All Law & Courts
First LookIn wake of Dallas ambush, police mourn deadliest day since 9/11Police say the perpetrator of the shootings said he targeted not just police, but white people.
Behind Philando Castile video, a deep yearning for justiceOne woman's video of her dying fiancé is a chilling glimpse into how powerless many black Americans feel – and how they're using their cellphones to change that.
Why Dylann Roof's lawyers are challenging federal hate crimes lawLawyers for Mr. Roof, who is accused of killing nine black people at the Emanuel AME church in Charleston, say the federal charges infringe on a state murder trial.
First LookMinnesota man shot as police use of force retakes the spotlightPolice shot a black man during a traffic stop in Minnesota Wednesday night, the same week that police force against minorities emerged in the national spotlight after an incident in Louisiana.
How response to Alton Sterling shooting is different – and maybe the sameFollowing the shooting of a black man at the hands of local police, Louisiana's governor called on the Justice Department to investigate. Civil rights advocates say it's window dressing. But others say it could be a sign officials are learning from past mistakes.
Appeals court hears warrantless spying case. Could it change surveillance law?An Oregon man convicted for a bomb plot says federal agents obtained evidence via what he argues is an unconstitutional surveillance program.
First LookVideo plays a crucial role in Alton Sterling shootingAlton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, was shot by police outside of a Baton Rouge convenience store. Unverified video footage of the encounter, which ended in Mr. Sterling's death, was posted online.
Need police help? Why some cities are reluctant to offer 911 textsOnly about 12 percent of the 6,000 police dispatch centers in the US allow text-to-911. But 150 more cities are upgrading.
First LookJudge strikes down Indiana law barring discriminatory abortionA federal judge ruled Indiana's abortion law unconstitutional Thursday in yet another blow to pro-life advocates this week.
Baltimore Police Department revamps 'use of force' policies: Is it enough?Baltimore follows other major American cities in overhauling policing practices to limit and better monitor uses of force.
First LookWhy the case against Mississippi's religious objections law was differentIn his ruling against a Mississippi state law Thursday evening, a judge further defines the distinction between religious freedom and separation of church and state.
How Scalia's legacy echoes in Supreme Court's final decision of the termIn the ruling, which unanimously vacated the 2014 federal corruption conviction of former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell, both Scalia’s vision for the high court and his concerns for it were on display.
First LookSupreme Court rejects religious objections to birth control salesThe US Supreme Court let stand a July 2015 lower court ruling that a Washington State statute should protect women's access to contraceptives.
First LookSupreme Court citizenship case: Should the genders of parents' matter?The Supreme Court will take on the distinction in current immigration law between mothers and fathers when determining a child's citizenship.
How Supreme Court's abortion ruling could echo beyond TexasTexas was one of many states to pass restrictive antiabortion legislation in recent years. Some of those laws could now be under threat.
In unanimous ruling, Supreme Court clears former Virginia governorMonday's ruling vacating the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell could change the way federal prosecutors approach bribery cases against politicians.
Arizona runs out of lethal injection drugs: Is this how the death penalty dies?Arizona drugs shortfall is part of an increasingly poignant national debate that has put the ethics of the death penalty at odds with its practicality.
Supreme Court ruling a green light for affirmative action 'experimentation'By upholding a University of Texas admissions policy, the Supreme Court has boosted those seeking to look at diversity more deeply.
First LookIn driver's acquittal, more of the same for those seeking justice for Freddie GrayA Baltimore circuit judge's absolution of Caesar Goodson is seen as a major blow to those hoping for criminal justice reform.
Why the NRA and ACLU take same side of 'no fly' gun debateThe American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association are rarely on the same side. But linking gun control and the 'no fly' terror list is an exception.
