All Law & Courts
Supreme Court takes up challenge to Obama and the EPAThe key question before the court is whether the Obama EPA overstepped its authority when it sought to expand greenhouse gas regulations to a wide range of sources of such emissions.
Federal courts, state officials advance same-sex marriageThe legal momentum favors same-sex marriage as state authorities announce that they will not enforce laws that ban gay marriage and as federal judges rule against such laws.
Case dismissed against NYPD over surveillance of Muslims in New JerseyA federal judge says NYPD surveillance of New Jersey mosques, businesses, and student groups was not motivated by religious bias. Former city officials call the dismissal a vindication.
- Detroit bankruptcy: Creditors fare worse than city retirees in new proposal
The Detroit bankruptcy plan, filed in federal court Friday, proposes slashing $18 billion in debt, while still maintaining vital emergency services and making investments in the embattled city.
Border agent shoots and kills alleged rock-thrower. Excessive force?Civil rights advocates have voiced concern following the killing in the San Diego mountains. The policy on deadly force says it is allowed if there is 'an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury.'
Progress WatchFBI reports a drop in crime in 2013: why the rate continues to fallNew FBI data confirm a sustained drop in the US crime rate, despite a broader definition of what constitutes rape. Creative policing, better use of data, and community involvement play a role.
Dunn 'loud music' verdict: Does 'stand your ground' ask the impossible?The judge in the 'loud music' killing trial of Michael Dunn included 'stand your ground' in his jury instructions. The law asks juries to try to tease out the defendant’s real emotions and motivations.
Michael Dunn verdict: What it says about race in America todayThe partial verdict in the trial of Michael Dunn for the shooting death of black teen Jordan Davis in Florida – like the George Zimmerman case before it – raises questions about equal justice and race.
Florida jury finds Michael Dunn guilty in 'loud music' murder caseMichael Dunn’s murder trial in the shooting of teenager Jordan Davis – like the Trayvon Martin case – had racial overtones. After four days of deliberation, the jury Saturday found Mr. Dunn guilty.
Courts pave the way for more gay marriagesA string of federal court decisions have supported equality for same-sex marriage. More cases are underway as public and political attitudes move in the same direction.
Gay marriage: Virginia ruling is third against state bans in three monthsGay marriage bans have lately been declared unconstitutional in Utah, Oklahoma, and now Virginia. Ban defenders note that judges in all three cases were appointed by Democratic presidents. Ban opponents celebrate victories – and look for more.
Gun rights: Federal judges rule against Calif. restrictions on concealed carryGun owners challenged the San Diego permit process in federal court, arguing that they should not have to prove they face an imminent threat to their safety to qualify for a concealed carry permit.
US turning over secret files to lawyer for Jose Padilla: what that could meanThe classified documents could relate to Jose Padilla’s three years of confinement without charge at a military prison in South Carolina. Judge Cooke is preparing to resentence the convicted Al Qaeda supporter.
Conviction of ex-mayor Ray Nagin: Does it signal new era for New Orleans?Ray Nagin was convicted Wednesday of 20 federal corruption charges, many connected to recovery efforts after hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He could face more than 20 years in prison.
Michael Dunn murder trial: Online, a more 'thug'-oriented defenseThe murder trial of Michael Dunn in Florida, charged with shooting a black teen over loud music, goes to the jury. Dunn testified in court Tuesday, but views attributed to him on a website are more overtly racial in tone, blaming 'thug culture' for the shooting.
Nov. 3 trial date is 'fair' for Boston Marathon bomb suspect, judge saysA federal judge set a Nov. 3 trial for alleged Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. The defense team wanted a date almost a year later, but the judge said November is 'realistic and fair.' Next question: Will the trial stay in Boston?
Holder orders Justice Dept. to recognize same-sex couples: what that meansThe Justice policy shift applies to legally married same-sex couples across the federal criminal justice system and in federal civil courts, even in states that do not recognize gay marriage.
Fast and Furious: 30 years for Mexican in shootout that killed US agentManuel Osorio-Arellanes is the only man to have been prosecuted so far for the 2010 gun battle that killed Agent Brian Terry and revealed Fast and Furious, a botched sting operation.
Same-sex marriage: New protections show how Obama’s position 'evolved'Attorney General Eric Holder has announced sweeping protections under federal law for married same-sex couples. It's just the latest in a string of legal and political gains for gay couples.
Michael Elliott on his escape: Breaking out of Mich. prison 'relatively simple'Michael Elliott, in prison for a quadruple murder, escaped a Michigan prison by blending into snow drifts. Officials are investigating how he did it, and whether budget problems are to blame.
