Motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed by respondent GRANTED. (orders list)

Petition DENIED. (orders list)

DISTRIBUTED for Conference of January 20, 2012.

Brief amicus curiae of Alabama filed. (Distributed)

Reply of petitioner Alabama filed. (Distributed)

Brief of respondent Thomas Robert Lane in opposition filed.

Brief amici curiae of Texas, et al. filed.

Motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed by respondent.

Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due December 21, 2011)

Alabama, Petitioner, represented by John C. Neiman Jr.

Alabama, Petitioner, represented by John Cowles Neiman Jr.

Thomas Robert Lane, Respondent, represented by Randall S. Susskind

Texas, et al., Amicus Curiae, represented by James Patrick Sullivan