All Law & Courts
- The ExplainerThree questions on California’s new privacy law
The California Consumer Privacy Act went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Here’s what you need to know.
- First LookStates sue over 'reckless' shift in 3D-printed gun regulation
A coalition of attorneys general is arguing that the Commerce Department lacks the power to keep blueprints for so-called "Ghost Guns" offline.
- Are racial gaps in US justice system inevitable? New data shows progress.
Racial disparities have declined dramatically since 2000, a recent criminal justice report finds. Here, several charts and maps show the progress.
- FocusAs Roberts enters fray, legacy of judicial independence at stake
John Roberts is about to spend more time in the spotlight than he ever has since confirmed in 2005. At stake: the legacy of his beloved Supreme Court.
- First LookWeinstein's trial looms in wake of #MeToo movement
Harvey Weinstein faces a criminal trial this week that could put him in prison for the rest of his life. He's charged with rape and sexual assault.
- Trump presidency’s most lasting impact? A transformed judiciary.
The volume of confirmed judges is arguably the greatest achievement of Mr. Trump’s first term, and undoubtedly will be his longest lasting.
- First LookUnder 30 US executions for fifth-straight year, report says
Even as the Justice Department moves to resume capital punishment, nationwide use of the death penalty continues to contract, a new report finds.
- First LookAfter court rules racial bias, man freed after 22 years
The Supreme Court found an unconstitutional pattern of excluding African American jurors for the six separate trials of a Mississippi murder case.
- First LookU.S. Supreme Court to hear its first major gun case since 2010
A case backed by the National Rifle Association is at the Supreme Court. The case challenges restrictions on licensed gun owners transporting guns.
- What’s the best way to ensure impartial judges? Delaware prompts a rethink.
Amid concerns about the money pouring into judicial election campaigns around the country, some hope a Delaware case could spur a reform movement.
- First LookWarrantless searches of devices at ports illegal, court rules
At airports and other ports of entry, phones and computers are often searched. A federal court said warrantless searches violate the Fourth Amendment.
- The Explainer‘Watchmen’ brings 1921 Tulsa massacre to the fore: Three questions
The massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was largely forgotten, even by those living in the state. But as many as 300 black people died.
- DACA recipients get their day at the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court’s decision could have major consequences both for presidential power and for the 700,000 DACA recipients.
- The ExplainerThe 25th Amendment: Three questions about a tool to oust presidents
Some Donald Trump critics are calling for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove a president who is “unable to discharge [his] powers and duties.”
- First LookNYC's notorious Rikers jail set be replaced by 2026
New York City Council voted to close Rikers and build four new smaller jails. They also plan to reduce the jail population by more than half.
- Fired for being gay? LGBTQ rights return to Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today on whether federal law prohibits employment discrimination against LGBTQ people.
- Supreme Court conservatives poised to make their mark in new term
The U.S. Supreme Court, which started its term Monday, has a docket filled with culture war issues like LGBTQ rights, abortion, and religious liberty.
- Immigrant groups sought relief from Trump in court. It isn’t working.
Last week, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration’s new restrictive rule on asylum-seekers to stand while the legal battle plays out.
- An unlikely tool to help assault survivors: consumer protection law
A campus crime reporting law is being used to hold schools accountable for communication, and to offer a way forward for survivors of sexual assault.
- When keepers of the peace harbor hate
Technology has helped to reveal a thread of racism running through some U.S. police forces. That’s the first step. Now what?