Hearing Set For January 15 In Challenges To Inauguration Ceremony

Yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia set a date for a hearing on a preliminary injunction in Newdow v. Roberts. The suit challenges the practice of clergy delivering prayers at the upcoming presidential inauguration and challenges the use of "so help me God" by the Chief Justice in administering the oath of office. (See prior posting.) The order (full text) provides that "based on the extraordinary relief sought by the plaintiffs, the Court will hold a hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction (in essence a motion for a temporary restraining order) on January 15, 2009." [Thanks to Bob Ritter for the lead.]