All Law & Courts
Ferguson police now wearing cameras: How much might that help?Ferguson police are now wearing cameras to record officer-citizen encounters, and other departments across the country are considering doing the same.
Cover StoryBehind the gavel of America's busiest judgeRobert Brack's crowded docket in a New Mexico federal courtroom shows the effects of a tougher US immigration policy.
Judge knocks down major parts of new Texas abortion lawA federal judge struck down two provisions of a controversial Texas abortion law on Friday, ruling that they created an unconstitutional burden on women seeking abortions in the state.
Florida court fast-tracks key gay marriage case to state Supreme CourtIn a somewhat unusual move, a Florida court directly referred a case involving the divorce of a same-sex couple to the state Supreme Court. The high court's decision could make Florida the 20th state to legalize gay marriage.
New audio in Michael Brown case: How important in whirl of narratives?A new audio recording could be of the Michael Brown shooting. But it does very little to clarify what happened in Ferguson and could just fuel competing narratives.
Federal appeals court to hear gay marriage cases from Wisconsin, IndianaTwo federal appeals courts have struck down similar same-sex marriage bans in Utah, Oklahoma, and Virginia. The process sets the groundwork for an expected ultimate resolution at the US Supreme Court, as early as next year.
- St. Louis cop shooting No. 2, on video: a stark glimpse into a quick death
St. Louis police have released all materials related to the Aug. 19 shooting of a knife-wielding black man, just four miles from where Michael Brown was killed. Within moments of pulling up, two police officers shot and killed Kajieme Powell.
Florida's gay marriage ban is latest one to be struck down by a federal judgeA Tallahassee-based judge ruled in favor of 10 same-sex couples seeking to have their out-of-state marriages formally recognized by Florida and on behalf of one same-sex couple who sued to obtain a marriage license.
Ferguson shooting amplifies calls for police to wear video camerasMysteries like the shooting death of Michael Brown by a Missouri police officer could be resolved more easily with video cameras in common use. But the technology also brings financial costs and raises privacy concerns.
Eric Holder visits Ferguson. Will US take over Michael Brown case?Attorney General Eric Holder arrived in Ferguson to assure angry residents of a fair investigation even as a state grand jury began hearing evidence in the police shooting death of black teenager Michael Brown.
Supreme Court puts hold on Virginia same-sex marriages in signal to courtsThe Supreme Court action sends a clear signal to other appeals courts and federal judges across the country that it expects them to issue similar stays in future same-sex marriage cases.
Ferguson shooting: When cameras focus on police, it's legal, courts sayThose in Ferguson, Mo., who defied police orders and continued to record how police dealt with protesters after the shooting have support from the courts for their actions.
D.C. Metro update: Judge allows subway musicians to receive tipsUS District Judge Beryl Howell issued a preliminary injunction telling the WMATA to start allowing musicians to accept donations outside Washington, D.C., subway stations.
Mike Brown shooting: Images of militarized police bring out criticsThe scenes following the Mike Brown shooting, some say, offer Americans a look at one consequence of federal programs that supply even tiny towns and small cities with heavy military equipment.
Couple accused of abusing adopted children arrested in OregonJanet and Ramon Barreto, accused of severe abuse of children they adopted abroad, were arrested Wednesday, ending a five-year search. Janet Barreto was the only woman on the US Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted list.
Appeals court refuses to stay ruling that OKs same-sex marriages in VirginiaThe move means that same-sex couples could begin obtaining Virginia marriage licenses as early as next week. Supporters of the Virginia gay marriage ban said they would ask the US Supreme Court to issue its own stay.
Mike Brown shooting: Ferguson police being prudent or circling the wagons?Local law enforcement officials have chosen not to release the name of the Ferguson, Mo., officer who shot unarmed teen Mike Brown or the autopsy report.
Mike Brown death, Ferguson riots raise questions about police immunityThe shooting death of Mike Brown, a black teenager, by a police officer in Ferguson. Mo., comes as the public, courts, and lawmakers have started debating limits to immunity and arguing about policies to recalibrate the role of police.
Could voter ID law tilt North Carolina Senate race? Foes decry judge's rulingNorth Carolina voters without photo ID won't be turned away from the polls this November, but they will be asked to sign an acknowledgment of the new ID requirement – a step critics worry will make for longer lines to vote.
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio walks thin blue line in chokehold aftermathEric Garner's death by illegal chokehold during an arrest for minor street crime is forcing Mayor de Balsio to come to terms with his campaign pledge to lower crime and improve relations between New York City police and poorer residents.
