All Law & Courts
Why Texas ban on 'sanctuary cities' divides local law enforcementTexas's controversial new law raises important questions about whether enforcing a federal law should always trump enforcement of local laws, and whether local officers ultimately will take their orders from their chief – or the president.
First LookUS Attorney General directs prosecutors to go for harsher punishmentsThe new policy reverses the Obama-era stance, which was aimed at reducing prison populations.
First LookUS appeals court hears arguments on revised version of travel banAt issue is the question of whether the ban was motivated by national security. Many experts point to President Trump's campaign rhetoric about a 'Muslim ban' as evidence a religious basis for the order, which would be unconstitutional.
Are government leakers bringing about the end of secrets?In an age of Wikileaks, Hal Martin, and Shadow Brokers, is the US overclassifying documents it cannot protect?
Does Walter Scott plea deal offer a path forward for justice in police killings?Former officer Michael Slager's guilty plea comes at a time of critical exploration of the line between cultural and legal deference to police, and a growing imperative for officers to respect the lives of citizens.
First LookBoston sees slow progress on race in police stopsAn Associated Press review found a vast majority of police-civilian encounters from 2015 to 2016 involved persons of color, even as Boston enlists the help of independent researchers.
First LookHow does Trump plan to stop illegal immigration? A Texas court offers a model approachThe west Texas court is billed as the toughest immigration court in the land, but could its strategy work on a national level?
Witnesses to execution test a 'somber' civic dutyArkansas requires six 'respectable' citizens to witness executions – a task it struggled to find volunteers for as it executes its first prisoners since 2005. At the same time, states have become increasingly secretive about the mechanics of capital punishment.
First LookAfter legal roadblocks, Arkansas performs its first execution since 2005The state originally wanted to put eight inmates to death before its supply of a drug used in lethal injection expires at the end of April. Overcoming last minute legal hurdles, the first inmate, Ledell Lee, was executed Thursday night.
Progress WatchAcross US, states answering cries for police reformsLargely overshadowed by the emotional protests demanding police reforms, a wave of legislation and executive orders has been enacted at the state level in the past two years.
First LookArkansas executions face new legal roadblocksFor the second time this week, court rulings halt efforts in Arkansas to carry out its first executions since 2005.
First LookIn first day on Supreme Court, Gorsuch is an 'energetic questioner'Justice Neil Gorsuch's inquiries in the three cases heard by the Supreme Court on Monday often revealed a Scalia-style emphasis on the text of the statutes themselves.
Amid Arkansas death penalty debate, concern for the executionersArkansas is planning to execute seven prisoners in 11 days starting Monday. This week, 23 former corrections officials pleaded with the governor to reconsider, warning that participating in executions can exact a 'severe toll on corrections officers’ well-being.'
Sessions announces revamp of immigration law system. Will it help?Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a plan Tuesday to add more immigration judges to the courts, a move that many call long overdue. But some worry that an uptick in immigrant detention will keep a case backlog in place.
US drops out of top 5 death penalty countries in the worldIn the US, the number of people executed – 20 – fell to levels not seen since 1991, according to an Amnesty International report. Worldwide, use of capital punishment dropped by 37 percent.
Neil Gorsuch heads to a Supreme Court changed by his appointmentThe Senate voted Friday to confirm Neil Gorsuch. An ugly political fight and the dropping of a 200-year-old rule meant to ensure bipartisan candidates has raised concerns about whether the high court will be perceived as more political.
FocusHas bail reform in America finally reached a tipping point?The US Justice Department estimates that 450,000 Americans are stuck in limbo every day, imprisoned before their day in court. Studies have found that it costs more for cities to jail those who can’t afford bail than they accrue in fees.
Trump’s bid to federalize cops faces roadblock: copsNot only do local police departments not have the budget or manpower to hunt for undocumented immigrants, police say prioritizing immigration could in some cases make it more difficult to keep their communities safe.
First LookWhy California prosecutors charged anti-abortion activists who secretly filmed Planned ParenthoodActivists David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt face 15 felony counts, including criminal conspiracy to invade privacy.
First LookFormer ‘Apprentice’ contestant sues Trump. Will presidential immunity shield him?Summer Zervos first accused Donald Trump of making unwanted advances in October. The then-presidential candidate dubbed her and other women who made similar claims 'liars.' Now, Ms. Zervos is suing for an apology and $2,914.
