While I don't have a problem with this, I'm a little suspicious.

I don't think this will stand and I think the officials know it. Is it possible they chose this woman, with children, who would be so sympathetic, thinking they might get it to the supreme court????

I have seen officials do this before. The people demand something they don't want done. They pick the least egregious and most sympathetic case they can find and prosecute it - knowing it will be overturned or go higher.