All Law & Courts
First LookRight punishment? After 37 years, Arthur Johnson freed from solitary confinementArthur Johnson freed from solitary confinement: A federal judge ruled that a Philadelphia man’s three-decade long stint in solitary confinement will soon come to an end, mirroring a nationwide push to curtail the use of the punishment.
Protests in Charlotte turn violent Wednesday nightOne man was shot and killed as protesters gathered near police in riot gear at an upscale downtown Charlotte hotel Wednesday night.
In wake of Tulsa shooting, a new look at role of policewomenThe fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a female police officer is extremely rare. Research suggests female officers typically find ways to deescalate tense situations.
First LookWhy a Vegas judge ordered attorney to remove 'Black Lives Matter' pinThe defense attorney argues her free speech rights are being infringed. Another hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Tulsa's police chief vows to do 'the right thing.' What does that look like?Tulsa takes a first step by quickly releasing the video of a local officer shooting a black man. But to avoid the protests in other cities, experts say the department will have to investigate thoroughly and communicate well.
National crime rates rise, but only in three citiesA spike in crime, particularly homicides, may stoke anxieties for the average citizen, but a new study shows that the nationwide crime rate is far from 'out of control.'
New York City and New Jersey bombs: Are they linked?Law enforcement officials worked to determine whether there was a connection between explosive devices found over the weekend in a Manhattan, a pipe bomb blast at a Jersey shore town, and five explosive devices founded at a New Jersey train station.
Shooter in Philadelphia targeted cops, left a 'rambling' noteThe unidentified gunman wounded Sgt. Sylvia Young, a 19-year police veteran, while she was sitting in her patrol car in west Philadelphia. A woman and the gunman were killed, five others wounded, including two police officers.
Arizona reaches settlement on controversial immigration lawThe state concluded a drawn out legal battle with rights groups this week, after years of debate about requirements that law enforcement officials check the immigration status of individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants.
Top cop retires, ending tough-on-crime era in NYC. What's next?Commissioner Bratton steps down after four decades of reducing crime in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. But in the wake of protests and shootings, many police departments are now working on rebuilding trust with their communities.
First LookCinemark drops bid to recoup $700,000 in litigation costs from Aurora victimsCinemark, having successfully fought a lawsuit brought on by victims of the 2012 Colorado theater shooting, will not pursue incurred legal costs.
Inmates on strike: Will it shift the conversation about US prisoners' rights?A nationwide inmate strike could lead to more public conversations about reforming America's criminal justice system.
Muslim leaders say suspect's arson doesn't 'speak on behalf of his religion'A 32-year-old Florida man has been arrested and is facing a charge of arson and hate crime in a fire that heavily damaged a mosque that Orlando nightclub gunman Omar Mateen attended, authorities announced Wednesday.
Prosecutor: Occupiers being tried for actions, not beliefsAttorneys for the seven defendants countered in opening arguments that the occupiers were engaged in a peaceful, legitimate protest.
Why two police departments stopped using body camerasAbout a third of the nation's 18,000 police agencies are either testing body cameras or have embraced them. But police in Indiana and Connecticut suspended their body camera programs citing high video-storage costs.
John Hinckley Jr.: How Reagan assassination attempt changed gun controlJohn Hinckley, Jr., a mentally ill would-be assassin spurred gun control with the 1993 Brady Act. How much has the Brady law really changed gun control in the United States?
National anthem protest and Sept. 11: Why Brandon Marshall lost a sponsorBrandon Marshall loses sponsor. Why more NFL players now say they will also protest the national anthem – this time during the Sept. 11, 2001 commemoration events on Sunday.
Why red state voting laws keep getting struck downA Michigan law banning 'straight-ticket voting' is the latest example, with the Supreme Court allowing it to be struck down Friday. Concerns over minority voting rights – and big data to back them – are having an effect.
Straight-party voting can continue in Michigan: How many states allow it?So-called straight-party voting allows voters to support all candidates from one party with a single mark.
Is Alabama’s judiciary too white?Appellate judges in Alabama are elected through an 'at-large' system that critics say discriminates against black judicial candidates in a state still struggling with a racially-charged past.
