Supreme Court upholds health care law, delivering win for Obama

The 5-4 Supreme Court ruling affirmed Congress’s authority to impose an “individual mandate” through its taxing powers and delivered a major political victory for the president.

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People celebrated in Chicago after President Barack Obama's health care law was upheld by the Supreme Court Thursday.

Chief Justice John Roberts surprised court watchers by voting to uphold the health care law.

Charles Dharapak/Associated Press/File, 2010

Chief Justice John Roberts surprised court watchers by voting to uphold the health care law.

Susan Clark, left, argued with another protester outside the Supreme Court on Thursday.

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Susan Clark, left, argued with another protester outside the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Supporters celebrated after the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

Joshua Roberts/REUTERS

Supporters celebrated after the Supreme Court upheld the law's constitutionality.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney said the ruling shows that Republicans must defeat Barack Obama to overturn his health care overhaul.

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Presidential candidate Mitt Romney said the ruling showed that Republicans must defeat Barack Obama in November's election to overturn his health care overhaul.

President Barack Obama hailed the court's decision as a victory for people across America and urged opponents to rally behind the law.

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President Barack Obama hailed the court's decision as a victory for people across America and urged opponents to rally behind the law.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick watched President Obama on television after the ruling.

Bill Greene/Globe Staff

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick watched President Obama on television after the ruling.

An artist's rendering showed Chief Justice John Roberts, center, speaking as the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act in a 5-4 ruling.

Dana Verkouteren/Associated Press

An artist's rendering showed Chief Justice John Roberts, center, speaking as the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act in a 5-4 ruling.

House Speaker John Boehner headed for the House chamber after the ruling.

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House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, headed for the House chamber after the ruling.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi smiled as she watched news of the court's ruling.

J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi smiled as she watched news of the court's ruling.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, of Nevada, praised the justices for their decision.

AP

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, of Nevada, praised the justices for their decision.

Steve Ciccarelli of Annandale, Va., right, a proponent of the law, argued with Susan Clark, of Washington, who held opposing views.

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Steve Ciccarelli of Annandale, Va., right, a proponent of the law, argued with Susan Clark, of Washington, who held opposing views.

Protesters who opposed the act showed their dismay after the ruling as announced.

Jason Reed/REUTERS

Protesters who opposed the act showed their dismay after the ruling was announced.

A protester held up a sign in the wake of the ruling.

Joshua Roberts/REUTERS

A protester held up a sign in the wake of the ruling.

Demonstrators prayed outside the court after the ruling.

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

Demonstrators prayed outside the court after the ruling.

Chicago area senior citizens went to a local cooling center to escape the summer heat and watch President Barack Obama's reaction to the ruling.

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Chicago area senior citizens went to a local cooling center to escape the summer heat and watch President Barack Obama's reaction.

For businesses, ruling a measure of clarity

Many local executives welcomed today’s Supreme Court ruling because it provided a measure of clarity in their health care calculations.

 Pat Liberti saw significant savings on her prescription drugs under the federal health care law, which allows her to pay only half the cost of her supply of heart drugs.

Mass. residents react to ruling with relief

The Supreme Court’s health care decision sent a wave of relief through Massachusetts that the benefits of President Obama’s landmark law will remain intact.

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Jared Sullinger of Ohio State celebrated after defeating the Syracuse Orange at TD Garden in the NCAA Tournament in March.

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From the archives | Photos

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/06/27/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/09292010_29history_photo3-7725101--90x90.jpg The Blackfriars Massacre

On June 28, 1978, five bodies were found in the basement of the Blackfriars Pub on Summer Street in Boston. The gangland-style killing would be known as the “Blackfriars Massacre.”

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