1.   The justices heard oral evidence and, after a hearing lasting nearly three hours, made the agreed order.

2.   Also, the justices hear argument over the constitutionality of a city ordinance governing parade and rally permits.

3.   But high politics seemed to play a lesser role in January, when the justices heard the case.

4.   If the justices hear arguments in the appeal, a final ruling could come next year, he speculated.

5.   Last month, the justices heard arguments in a case examining whether a computer-generated depiction of a child engaged in sexual activity amounts to illegal child pornography.

6.   Last week, the justices heard arguments about the constitutionality of another federal law that effectively bans indecent material from the Internet.

7.   Lauren Woodward will be in the SJC courtroom when justices hear her case in September.

8.   Second, if the justices do hear either or both cases, which of at least three possible avenues of decision outlined by the lower courts might they follow?

9.   Signaling the importance of the issue raised in three separate appeals, the justices heard arguments from five lawyers and spent nearly an extra half-hour on the dispute.

10.   So it was a surprise to see the justices hear a case this week in which a clear majority seemed in agreement.