Supreme Court Notebook

Court: Exonerated inmate doesn't get $14 million WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court has overturned a $14 million judgment given to a former death row inmate who accused New Orleans prosecutors of withholding evidence in order to help convict him of murder. John Thompson had successfully sued the district attorney's office, arguing that former District Attorney Harry Connick showed deliberate indifference by not providing adequate training for assistant district attorneys. Prosecutors did not turn over a crime lab report that indicated Thompson's blood type did not match the perpetrator in an attempted robbery in 1985. Prosecutors used that conviction to get the death penalty in another case Thompson was involved in. Prosecutors normally have immunity for their actions while working, but Thompson had convinced a jury there had not been enough training on evidence handling. The court overturned that decision. High court limits lawsuits over drug prices WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court says hospitals and clinics that serve the poor cannot sue prescription drug manufacturers over allegations that the companies charged too much for their medicines. In an 8-0 opinion Tuesday, the court says that under federal law only the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the authority to bring the lawsuits. The opinion by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg reversed a ruling by the federal appeals court in San Francisco that the drug makers could be sued. Justice Elena Kagan did not take part in the case. Scalia in fender-bender on way to court WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Supreme Court spokeswoman says Justice Antonin Scalia was involved in a minor car accident while driving in to work. Scalia was not injured in the accident, which happened while he was driving his car on the George Washington Parkway outside of Washington, D.C., court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said. The 75-year-old Scalia was on the bench when the Tuesday morning session began. The high court is hearing arguments on whether to end a massive sex discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart claiming that the world's largest retailer favors men over women in pay and promotions. No other information about the accident was available. Published: Wed, Mar 30, 2011