All Law & Courts
Supreme Court bars mandatory life sentences for juvenilesSupreme Court ruling aims to give judges and juries an opportunity to consider 'mitigating circumstances' before sentencing a juvenile offender to life in prison, without possibility of parole.
Most of Arizona immigration law cannot stand, Supreme Court rulesBut the Supreme Court upheld a provision requiring police to check the immigration status of people they have reason to suspect are illegal immigrants – the most controversial part of the Arizona immigration law.
What's next in the Jerry Sandusky Penn State sex abuse case?Jerry Sandusky has been convicted of sex abuse involving 10 boys over 15 years, but the story is not over. There will be further investigations, the trial of two former Penn State officials, civil lawsuits against the university by Sandusky's victims, and a likely appeal of the conviction.
What 'conspiracy' lies behind Eric Holder and 'Fast and Furious'?Whether or not a botched government gun interdiction scheme known as ‘Fast and Furious’ was tied into White House gun policy is roiling the right – and a cause for scoffing on the left.
Why the Penn State sex abuse saga could go on for yearsThe FBI is investigating whether Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky broke federal law in sexually abusing boys. The university faces civil suits seeking compensation for Sandusky's victims.
Ex-Penn St. assistant coach Jerry Sandusky convicted of sex abuseJerry Sandusky was convicted Friday of sexually assaulting 10 boys over 15 years, accusations that shattered the Happy Valley image of Penn State football and led to the firing of Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno. Sandusky, a retired defensive coach, was found guilty of 45 of 48 counts.
Moroccan pleads guilty to suicide bomb plot on US CapitolAmine El Khalifi, an illegal immigrant from Morocco, admitted Friday to planning a suicide-bomb mission aimed at the US Capitol Building. He believed the operation was sponsored by Al Qaeda, but the FBI was linked in all along.
Justice Department sues fundamentalist Mormon sect for discriminationThe US Justice Department alleges that the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), which controls most of the law enforcement and other government services in two adjacent communities, discriminates against those who are not members of the polygamous sect.
- As Sandusky case goes to jury, adopted son makes allegations
Matt Sandusky, one of six adopted children of Jerry Sandusky and his wife, Dottie, released a statement Thursday saying his father molested him. Also Thursday, lawyers delivered closing arguments in the case.
Supreme Court says broadcast decency standards too vagueThe Supreme Court ruled that the FCC didn’t give broadcasters enough notice before enforcing new standards on language and nudity. But because the court didn't address the underlying constitutional issue of free speech, a variety of interest groups all claimed a measure of victory.
Why police tapes of George Zimmerman may be key to his defenseThe tapes, released Wednesday, recount George Zimmerman's version of events the evening he shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin. He said Trayvon initiated a fight – and who starts an attack is key under Florida's Stand Your Ground law.
Jerry Sandusky trial to head to jury without testimony from the accusedWith former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky not testifying in his own defense at his trial for child sex abuse, the jury faces with two alternatives: Believe the accusers – or not. Closing arguments are Thursday.
- In Texas, a father who killed daughter’s attacker is no vigilante
After considering a case that raised questions about vigilantism, a Texas grand jury declines to indict a young father who beat to death an older man he found sexually assaulting his 5-year-old.
Jerry Sandusky trial: To boost 'alternative story,' should he take the stand?A defense attorney for Jerry Sandusky said his client may testify. In legal circles the move is seen as a risky one, but perhaps necessary, to counter the compelling evidence against him.
- Is Texas dad who killed man to protect his 5-year-old daughter a criminal?
A Texas grand jury must decide whether to charge a father who killed a man after finding the man molesting his 5-year-old daughter. Does deadly force extend to a father protecting his daughter?
- Yale settles Title IX complaint, launches new sexual misconduct policies
The Department of Education had accused Yale University of violating Title IX by not having an adequate system for reporting and resolving incidents of sexual harassment and assault.
'Stand your ground' defense fails in Texas case. Lessons for George Zimmerman?A conviction in Texas Wednesday shows that not all defenses built on stand-your-ground laws are successful. George Zimmerman has invoked the defense in the Trayvon Martin case.
Zimmerman's wife charged: What does it mean for his defense?George Zimmerman's wife was charged with perjury Tuesday for lying to a judge. Now Zimmerman's defense team in the Trayvon Martin murder case will have to put her arrest into perspective.
Dutch bank pays steep price for ignoring US sanctions on Iran and CubaDutch bank ING has agreed to pay a record $619 million fine after admitting that it moved money from Iran and Cuba through US banks despite sanctions forbidding the practice.
Sandusky case: Can prosecutors explain long gap between abuse and charges?It is not uncommon for sexual-abuse victims to wait years before bringing claims, experts say. But explaining that to a jury could be a challenge for prosecutors in the Sandusky case.
