Sheriff Joe Arpaio wins first court battle in lawsuit over Obama amnesty

A report published last night by World Net Daily says a judge has ruled in favor of Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio in the first battle in what is expected to be a major court fight over the constitutionality of President Obama’s executive amnesty order. Arpaio's lawsuit is now on a fast track for case arguments and hearings.

US District Judge Beryl A. Howell in Washington, DC, granted a motion by Arpaio's attorney, Larry Klayman of FreedomWatch, to allow the case to move along quickly. Howell ordered President Obama to respond to Arpaio’s motion for a preliminary injunction -- to protect the U.S. while the court considers the constitutionality of Obama’s actions -- by Dec. 15. A full preliminary injunction hearing is set for Dec. 22. Two Department of Justice attorneys representing Obama in the case had asked for the deadline for their initial response to be delayed until late January.

"We are very pleased that Judge Howell has ordered an expedited hearing on our motion for preliminary injunction which asks to preserve the status quo and stop the implementation of President Obama’s executive order," Klayman said after the hearing. "The executive order violates the Constitution, as it seeks to circumvent the powers which the Framers delegated to Congress."

Klayman argued during the hearing that Obama’s executive action "thwarts Sheriff Arpaio’s duties and responsibilities as the chief law enforcement officer of Maricopa County, Arizona."

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