Free Republic

Justice Department Says It Will Request Full Appeals Court Hearing on Ruling That Pledge of Allegiance Is Unconstitutional WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department will request a full hearing by the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on the decision that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional, Attorney General John Ashcroft said Thursday. Circuit Judge Alfred T. Goodwin had already decided to stay his ruling until fellow members of the appeals court decide whether to reconsider the case. Goodwin wrote the 2-1 opinion by a court panel that said the phrase "under God" violated the Constitution....