Today in Supreme Court History: November 30

Porter v. McCollum, 558 U.S. 30 (decided November 30, 2009): ineffective assistance of counsel where mental health effects of combat experience were not presented at competency and mitigation hearings

California v. Mitchell Bros. Santa Ana Theater, 454 U.S. 90 (decided November 30, 1981): “beyond reasonable doubt” can be the state law standard of proof in a civil enforcement action as to obscenity (here, showing pornographic films) but Due Process does not require it

Hoeper v. Tax Commission of Wisconsin, 284 U.S. 206 (decided November 30, 1931): struck down statute combining wife’s income with husband’s for determining his income tax; reviewing historical change in legal status of women, Court notes that she is independent agent with sole control over her income