7th Circuit Hears Arguments In Bald Knob Cross Case

Yesterday the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Sherman v. State of Illinois. An audio recording of the full oral arguments is available online. In the case, an Illinois federal district court dismissed a suit by activist Robert Sherman that challenged on Establishment Clause grounds a $20,000 state renovation grant for Bald Knob Cross. The district court dismissed the complaint on mootness and standing grounds. (See prior posting.) The Chicago Tribune reported on yesterday's oral arguments which focused in part on whether legislative intent that certain appropriated funds be used for Bald Knob creates a specific legislative appropriation which a taxpayer can have standing to challenge.