21.   Groups from Vermont to Wyoming have filed friend of the court briefs supporting the Tennessee association.

22.   In its court brief, however, the federal government said it agreed that other forms of discipline should be encouraged.

23.   That proposal recommends a much faster schedule and shorter court briefs than Microsoft wants.

24.   The National Association of Police Organizations, which filed a court brief supporting the Harris County deputies, expressed disappointment in the decision.

25.   The law was signed by former President Bush, who filed a court brief supporting two Alabama state employees who sued the state.