Court to release audiotape of arguments in abortion cases

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in two abortion cases, then immediately release audio tapes of the proceeding. <br/><br/>The court made same-day releases of audio tapes

Thursday, November 2nd 2006, 3:36 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in two abortion cases, then immediately release audio tapes of the proceeding.

The court made same-day releases of audio tapes in three cases last term, including another involving abortion. The quick release of audio tapes in major cases dates to 2000, when justices heard Florida ballot recount appeals that determined the outcome of the presidential election.

Television cameras are barred from the court and reporters are not allowed to use tape recorders. But arguments are taped by the court and usually are released at the end of the term.

The cases to be argued Wednesday deal with the constitutionality of a federal law banning a midterm abortion procedure that opponents call partial-birth abortion.

The cases are Gonzales v. Carhart, 05-380, and Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood, 05-1382.