Case studies

In other actions taken yesterday by the Supreme Court, the justices:

Rights of foreigners: Decided to review appeals from two citizens from Honduras and Mexico. Under the Vienna Convention, foreigners arrested in the United States are to be told they have a right to get help from their home country.

Transsexual discrimination: Refused to consider shielding employers from discrimination lawsuits by transsexuals, leaving in place a victory for Cincinnati Police Officer Philecia Barnes, formerly Phillip Barnes.

Workers' compensation: Said they will determine whether unpaid workers' compensation insurance is entitled to priority status if a business goes bankrupt.

Abortion laws: Gave the Bush administration permission to participate in oral arguments later this month in a major abortion case involving New Hampshire's law and a second case involving protests by abortion opponents.

DNA samples: Refused to consider a challenge to Florida laws that require sex offenders to register their addresses with the state and submit DNA samples for a database.

SOURCE: AP, news reports

GLOBE GRAPHIC/Kathleen Hennrikus