All Law & Courts
- Can police collect DNA before conviction? Supreme Court to hear case.
Many states allow police to collect DNA samples from people who have been arrested. But others see that as a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Now, the Supreme Court will step in.
Supreme Court to consider how and when police can use drug-sniffing dogsThe US Supreme Court considers Wednesday whether the Florida Supreme Court was correct in making it harder for law enforcement to use dogs to discover illicit drugs in a home or vehicle.
Supreme Court turns away case on Oklahoma 'personhood' amendmentDid the Oklahoma Supreme Court act correctly when it struck down a proposed personhood amendment? The US Supreme Court declined to enter the fray Monday.
Did US go too far in its secret surveillance of citizens?Critics say the Bush-era law designed to collect foreign intelligence intrudes on the constitutionally protected privacy and free speech rights of US citizens. The US Supreme Court hears the case Monday.
George Zimmerman judge OKs question: Who was the real Trayvon Martin?The new judge in George Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial allowed defense attorneys to subpoena social media networks and peruse Trayvon Martin’s school records to determine whether the slain teen had a violent past.
9/11 trial: Did US have improper influence? Lawyer asks judge for help.A defense lawyer in the 9/11 war crimes trial tells a judge that a top prosecutor, asked if there had been improper influence by Defense Department or administration officials, refused to answer at least 25 times.
Trayvon Martin shooting: Should victim's high school file be made public?The new judge overseeing George Zimmerman's murder trial, Debra Nelson, will on Friday set parameters for how new evidence – including shooting victim Trayvon Martin’s high school file – will be handled and discussed. Trial is set for June 2013.
Gay marriage to Supreme Court? More likely after latest rejection of DOMA.A federal appeals court panel in New York voted 2 to 1 to declare part of DOMA unconstitutional. The opinion, just three weeks after argument, suggests the judges may have been keeping an eye on the Supreme Court.
Boy Scouts child abuse files: Can the organization withstand their release?In recent years, the Boy Scouts of America has implemented many new guidelines to protect against new abuse. Even though morale inside the BSA remains high, some experts say the group is fighting a losing battle.
9/11 cases: Do broad constitutional rights apply to Guantánamo detainees?US Supreme Court has identified some rights that apply to terrorism suspects at the US detention camp. At a pretrial hearing at Guantánamo, detainees' lawyers argue that the Constitution should be presumed to be in effect during war-crimes trials.
9/11 cases: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed speaks in court, lectures judgeThe accused 9/11 mastermind had skipped pretrial hearings at Guantánamo, but he made a surprise showing Wednesday afternoon and addressed the court. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had some counsel for the judge.
Fight ends over early voting in Ohio as US Supreme Court refuses to step inOhio had sought to cut short in-person early voting this year, but federal courts ruled it could not, citing potential disenfranchisement of older and low-income voters. On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court declined to enter fray in this key electoral state.
9/11 cases: Three of five Guantánamo detainees skip pretrial hearingA military commission judge said Monday the defendants don't have to attend the proceedings, and on Tuesday Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other Guantánamo detainees opted out. It's a day-by-day decision.
Guantánamo trial boycott? Judge says defendants don't have to attendKhalid Sheikh Mohammed and his four co-defendants in the 9/11 conspiracy trial at Guantánamo Bay cannot be forced to attend future sessions of the trial or pretrial hearings, a military judge said.
Romney campaign sues over absentee ballots in WisconsinBoth presidential campaigns are closely watching states' election officials for any ballot or voting-law irregularities. The Romney team is the latest to sue, over Wisconsin's handling of absentee ballots for residents abroad.
Supreme Court to review Arizona law making would-be voters prove citizenshipCritics of the Arizona law argue that the state requirement clashed with the National Voter Registration Act. The US Supreme Court agreed to take up the case Monday.
Modern-day Puritans wring hands over Zumba Madam’s list of shameA Maine court will consider whether a prostitution 'list of shame' is a punishment too Puritanical even for New England, where the fallout may include schoolyard teasing and public shaming.
Mother gets 99 years for beating, gluing daughter: Has the US had it with bad parents?Elizabeth Escalona, a 23-year-old mother of five, was sentenced to 99 years in prison after severely beating her daughter and gluing the girl’s hands to a wall. The sentence is one sign that society – and the courts – are taking child abuse more seriously.
Supreme Court: In affirmative action arguments, conservative bloc seems unitedThe Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on an affirmative-action plan at the University of Texas, and Justice Anthony Kennedy, the likely swing vote, appeared skeptical.
Jerry Sandusky gets at least 30 years in prison, but case isn't closed yetThe former Penn State coach was sentenced Tuesday for child sexual abuse, but his lawyer says the conviction will be appealed. There is also the unresolved matter of civil lawsuits filed against Jerry Sandusky, his charitable foundation, and Penn State.
