned air mattress. And, of course, the oral arguments.
March 2, 2010, 2:54 pmHugh says:
Being a member of the SCOTUS bar has its advantages. I was first in line in the members’ line a few times back when I lived in DC. There are fewer people in that line and they tend to arrive later.
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September 11, 2010, 3:14 pm