All Law & Courts
Chicago officer files countersuit in fatal shooting: A precedent?The officer is suing the estate of a teenager he fatally shot – a legal tactic that more officers could turn to, despite the adverse impact it could have on police-community relations.
First LookReports of federal grand jury buoys hope for Eric Garner familyAfter a Staten Island grand jury chose not to bring criminal charges over the death of Eric Garner, there seemed little hope of legal action. However, a recent federal grand jury may give the case a second chance.
Why is Cleveland charging $500 to family of Tamir Rice?Meanwhile, a Chicago police officer who shot and killed a black teenager two years ago, is suing the victim's estate.
First LookInfant caught in gang crossfire: a reminder of the Compton's violent pastAuthorities say the gunfire that killed Autumn Johnson was probably intended for her father, a gang member. Though Compton has made tremendous strides in reducing violence, the city falls short of eliminating all traces of its violent reputation.
First LookUS Justice Department loses patience with Ferguson City CouncilMembers of the Ferguson City Council have said that financial obstacles prevent them from accepting the Department of Justice's suggested reforms whole-cloth.
Justice Dept. sues Ferguson for civil rights, but city might have a pointEven criminal justice reform advocates acknowledge that Ferguson, Mo., is broke, and the Justice Department's demands will be expensive.
Supreme Court blocks Clean Power Plan, but perhaps not its goalsAn unprecedented move by the Supreme Court could put President Obama's Clean Power Plan in jeopardy, as well as America's leadership role in the Paris climate change treaty. But its goals are already under way.
First LookKim Davis and the Kentucky compromise: a way forward for Evangelical officials?A federal judge has approved the Rowan County clerk's decision to remove her name from all marriage licenses to avoid appearing to personally sanction same-sex marriages.
First LookMarShawn McCarrel: Columbus community remembers its 'shining star'The Ohio-based activist's death rocked the local civil rights community, leaving his loved ones and admirers struggling to understand why he would choose to take his own life.
Parole hearing set for Robert Kennedy assassinSirhan Sirhan has given no hint that he will change his version of events at his 15th parole hearing on Wednesday in San Diego.
First LookFerguson city council chose cost over justice, say residentsAfter months of negotiation with the Department of Justice, the Ferguson city council approved a plan for police reform – but with some last minute cost caveats.
Should ex-convicts have the right to vote? Maryland now says yesMaryland becomes the 17th state to allow ex-convicts to vote after completing their prison terms and while serving probation or parole.
- First LookKayla Mueller's captor: Iraqi woman charged, but extradition to US uncertain
Umm Sayyaf reportedly told Iraqi officials that she held the American aid worker captive. Ms. Sayyaf is currently being held on terrorism charges in her native Iraq.
First LookCouple accused of enslaving nanny shines spotlight on national problemAround two million domestic workers are employed in the United States, often as nannies or maids. Because of workers' isolation and immigration status, abuse is common.
How churches are protecting immigrants from deportationIn the wake of recent federal immigration raids, dozens of churches across the country are now reviving the sanctuary movement to help shelter immigrants fleeing violence in Central America.
- Why Twitter is cracking down on terrorist tweets
Twitter says that it's struggling to achieve balance between bearing responsibility and avoiding becoming the arbiter of free speech.
New trend: States taking guns away from domestic abusersLawmakers and governors of both parties have supported bills stripping gun rights from those who have been convicted of domestic violence-related crimes. What's the NRA's position?
First LookWhat's being done to combat rise in stabbings in New York City?The rate of stabbings has risen in New York City, but city officials caution against labeling it as a trend.
What's behind record exonerations for wrongful convictionsThere were a record 149 exonerations in the US last year as prosecutors realize this is a 'serious public problem.'
First LookIn landmark case, L.A. doctor sentenced to 30-years in jail for overdose deathsThe guilty verdict shows the evolving understanding of drug addiction, and the need to find solutions for a growing epidemic.
