The Center Holds?

Those who view the courts only through the lenses of political ideology may be surprised at the groupings found in yesterday's Supreme Court ruling in Phillip Morris USA v. Williams. Justice Breyer wrote for the majority and was joined by Roberts, Alito, Kennedy, and Souter.

Justice Ginsberg's dissent was joined by Stephens, Scalia, and Thomas.

For a somewhat critical look at how the case impacts the issue of punitive damages, see The Wall Street Journal here.