Civ proetry

Occasionally I am so overcome with enthusiasm for various of the cases we read for classes in law school that I can't help but write rhyming verse about them. Here follow some limericks about cases we've read in my Constitutional Law class so far.

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When the Congress of powers makes uses
It may do so however it chooses.
     Now established these facts
     We prohibit your tax
Else the government sovereignty loses.

McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 316 (1819)

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Arrested for articles naughty,
McCardle says “Show me the body!”
     But the Court grants no writ
     As Congress saw fit
To deny it that power--how haughty!

Ex parte McCardle, 74 U.S. 506 (1868)

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The standing and inj’ries of Wright
Were seen by the Court as too slight
     For consideration
     Of school segregation
So those tax-exempt schools stay all-white.

Allen v. Wright, 468 U.S. 737 (1984)

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Environment activists brought suit
Interior rules to reinstitute
     But with no plans for travel
     Scalia bangs the gavel.
“Beyond reason! They’ve no standing!” The claim’s moot.

Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555 (1992)

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What standards should standing define—
State sovereignty or a long coastline—
     To help Bay State masses
     Control greenhouse gases
Should the EPA its mission resign?

Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, 549 U.S. 497 (2007)