Rulings on rights

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday ruled against a Wisconsin family in a property rights case that makes it easier for government officials to restrict development in environmentally sensitive areas.

The 5-3 ruling involved the family’s effort to sell part of its land along the scenic St. Croix River. They planned to use the proceeds from an empty lot to pay for improvements on a cabin that sits on adjacent land. County officials had barred the sale because conservation rules treat the two lots as a single property that can’t be divided.

Also, the court ruled 6-2 Friday that immigrants who take a plea deal on the advice of a lawyer and later find out that deportation is certain can have a second chance in court and risk going to trial, even if the prosecution’s case is very strong.