Cert. Denied In Challenge To Oath At Presidential Inauguration

Yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in Newdow v. Roberts, (Docket No. 10-757, 5/16/2011). (Order List.) In the case, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an Establishment Clause challenge to prayer and the use of "so help me God" by the Chief Justice in administering the oath at Presidential inauguration ceremonies. Two Circuit court judges voted to dismiss on mootness and standing grounds, while the third voted to dismiss on the merits. (See prior posting.) Chief Justice Roberts, who was one of the defendants in the case, did not take part in the Supreme Court's decision to deny review. The Christian Science Monitor reports on the decision. [Thanks to Bob Ritter for the lead.]