All Law & Courts
Federal judge rules against Kansas's gay marriage banA federal judge on Tuesday moved to invalidate the same-sex marriage ban in Kansas, saying there was clear legal precedent from a federal appeals court. State officials have until Nov. 11 to file an appeal.
Jerusalem or Israel? Supreme Court appears split on passport case.Solicitor General Donald Verrilli told justices Monday that if the court allowed American citizens born in the disputed city of Jerusalem to list 'Israel' on their US passports, it would undercut the credibility of the US to serve as honest brokers in Mideast peace efforts.
- Supreme Court takes up fight over US passports and 'Jerusalem'
State Department policy has been to designate the place of birth as “Jerusalem” – not “Israel” – in all passports for American newborns in that city in order to preserve US credibility as an honest broker in Arab-Israeli peace talks.
Justice for sale? More money flowing to judicial electionsAs political action committees become involved in judicial elections, there's growing concern that the influence of outside money could erode public trust in a judge’s impartiality.
The capture of Eric Frein: How a self-styled Cold War soldier finally tripped upSome had begun to doubt whether police could ever catch up with Eric Frein. But before spotting and arresting him for the assassination of a Pennsylvania state trooper, one of the trackers said he had a ‘hunch’ that Frein was close – very close.
Ebola quarantine: why judge sided with nurse Kaci HickoxThe judge in Maine on Friday rejected a request by state officials that the movements of nurse Kaci Hickox be restricted. The order he issued will remain in effect pending the outcome of a full hearing that must be held within 10 days.
Sniper Eric Frein in court: Justice for fallen police comrade drove manhuntIt took 48 days for law enforcement in Pennsylvania to pin down Eric Frein, the man they believe is responsible for a Sept. 12 sniper attack on the Blooming Grove state police barracks, which killed Cpl. Bryon Dickson, a father of two, and critically injured Trp. Alex Douglass.
Maine governor: Ebola quarantine talks fail with nurse Kaci HickoxGov. Paul LePage announced the breakdown on Thursday and pledged to use the 'full extent' of his legal authority to safeguard public health, setting the stage for a court showdown.
What happened to kids in summer border crisis? Why cases slowed to a crawl.The immigration courts were already clogged before a summer surge in unaccompanied children crossing the border. Their cases have been pushed to the front, but the pace is still slow.
Should the Feds reclassify marijuana? US judge holds hearingThe classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug was upheld as recently as last year, but now, defense attorneys in a criminal case have the opportunity to argue in a three-day hearing that the status should change.
Why Kansas is set to become focus of same-sex marriage fightKansas officials say they are not bound by a Supreme Court decision that allowed federal court rulings in support of same-sex marriage to stand. They will defend the state's ban on gay marriage in a court hearing.
- Why a US judge ruled that Puerto Rico's gay marriage ban is legal
A federal judge in Puerto Rico chastised other federal judges who have overturned gay marriage bans for not following Supreme Court precedent. The case now goes to the First Circuit in Boston.
New mayor, same old story: New York still marijuana arrest capitalNew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized the city's track record of aggressive and frequently unbalanced policing of marijuana offenses during his mayoral campaign. It appears, however, that not much has changed under his watch.
Leaked autopsy raises questions about Michael Brown narrativeAn autopsy leaked to the media could support the officer's claim that Michael Brown went for his gun, and it suggests that Mr. Brown didn't have his hands up 'in a standard surrender position,' according to one expert.
Pennsylvania law aims to curb Mumia Abu-Jamal's 'obscene celebrity'Gov. Tom Corbett signed a first-in-the-nation law allowing crime victims the right to seek an injunction against offenders on grounds that speech could cause 'mental anguish.' Civil rights groups are likely to challenge law in court.
Eric Frein sightings: How 'wilderness ninja' has outfoxed 1,000 copsLaw enforcement officials are shifting the focus of the massive manhunt for Eric Frein following two sightings of the alleged sniper in northern Pennsylvania.
Darren Wilson's account of Michael Brown shooting made public for first timeFederal law enforcement officials familiar with the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., told The New York Times that officer Darren Wilson feared for his life after the larger man punched him, then reached for his sidearm.
Michael Dunn loud-music life sentence: a corrective on stand your ground laws?Michael Dunn was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the fatal shooting of Jordan Davis, after an argument over loud music. The judge cited Florida's stand your ground law in the sentencing, saying it has been misunderstood.
Divided Supreme Court allows Texas to enforce voter ID law in November electionIn a 6 to 3 decision Saturday, the high court allowed Texas' controversial voter ID law to be used in the 2014 midterms, with early voting to begin on Monday.
Arizona, Alaska join 29 other states recognizing gay marriageA federal judge in Arizona has struck down that state’s gay marriage ban, and the US Supreme Court has turned away a request by Alaska officials seeking a stay of a federal court ruling striking down that state’s ban.
