James Madison, who introduced the Bill of Rights into Congress, later said: "The press has been the beneficent source to which the United States owes much of the light which conducted us to the ranks of a free and independent nation" (my book, "The War on the Bill of Rights and the Gathering Resistance," Seven Stories Press, 2004).

But now, with the continuous, instantly accessible flood of information on the web, in print, on blogs, in social media, et al, crucial developments concerning our most basic personal rights and liberties are often covered minutely, if at all.

For example, how many of you are aware of the unanimous March 27 Supreme Court decision in Millbrook v. United States, written by Justice Clarence Thomas? It got lost in the enormous, sustained media coverage of the same-sex marriage arguments that were made before the court that week.

The court's judgment in Millbrook could start to end the immunity of many law enforcement officials who permit the violations of citizens' constitutional rights. These violations may include assault and other harsh treatment of people in the custody of government enforcement agents, such as prison guards.

Herewith are the brutal facts of Kim Lee Millbrook's case as retold by John W. Whitehead, who directs the Charlottesville, Va.-based Rutherford Institute. Whitehead submitted an amicus brief supporting Millbrook before the Supreme Court. (If President Madison were still with us, Whitehead would be receiving the Medal of Freedom.)