cannabisnews.com: Judge Hears Pleas, Says Little on Pot Vote!





Judge Hears Pleas, Says Little on Pot Vote!
Posted by FoM on December 22, 1998 at 16:30:53 PT

The Washington Post (DC)A federal judge heard arguments yesterday in the dispute over last month's vote on a medical marijuana initiative in the District but set no timetable for a decision on whether the results will take effect or be made public. 
U.S. District Judge Richard W. Roberts asked plenty of questions but gave no signals about how he might rule in the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of backers of Initiative 59, a measure that would permit seriously ill people to use marijuana for medical reasons. Federal legislation enacted less than two weeks before the Nov. 3 election prohibits the District from spending money on any initiative that would "legalize or otherwise reduce" penalties for users of marijuana. Although D.C. residents voted on the matter, officials have not tabulated the results or released them because of the congressional action. The D.C. government and ACLU joined forces yesterday to argue that the congressional action infringed upon voters' First Amendment rights. The Justice Department, representing Congress, contended that Congress has ultimate authority concerning legislation in the District and acted legally. Lawyers said they hope for a ruling within the next two weeks.
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