All Law & Courts
First LookCall-in court brings out an unusually chatty Clarence ThomasSupreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas once went 10 years without asking a single question. Now, as the court hears its first ever arguments by telephone, the famously reticent justice has become an active participant.
The ExplainerSupreme Court livestreams hearings for first time. Three questions.The Supreme Court has always been a slow adopter of new technology. But the coronavirus pandemic has forced its hand on livestreaming hearings.
First LookBarr asks: Do state lockdowns violate US Constitution?Attorney General William Barr wants federal prosecutors to look for virus-related restrictions that infringe on constitutional rights. Stay-at-home orders are "disturbingly close to house arrest," Mr. Barr said in his reasoning behind the new directive.
First LookShould insurance cover business losses during a pandemic?Pressure is mounting on insurance companies as businesses across the country sue for monetary losses during the coronavirus. Governments have mandated that they pay, but the companies say their policies never covered pandemics.
First LookJoseph Lowery: fiery preacher and legendary civil-rights fighterAlabama preacher Joseph Lowery was a close aide of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. Lowery was on the front line of the battle for equality.
Justice during pandemic: Police seek to protect public and prisonersStates are reducing arrests and releasing people from jails, while senators recommend home confinement for nonviolent federal prisoners.
First LookWhy US dropping charges against Russians named by Mueller reportOn Monday, the Justice Department moved to drop charges made against Russian companies who worked to sway Americans in the 2016 presidential election. It said there would be no prospect of meaningful punishment if convicted.
First Look'Remain in Mexico': US Supreme Court backs Trump policyThe Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to support the Trump administration "Migrant Protection Protocols" policy that asylum-seekers must remain in Mexico for their U.S. court hearings.
First LookTrainers, vets indicted for drugging racehorses to go fasterA widespread effort to administer performance-enhancing drugs to racehorses, resulting in injury and death, was revealed by an FBI investigation. More than two dozen individuals have been indicted, including Maximum Security trainer Jason Servis.
First LookDonations to state attorneys general as Juul scrutiny grewState attorneys general took on Big Tobacco and now 39 are investigating electronic cigarettes. Did Juul market to children? Nine AGs are suing the company as health officials have declared underage vaping an epidemic.
What happens to rule of law if the law keeps changing?The Supreme Court heard arguments in an abortion case today involving a Louisiana law virtually identical to a Texas law it struck down in 2016.
Meet the immigration attorney trying to serve 2,000 asylum-seekersUsing red tape and shifting policies the White House has created a nonporous barrier that has effectively changed U.S. immigration.
First LookJury decides: Harvey Weinstein guilty of rape and sexual assaultIn what's being hailed as a landmark #MeToo moment, Harvey Weinstein was convicted of two charges in New York's supreme court on Monday. Sentencing, set for March 11, could result in 29 years of jail time.
First LookJulian Assange extradition: Angel of democracy or criminal?The extradition hearing of Julian Assange, charged by the U.S. with espionage for leaking government documents, begins Monday in London. Global free-speech champion or criminal?
Six years on, Flint works toward justice in water crisisNearly 80 lawsuits have been filed against the state of Michigan, the city of Flint, and the federal EPA over the compromised water supply.
Cover StoryInnocence detectives: The exonerated men who now work to free othersThey served time for crimes they didn’t commit and run a nonprofit that investigates cases for other wrongly convicted prisoners.
What does justice look like for president’s friends and foes?This week, the Department of Justice reduced its sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a Trump ally, after the president criticized it as unfair.
First LookJudicial independence? Why DOJ lawyers quit Roger Stone caseFour attorneys on the Roger Stone prosecution team quit after the U.S. Justice Department made a rare intervention on behalf of President Trump's ally. The move raises questions about judicial independence. Stone was convicted of witness tampering and lying to Congress.
The ExplainerWill the Equal Rights Amendment cross the finish line? Three questions.As of January, the ERA has finally been ratified by enough states. But it’s not clear if the amendment is part of the Constitution yet. Here’s why.
How quickly should courts change the law? Florida tests the limit.The Florida Supreme Court last month rolled back a 2016 death penalty decision, causing chaos on death row and challenging a cornerstone of U.S. law.
