All Law & Courts
First LookPoll: Americans have relatively high confidence in Supreme CourtA Gallup survey found that 37 percent of Americans have a great deal of confidence in the Supreme Court, while another 42 percent have "some" confidence. Fewer Americans – only 11 percent – have high confidence in Congress.
First LookTrump nominates GOP favorite Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme CourtPresident Trump's nomination of conservative Brett Kavanaugh has received mixed responses as Judge Kavanaugh is expected to be less progressive than his predecessor former Justice Anthony Kennedy on prominent social issues such as abortion and gay marriage.
FocusWith 'zero tolerance,' new strain on already struggling immigration courtsImmigration court judges have a bench-side view of the stresses already placed on the system. The Monitor's Texas bureau chief interviewed former and current judges about the effects of the Trump administration's changes.
First LookVermont rolls out a new idea to rehabilitate young offendersOffenders under 21 have the highest rates of recidivism and Vermont wants to end that cycle. The state became the first to pass a law, the first stage of which went into effect July 1, that allows some teenagers 18 and older to be persecuted through the juvenile justice system instead of the adult criminal system.
With departure of swing vote, a pivotal moment for the Supreme CourtJustice Anthony Kennedy was the crucial fifth vote on cases from Bush v. Gore, which gave the presidency to George W. Bush, to Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage.
Court ruling a blow, not a knockout, to public unionsBy ruling that public sector unions couldn't compel nonmembers to pay contributions, the US Supreme Court has presented new challenges to the political and economic clout of organized labor at a time of rising inequality.
First LookFederal judge orders for separated families to be reunited within 30 daysIf children are younger than 5, the judge in California said they must be reunited with their parents within 14 days, but it's unclear how border authorities will meet these deadlines issued by the federal judge.
In travel ban decision, Supreme Court shows judicial deference to presidencyIn a 5-to-4 vote along ideological lines, the high court reversed a lower court injunction blocking the order’s implementation.
Supreme Court ruling has 'huge' implications for voting rightsThe final week in June is always a big one for Supreme Court watchers, and this week will bring major decisions on the Trump White House's travel ban and the future of public unions. Today, the justices issued a ruling with 'huge ramifications' for voting rights law.
Cell signal: What high court ruling may mean for future of digital privacyWhat expectation of privacy do consumers have in an increasingly technological world? New technology is forcing more answers – and reinterpretation of the Constitution.
First LookOnline shopping just got a bit more expensive with new sales tax ruleThe US Supreme Court ruled that states will be able place sales taxes on items from out of state, but analysts say businesses most likely won't lose many customers, as most shoppers find online shopping too convenient to give up.
On US-Mexican border, the rules change, but human impulses don'tImmigration is a topic heavy with statistics and policy proposals. But it's also about humanity. Our reporter went to the Texas-Mexico border to hear stories from people on both sides.
First LookSupreme Court: gerrymandering arguments must prove harm to votersThe high court overturned a Wisconsin ruling, and issued two largely procedural decisions on Monday, disappointing Democrats. The Supreme Court will decide whether to hear two North Carolina cases in June. Both states are important swing states.
Family separation: Evangelicals add their voices to oppositionFor many white Evangelicals, the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to asylum-seekers is putting their support for President Trump in conflict with their reverence for the sanctity of families.
On election issues, US Supreme Court sticks to the shallowsAfter seeming poised to finally define a key unknown in American democracy – when partisan gerrymandering becomes extreme enough to be considered illegal – the high court demurred on Monday.
Amid legal attack on key health-law provision, uncertainty and uproarThe latest legal battle over "Obamacare" pits the Trump administration against Republicans in Congress, highlighting a value that spans partisan divides: concern for helping people with "preexisting conditions."
Inspector general on Comey: dissecting an error in judgmentThe former FBI director violated policies and procedures when he commented publicly about the revived Clinton investigation, the Justice Department inspector general concluded.
After asylum limits, some ask: Does 'gang violence' need a new name?On Monday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that domestic abuse and gang violence cannot be considered grounds for asylum.
First LookSessions rules domestic, gang violence not grounds for seeking asylumIn a 31-page decision Attorney General Jeff Sessions has ruled that judges cannot "generally" accept victims of domestic or gang violence to be given asylum. Immigration advocates say there could be tens of thousands of domestic violence cases in court backlogs.
Next up for prison reform: how best to use education as a path forwardWith high incarceration rates, the United States is focused on reducing recidivism. Providing access to education is one way to do so, offering a sense of engagement and value to those who are transitioning back into society.
