All Law & Courts
Whitey Bulger trial: 'Rifleman' Flemmi details murder after grisly murderThe graphic testimony by Stephen 'the Rifleman' Flemmi, Whitey Bulger's former partner in the Winter Hill Gang, may be the most important for prosecutors trying to build an iron-clad case.
Cellphone tracking: Police must obtain warrants, N.J. court saysState courts and legislatures are grappling with the murky legal principles governing police surveillance and privacy. One point of concern: GPS-enabled smart phones can now reveal razor-sharp details about a person’s movements.
Zimmerman won't get his gun back yet, per Justice Department. What's up?The US Justice Department wants the George Zimmerman gun and other physical evidence in the Trayvon Martin shooting to be held intact, pending its civil rights probe. That might signal stepped-up activity by the feds, but analysts see reason to doubt they will ultimately file charges.
Feds target 'stand your ground' laws, but what can they do?Neither Congress nor the executive branch can force states to change their laws, and courts have been skeptical about attempts to strike down stand your ground legislation. At least one juror has said this law was a key factor in the George Zimmerman verdict.
'Rifleman' Flemmi's opening salvo: Whitey Bulger was FBI informantThe former crime partner of James 'Whitey' Bulger testified Thursday that the two were FBI informants – and that Bulger took the lead in managing the relationship with the bureau. Meanwhile, in a bizarre twist, a potential witness turns up dead.
Snowden leaks give new life to lawsuits challenging NSA surveillance programsDocuments Edward Snowden leaked about sweeping NSA surveillance programs have emboldened privacy advocates and government watchdog groups to file a new round of lawsuits challenging the programs' constitutionality.
- Bradley Manning trial: 'Aiding the enemy' charges stand, but hard to prove
The judge in the military trial of Bradley Manning ruled Thursday she would not dismiss the 'aiding the enemy' charges. But prosecutors so far have proved neither intent nor harm, observers say.
Whitey Bulger to face 'The Rifleman,' his right-hand man, in courtStephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi is expected to testify in the James 'Whitey' Bulger case Thursday. As Bulger's former partner in crime, Flemmi could be crucial to the prosecution.
- Why Zimmerman verdict might not roll back 'stand your ground' laws
The US attorney general, Juror B37, and even Stevie Wonder express reservations about self-defense laws like Florida's 'stand your ground' statute, a factor in the George Zimmerman trial. What's the likelihood such laws will be reconsidered?
Kentucky psychology board targets advice columnist. Free speech violation?Lawyers for the syndicated advice columnist say his federal lawsuit against Kentucky gets to the heart of free speech rights and whether they can be trumped by occupational licensing laws.
Zimmerman verdict protests: Los Angeles police get 'A-plus'The Los Angeles Police Department has had its share of troubles. But its handling of the George Zimmerman verdict protests shows that it has learned important lessons.
FocusSexual assault in the military: Can special counsels for victims help?After a wave of sexual assault cases in the military, the Air Force is using special lawyers in a venture that top Pentagon officials hope will transform the way the armed forces treat victims.
Zimmerman trial verdict: L.A. protesters struggle to stamp out violenceL.A. officials and leaders of the demonstrations against the not-guilty verdict in the Zimmerman trial were united Tuesday in warning the violence would undercut the protesters' desired message.
Along key stretch of US-Mexico border, more kids running drugsThe Tucson sector of the US-Mexico border has seen an alarming rise in the number of juveniles facing drug-smuggling charges. Teens are also carrying harder drugs into the US.
Blagojevich sought 'political deal ... in the public interest,' appeal saysThe disgraced former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, is appealing his conviction on corruption charges, arguing the judge barred evidence that put his actions in context.
- Pennsylvania voter ID law back in court: Can it be enforced?
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court had upheld the constitutionality of the voter ID law, but challengers are asking whether enforcing it will disenfranchise a large number of voters in the state.
Federal probe of George Zimmerman not over, says Justice's Eric HolderIn his first statement since George Zimmerman was acquitted, Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday the Justice Department probe into Trayvon Martin's death will continue, 'consistent with the facts and the law.'
President Obama: 'The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy for America'George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin. In a statement Sunday, President Obama said, 'I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.'
George Zimmerman 'not guilty' verdict: Legal fight could continueGeorge Zimmerman has been found not guilty in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. But the US Justice Department may pursue the case under civil rights law, and Trayvon's parents are considering whether or not to file wrongful death civil charges against Zimmerman.
Zimmerman not guilty: Victory for new kind of civil rights era?Persecution of lawful gun owners is the new civil rights battle, many Americans claim. George Zimmerman just became their icon.
