Nation briefs 9/02/15

West Point prof quits over treason article

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- A West Point professor criticized for writing an article calling some legal scholars treasonous and "lawful targets" for the U.S. military in its war on terrorism has resigned a month after he was hired to teach a law course. A spokesman at the U.S. Military Academy said William C. Bradford resigned Sunday. He said no further details would be released because of privacy and legal constraints. In an article published this spring in the National Security Law Journal, Bradford said legal scholars who criticize U.S. tactics in the war on terror are helping the Islamic State group undermine America. He argued these academics should be considered enemy combatants and charged with treason and supporting terrorism. The publication apologized in an editorial last week in response to a barrage of criticism from readers.

Court nixes appeals in chimp personhood

ALBANY, N.Y. -- An animal-rights group seeking legal personhood for chimpanzees won't get a hearing in the state's highest court. The Court of Appeals, without comment Tuesday, declined to hear the appeals by The Nonhuman Rights Project on behalf of Kiko and Tommy. Lower courts had rejected the organization's argument that scientific evidence of chimps' emotional and cognitive abilities should qualify them for basic rights, including freedom from imprisonment. In December, a midlevel court unanimously denied human legal rights to Tommy, who lives alone in a cage. The three justices said chimps "cannot bear any legal duties, submit to societal responsibilities or be held legally accountable for their actions." Tommy's owner said he's cared for under strict state and federal license rules and inspections.The Nonhuman Rights Project, a not-for-profit, was founded in 2007 by Massachusetts lawyer Steven Wise.

Marco Rubio to visit Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico this week, his staff said Tuesday. Spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said the Florida senator will meet with supporters Friday in the capital of San Juan. Rubio's one-day visit will coincide with that of Democrat Hillary Clinton. He is scheduled to attend a fundraiser before the rally. Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley visited Puerto Rico last month, becoming the first Democratic presidential candidate to make a campaign stop on the island this year. GOP presidential hopeful Jeb Bush arrived in late April for a fundraiser and a town-hall meeting in which he endorsed the idea of statehood for the territory. Puerto Rico residents cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections but can participate in primaries.

-- From wire reports