All Law & Courts
First LookShooting of autistic man's caretaker renews pain of recent police violenceNorth Miami police shot a black man trying to help a man diagnosed with autism, raising questions about police relations with not only the black community, but also with the disabled.
First LookFederal court strikes down Texas' voter ID law, orders fix before NovemberA federal appeals court ruled that Texas' voter ID law discriminated against minorities and the poor and must be changed before November's election.
Massachusetts cracks down on 'copycat' assault weaponsMassachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey says the gun industry has openly defied the law and her office has a moral and legal responsibility to enforce it.
Report: Baton Rouge shooter interested in sovereign citizens movementThe former Marine who killed three police officers identified with a growing movement whose adherents believe they're immune to most state and federal laws.
Baton Rouge tragedy puts focus on challenges faced by black officersSome African-American police veterans see an opportunity for black cops to play a special role in reducing police-community tensions. But ambush killings show the risks that officers of all races face.
Obama after Baton Rouge: 'We need to open our hearts'A former Marine killed three policemen in Baton Rouge on Sunday, less than two weeks after Alton Sterling was fatally shot by police, sparking nightly protests.
Wash. state Supreme Court invalidates lock-change provision in mortgagesThe decision clears the way for a federal class-action case on behalf of at least 3,600 borrowers in the state, which could have broad ramifications on how some lenders respond when homeowners miss payments.
Several on-duty officers shot in Baton Rouge; officials say scene is containedThe shooting, which took place less than 1 mile from police headquarters, comes amid spiraling tensions across the city – and the country – about race and law enforcement.
VA Supreme Court to hear Republican challenge over ex-felons' voting rightsIn April, Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order restoring the vote to felons who have completed their sentences.
A push to help gay couples find wedding joy – without rejectionGay couples worry about rejection when they search for wedding vendors. A new suite of businesses is growing to serve them – and head off conflict. Part 7 of seven.
Behind America's racial tensions, a deeper problem: segregationThe Minnesota police shooting is a tale of two cities, and it is not alone.
Can a California homeowner be sued for a wildfire?The federal government is arguing that homeowners who neglect fire prevention measures are liable for the costs of fighting any resulting wildfires.
Dallas PD's uncertain example on race and policingAfter Thursday's mass shooting, Dallas Police Chief David Brown has been lauded for the remarkable progress of the department during his tenure. But black Dallas activists say the praise ignores problems that remain.
For those on front lines of religious liberty battle, a very human costConservative Christians who have gone to court rather than serve gay clients against their religious convictions have lost their cases, and in some instances, much more. Part 6 of seven.
North Carolina voter law could put 29,000 ballots at risk, report saysAs a federal court weighs challenges to to North Carolina's voting laws, a review of election data by Reuters suggests the 2013 law has impacted minority voters.
Beyond protests, St. Paul shows how police and community can find solutionsSt. Paul, Minn., has seen a dramatic drop in juvenile crime and arrests since it implemented a new program three years ago.
First LookBaltimore police on edge after shootout with man bearing AR-15-style riflePolice say they were drawn to the scene by the sounds of shots, but officers have yet to discover any intended victim, raising concerns that the shooter may have been trying to lure police to scene.
Is wedding photography art? A wrinkle in religious liberty debate.Can refusing to take wedding pictures for a gay couple be a free speech issue, not just a question of religious freedom? So far, courts are saying 'no.' Part 5 of seven.
Could the proposed 'Back the Blue Act' deter assaults on law enforcement?A new bill introduced by Republican lawmakers aims to reduce targeted attacks on police officers by establishing mandatory minimum sentences, but some say the act is unlikely to have an effect.
What is the protocol for an interaction between police and legal gun-carriers?The investigation of the fatal shooting of Philando Castile will focus on how officers handled Castile's alert that he was carrying a gun – the Monitor talked to gun safety trainers about how these situations should proceed.
