eldred vs. ashcroft — nsai filed an "amicus brief" with the united states supreme court in a case that determined how long you and your heirs will own your copyrights. nsai was the only songwriter organization to meet with the justice department attorneys, arguing the case on behalf of copyright owners. nsai songwriter and constitutional scholar peter mccann researched the diaries of founding father james madison. madison authored section 1, article 8 of the united states constitution that says: "congress may grant, for a 'limited time', to authors and composers…" at issue was the definition of "limited time." mccann found that madison intended for his own diaries to be published after his death by his family, for profit! this compelling argument influenced the supreme court's decision in favor of copyright owners and their heirs.