Supreme Court Voids Human Gene Patents

Reversing decades of federal patent awards, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that human genes and the information they encode are not patent-eligible.

Image: Diego M. Radzinschi/Legal Times

Phone Surveillance Scrutiny

Civil liberties advocates and a bipartisan group in Congress stepped up pressure on Tuesday against the Obama administration's secret domestic surveillance programs via a lawsuit and legislation that could shed light on the scope and legality of the government's snooping.

For Eric Holder, There's No Escaping the Heat

Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. defended himself Thursday amid growing criticism and calls for his resignation, saying on Capitol Hill that he has done a "good job" and would remain the nation's top law enforcement officer until he has accomplished his goals.

John Edwards Reportedly Returning to Private Practice

After a public extramarital affair and his acquittal of violating campaign finance laws, John Edwards reportedly is returning to plaintiffs work. Citing anonymous sources, CNN reported Thursday that Edwards plans to launch a law practice in Raleigh, N.C.

Inadmissible: Howrey's Artwork Goes Under the Hammer

The U.S. Supreme Court wasted little time reacting when a trial judge struck down the ban on demonstrations on court property — it reimposed the restriction under a different statute. Plus, U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen Jr. has nailed another D.C. city official; the DOJ's Tony West cleared a key committee vote; and some Watergate secrets will remain just that — secret.