Two major cases reached the Supreme Court. They addressed issues related to American citizens and their rights under the law. Most of the time, the Supreme Court sides with uplifting American rights over the government.
But there are many times when the court surprises the nation and sides with big government.
One of these cases involved a veteran who was denied educational benefits. The other involved a landowner who was doomed by reckless government action. Both cases could have consequences for other Americans. And this is how the court ruled.
From Washington Examiner:
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson authored the first opinion of the day, a 7-2 decision that sided with veteran James Rudisill in his effort to take advantage of education benefits available under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Rudisill served in the Army on three separate occasions between 2000 and 2011…Next, Thomas wrote a majority opinion in DeVillier v. Texas, a unanimous decision that held a plaintiff landowner in Texas and other property owners whose land was flooded by the state’s action to prevent flooding on the highway could pursue their claims under the Constitution’s takings clause through a cause of action under Texas law.
James Rudisill is a veteran who served three times between 2000 and 2011. He had been denied educational benefits, despite being promised them via the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In a 7-2 ruling, the court overturned a Court of Appeals decision, granting Rudisill access to these law’s benefits.
The second case revolved around land owned by Richie DeVillier. In the early 2000s, the state of Texas expanded Interstate 10 near his home. The resulting concrete barriers trapped his property. Whenever the region was hit by heavy rains, DeVillier’s farm turned into a lake.
Shockingly, the state of Texas refused to do anything about it. But the Supreme Court decided the resident could pursue claims under the Constitution’s takings clause through a cause of action under Texas law. This means he will be able to rectify this mistake, to save his farm and home from future flooding.
Key Takeaways:
- The Supreme Court handed down two rulings that benefited Americans.
- One gave a veteran access to educational benefits via the GI Bill.
- The other allowed a farm owner to seek a claim after Texas flooded his land.
Source: Washington Examiner
