Anna Nicole Smith & the Bush Administration

As discussed earlier on this blog, the United States Supreme Court granted cert in Marshall v. Marshall, 04-1544, to determine when federal courts may hear claims that are also involved in state probate proceedings.

Recent reports reveal the the Bush administration is supporting Anna Nichole Smith in her fight to obtain a larger share of her deceased husband’s estate.

The administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer filed arguments on Smith’s behalf and wants to take part when the case is argued before the justices.

The court will decide early next year whether to let the U.S. solicitor general share time with Smith’s attorney during the one hour argument on February 28.  * * *

* * * Solicitor General Paul Clement said that the justices should protect federal court jurisdiction in disputes.

Anna Nicole Smith gets White House boost, CNN.com, Dec. 26, 2005.

Special thanks to Prof. Adam Hirsch for alerting me to this new development.