All Law & Courts
President Obama’s 944 commutations: Why he’s releasing prisonersPresident Obama's commutations are part of an effort to reform the United States' criminal justice system, from mandatory minimum sentencing to re-entry programs for released prisoners.
Kala Brown found alive in South Carolina storage containerKala Brown and her boyfriend disappeared two months ago. She was found 'chained up like a dog' in a dark storage container on a 100-acre South Carolina property.
Why Kim Davis is being sued to pay gay, straight couples' legal feesKim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses because of her religious beliefs, is being asked by those couples to pay the legal fees for the court proceedings that followed.
Bridgegate: Two Christie aides found guilty of creating epic traffic jamTwo former aides to Gov. Chris Christie were convicted Friday of creating a four-day traffic jam at the George Washington Bridge for what prosecutors say was political revenge.
First LookAlabama death row inmate gets seventh stay of execution: Why now?The US Supreme Court did not give a reason for the stay, which it ordered on Thursday. Thomas Arthur's lawyers have been fighting the use of a controversial execution drug.
First LookPenn State fined record $2.4 million for handling of Sandusky abuse claimsThe government levied the fine under the Clery Act, saying that Penn State failed to be sufficiently open about campus safety issues.
Obama expresses support for native Americans in pipeline clashIn an interview with social media news organization NowThis, the president called for peace and restraint on both sides. He also said that the US Army Corps of Engineers is looking into alternative paths for the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Is the cash bail system rigged against the poor? Reform movement swells.Officials in San Francisco have backed a lawsuit against their own city that claims its cash bail system is discriminatory. As the bail reform movement grows, advocates are seeking to eradicate the monetary system entirely.
First LookShould Trump’s campaign tweets be evidence in Trump University trial?With the Trump University lawsuit trial slated to begin at the end of the month, his lawyers are arguing that any campaign rhetoric – including tweets – should be excluded from the proceedings.
In New York, is it time for a change in Muslim surveillance laws?A federal judge rejected a settlement regarding the New York Police Department's surveillance program targeting Muslim-Americans after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Bill Cosby sexual assault defense: Challenging the memory of witnesses?Bill Cosby's lawyers filed a motion for a competency hearing, but some psychologists and legal experts say cross-examination could be a better way to assess accusers' memories.
First LookDNC interim chair Donna Brazile loses CNN gig after Wikileaks releaseThe latest revelation comes as Democratic leaders try to restore trust, especially among supporters of Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign.
Indiana child re-sentenced for murder: A sign of juvenile justice reform?Child advocates say there is a key difference between the developmental needs of children and punishments deemed appropriate for fully formed adults.
First LookVideo takes center stage in Charleston and Cincinnati police murder trialsWhat do the fatal police shootings of Walter Scott and Samuel DuBose reveal about the use of videos and path to justice?
Dharun Ravi pleads guilty in new trial on Rutgers webcam caseTyler Clementi's suicide after roommate Dharun Ravi's actions started a national conversation about cyberbullying and homophobia.
First LookSupreme Court to tackle transgender bathroom rulesThe US Supreme Court unexpectedly announced Friday it will take up a case on transgender bathroom rights for the first time next year.
Could these large-scale prison protests lead to better conditions for inmates?As the US prison strikes stretch on, how closely is the country really listening?
First LookFamed US gymnastics team coaches knew of abuse, lawsuit claimsBela and Marta Karolyi knew about molestations occurring at their training camp, says an anonymous 24-year-old former gymnast in a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Thursday.
First LookIn 'stunning victory' for defense, jury acquits Oregon's Malheur occupiersMalheur occupation trial: After a drawn-out trial, Oregon occupiers Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy, along with five of their fellow protesters, were found not guilty of federal conspiracy charges and firearm possession.
Lawyer says U.S. Supreme Justice Clarence Thomas groped her in 1999Thomas, in a statement to the National Law Journal, said, "The claim is preposterous and it never happened."
