Three key court happenings

Today was an interesting day in court news, with some of the most interesting legal situations of the day all moving forward simultaneously.

In Iraq, the trial of Saddam Hussein continued, and the former ruler of Iraq let out a bolt of opposition to his trial. His United States attorney, former attorney general Ramsey Clark, led a protest in which the defense team walked out of the courtroom because the judge would not allow the team to read a statement declaring the trial inappropriate and asking for more protection as two defense attorneys have already been killed and other slain. Today also brought dramatic testimony from a man who claimed Saddam had killed his family. Saddam stood and shouted that the witness was a liar.

The trial continues to polarize both supporting and opposing groups. It remains to be seen how long the trial will take, on what counts Saddam will be convicted and if he will be executed.

On the home front, a Texas judge threw out one charge against Tom DeLay, the former majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives -- the election conspiracy charge. The judge allowed a trial to proceed against DeLay for the charge of money laundering. This sets the stage for a new leadership election in the House, since the Congress will reconvene Jan. 30 for the presiden't State of the Union address.

Oddsmakers have their eye on Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the former whip and acting leader, who is likely lining up votes for leader.

Finally, the Supreme Court said today it would hear a case involving military recruiting on college campuses. The case pits the armed forces recruiters -- combing law schools for recruits to the Judge Advocate General Corps -- against those who say that the military's ban on homosexuals serving openly violates the anti-discrimination policies in place at many universities -- most employers must sign a declaration that affirms they do not discriminate on the basis of several protected classes, including sexual orientation.

This case has the potential to undo the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy enacted in 1993 by the Clinton Administration.

All in all, a dynamic day in the courts.

-- Wenatchee, Wash.