All Law & Courts
First LookRoe v. Wade: U.S. Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortionThe Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not protected by the U.S. Constitution, opening the door for states to ban the practice. The court’s vote to overturn Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which came in a 6-3 decision, ends 50 years of abortion as a constitutional right. Former President Donald Trump’s three appointees joined the majority.
Gun rights: Supreme Court brings Second Amendment to the streetsThe Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday underscores just how dramatically Second Amendment jurisprudence has shifted in recent decades.
First LookU.S. Supreme Court rules against New York gun restrictionsIn a 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down New York gun law against concealed carry. The decision is likely to lead to more concealed carry weapons on the streets of major U.S. cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston.
First LookSupreme Court ruling: Maine’s religious schools can get public moneyIn a Tuesday ruling, Supreme Court justices voted to expand public funding for religious entities. The decision overturned a lower court ruling that previously dismissed claims of religious discrimination.
First LookJournalist or spy? WikiLeaks founder to face U.S. trial.The U.K. government has approved the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States. Around the world people and organizations such as Amnesty International voice distrust over the U.S. court system’s ability to handle this case fairly.
First LookWhite supremacists arrested in Idaho on way to disrupt LGBTQ eventPolice arrested 31 members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front near an Idaho LGBTQ pride event Saturday. The group, riding the back of a U-Haul truck, came from 11 states.
First LookJustice Department to review police handling of Uvalde shootingAfter the Uvalde, Texas, shooting the community and nation want answers. In response, the U.S. Justice Department is launching a review of Uvalde’s law enforcement protocols and the city’s mayor has promised full cooperation.
First LookSimone Biles and other Olympians sue FBI for $1B over Nassar caseSimone Biles and dozens of other gymnasts are suing the FBI for $1 billion regarding mishandling of the 2016 Larry Nassar sexual assault case. The 90 claimants say the FBI failed to act in a timely manner, allowing Mr. Nassar to continue his abuse.
First LookJuvenile justice: advocates argue for community based rehabilitationFewer children than ever before are being tried as adults in the U.S. court system. Advocates say this is a step toward rehabilitative justice, while others worry this leniency will allow violent criminals to commit more offenses.
FocusCan Roberts steer Supreme Court safely through abortion case crisis?During his tenure, the chief justice has built a track record – though not a flawless one – of coherence and consensus. It’s being tested now as never before.
First LookSupreme Court rules against prisoners on poor representation claimsThe U.S. Supreme Court ruled against two death row inmates who said their lawyers failed to represent them sufficiently. Going forward, the decision will make it harder for those facing long sentences to challenge their convictions on the grounds of ineffective counsel.
First LookMeet the marshal tracking down the Supreme Court leak: Gail CurleyCol. Gail Curley, marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court, is tasked with overseeing an investigation into the leak of a draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. People who know her say she is the right kind of person for the job: smart but also apolitical and private.
First LookSupreme Court sides with Ted Cruz, strikes campaign finance ruleThe Supreme Court ruled that a provision limiting campaign use of post-election funds to repay candidates for loans made pre-election is unconstitutional. While supporters call it a free speech win, critics say the decision erodes a key check against corruption.
First LookCourt strikes down California age limit on gun salesOn Wednesday, a U.S. federal appeals court in California ruled that a law prohibiting the sale of semiautomatic weapons to those under 21 violated the Second Amendment. Experts say it’s part of a larger pattern in which courts are expanding gun rights.
FocusWith Roe in peril, ‘slippery slope’ looms larger for LGBTQ AmericansThe Supreme Court appears on the cusp of overturning a right – to abortion – for the first time in modern history. What happens to other rights unpopular with conservative Christians? Part 2 of an occasional series.
First LookRoe v. Wade: Was leaking the Supreme Court draft opinion a crime?After the leak of a draft opinion indicated the U.S. Supreme Court may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, questions abound over the leaker’s identity and the consequences that await them. Here’s a look at what comes next.
FocusFirst draft of history: What overturning Roe could mean for USFor the first time in modern history, the U.S. Supreme Court appears on the verge of taking a right away. If a leaked opinion on abortion rights becomes the final ruling, it is a decision that is both unsurprising and yet seismic in its consequences.
First LookLeaked draft opinion: Why Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. WadeA draft opinion leaked to Politico indicates the Supreme Court could be set to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide. The court is expected to issue its final ruling in late June or early July.
First LookState probe shows pattern of race-based policing in MinneapolisAfter the killing of George Floyd, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights began a nearly two-year investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. The findings, released Wednesday, show at least a decade-long pattern of racial discrimination in policing.
FocusThe Rodney King effect: 30 years after riots, how far has LA come?This week marks 30 years since the race riots in South Central Los Angeles, ignited by the acquittal of four white police officers for beating Rodney King, a Black man. In today’s South LA, we found setbacks mixed with progress, and stories of hope that reveal a path toward justice.
