All Law & Courts
2020’s murder increase is ‘unprecedented.’ But is it a blip?In 2020, 51 cities across the U.S. saw an average 35% jump in murder from 2019 to 2020 – a spike unlike any other in the modern era.
First LookSupreme Court rejects Texas lawsuit to overturn electionThe U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Texas didn’t have sufficient standing to contest other states’ elections, rejecting a GOP effort to nullify President-elect Joe Biden’s win in four states.
First LookRewriting history? Trump pardons Michael FlynnPresident Donald Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Wednesday. Mr. Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia probe to be granted clemency.
First LookBallot results: Groundswell support for criminal justice reformThe results of 2020 ballot initiatives brought some gains for US criminal justice reform efforts. Voters decriminalized drugs in several states, increased funding to community groups, and elected more Black activists to Congress.
First LookPandemic justice? US trials suspended as people refuse jury duty.Across the United States, people are refusing jury duty for fear of contracting the coronavirus. The low response rates have forced many courts to suspend trials. But as backlogs pile up, some judges are considering increasing enforcement.
Rethinking perspectives on American criminal justice
First LookThe Supreme Court is weighing the ACA. Here's what's at stake.The Affordable Care Act goes before the Supreme Court Tuesday. The justices may make a ruling that impacts the listing of COVID-19 as a preexisting condition, a tax cut for the wealthy, and new copays for routine preventive care.
Judging ‘Obamacare’: Justice Barrett’s first high-profile caseWith new Justice Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court, all eyes are on the fortified conservative wing and how it handles the future of “Obamacare.”
First LookPhiladelphia pledges to do better after fatal shooting of Black manThe death of Walter Wallace Jr., who had known mental health issues, at the hands of police in Philadelphia has intensified tensions in the election swing state. Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw pledges to address the lack of coordinated mental health services.
First LookPrison reforms to curb pandemic show path to fewer imprisonmentsBail reform and other changes put in place during the coronavirus pandemic to ease crowding in jails led to an 11% decrease in America's incarcerated population. Some U.S. counties see that drop as a success, and are trying to maintain the trend.
First LookConservative court: Justice Barrett joins the US Supreme CourtSenate Republicans confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, putting an end to a politically fraught confirmation process. Judge Barrett will get to work immediately, with cases on health care and the 2020 election pending before the court.
Pressure builds for US police to change military mindsetThe warrior profile of police – with military training, surplus battlefield weapons and fatigues - may create more danger than security for citizens.
First LookJudge Amy Coney Barrett headed for full Senate vote MondaySenate Republicans voted Sunday to advance Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett to a final confirmation despite Democratic objections.
First LookUS Justice Department sues Google in landmark antitrust caseThe U.S. Justice Department filed a “long overdue” lawsuit against Google for antitrust violations. The move comes amid ongoing investigations into Big Tech companies including Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
First LookLate Pennsylvania ballots will count, says divided Supreme CourtA split Supreme Court decision means Pennsylvania ballots received three days after Election Day will be counted. The case is just one of the partisan battles being fought amid concerns that the Nov. 3 election results could take days or weeks to resolve.
First LookRussian intelligence officers charged by US for cyberattacksThe U.S. Justice Department indicted six Russian military officers on charges of cyberattacks that have caused billions of dollars in losses and disrupted everyday life for Americans and citizens of other nations.
First LookBarrett confirmation vote expected by end of the monthTense hearings aside, Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court is almost certain given the Senate’s Republican majority. The Judiciary Committee will vote next week, and the full Senate vote is expected by the end of October.
The Explainer‘Packing the court’ and partisan politics: Three questionsCalls for “packing the court” are seen by some Democrats as a way to remove politics from the Supreme Court. But scholars warn that could backfire.
FocusWith Amy Coney Barrett, a once-fringe legal philosophy goes mainstreamIf Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed, law in the U.S. could shift substantially toward favoring religious liberty over all other rights.
Police reforms surge after months of racial justice protestsFrom chokehold bans to an end of “qualified immunity,” cities, counties, and states have answered demands for police reform with uncommon speed.
