All Law & Courts
Gay marriage can begin in New Jersey, for now, state's top court rulesThe New Jersey Supreme Court said Friday that same-sex couples in the state could wed, starting Monday, while an appeal to same-sex marriage is pending. The court's sharp tone indicates that the justices are likely, in the end, to affirm gay marriage rights for good.
After Rebecca Sedwick suicide, a bid to hold parents liable for kids' cyberbullyingIn Florida, the Rebecca Sedwick suicide has triggered plans for legislation to hold parents criminally liable if they don't do enough to stop their kids from cyberbullying. If enacted, it would be a first in North America.
Can students be barred from wearing patriotic clothes? Dispute goes to court.High school officials in Morgan Hill, Calif., told three students to go home after they refused to turn their US flag-themed T-shirts inside out during Cinco de Mayo. Administrators cited lingering racial tensions at the school between Hispanics and Anglos.
Supreme Court hints at narrow ruling in Michigan affirmative action caseThe US Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday on whether Michigan's ban on affirmative action in college admissions violates the equal protection of minorities.
Landmark case? Supreme Court to review EPA regulation of greenhouse gases.The Supreme Court said Tuesday it would take up six petitions seeking review of EPA actions regarding greenhouse gases. But it will not take up the agency's so-called endangerment finding.
As Kwame Kilpatrick heads to prison, prosecutors say: show Detroit the moneyProsecutors want disgraced Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and a boyhood friend to pay $9.6 million in restitution directly to the City of Detroit. The ex-mayor was sentenced to 28 years Thursday.
New York biker attack's 'Mad Max' antics spook public, bring harsh chargesThe New York biker attack – 'an ominous broad-daylight instance of lawlessness,' said one commentator – contributed to a public sense of vulnerability and put pressure on prosecutors.
Kwame Kilpatrick: Disgraced Detroit mayor gets 'massive' 28-year sentenceThe sentencing Thursday of Kwame Kilpatrick caps a saga that has gripped the financially strapped city for a decade and has become a frustrating symbol of Detroit's legacy of corruption.
- Adult charged in Steubenville rape case. Will schools get the message?
The technology director at Steubenville City Schools pleaded not guilty to charges related to the teen rape case: tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, and lying under oath.
Campaign finance limits sharply divide Supreme Court. Is there middle ground?The Supreme Court's conservative-liberal split was evident during arguments on the challenge to individuals' aggregate campaign finance limits, but a search for middle ground seemed possible.
Supreme Court: Is new campaign finance case another 'Citizens United'?Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments Tuesday over whether certain limits on individuals' campaign contributions are justified in the wake of the Citizens United decision.
- Supreme Court declines case about YouTube music video gone wrong
A father locked in a bitter child visitation dispute voiced his frustrations and ended up being convicted of making illegal threats. On Monday the Supreme Court turned away the case, which raised First Amendment issues.
Supreme Court: Campaign finance and public prayer top new term agendaThe Supreme Court begins its new term Monday despite the government shutdown. Top cases in the coming months also will address presidential recess appointments and affirmative action.
- New York paper that published gun-owners map sues county for names
The Westchester, N.Y, Journal News, which became the focus of controversy for publishing a gun-owners map after the Sandy Hook massacre, is suing a county that now refuses to hand over names.
California outlaws 'revenge porn.' Not everyone thinks that's a good idea.'Revenge porn' violators face fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail. But the controversy continues over the balance between constitutionally protected speech and legitimate protections against criminal behavior.
Gulf oil spill: How much flowed? BP trial judge to decide.The second phase of a federal civil trial involving BP began Monday. The company faces Clean Water Act fines ranging anywhere between $2.7 billion to $18 billion for the Gulf oil spill.
Voter ID: North Carolina law targets minority rights, Eric Holder saysEric Holder announced a Justice Department suit against parts of the North Carolina election law, including a voter ID requirement, saying lawmakers knowingly curtailed minority voting rights.
New Jersey judge orders state to allow gay marriage. Christie vows appeal.The judge said New Jersey must allow gay marriage because the federal government isn't extending full and equal benefits to same-sex couples under the state's civil union law.
Florida mom to get new trial: Did court detect a 'stand your ground' inequity?Marissa Alexander, serving time for firing a warning shot in what she said was self-defense, will get a new trial, a Florida appeals court rules. Her defenders asked why the state's 'stand your ground' law didn't apply to her.
Is California going too far to protect celebrity kids from paparazzi?A new California law toughens fines and jail time for paparazzi who harass children. But some groups say the law is too broad and could hurt more legitimate news gathering.
