All Law & Courts
First LookHave 'Making a Murderer' fans gone too far in support of Steven Avery?The 10-part Netflix series spurred lively debates about the criminal justice system. But local residents say the show has had real-life consequences for Manitowoc, Wis., including bomb threats.
First LookCosby trial: Why judge dismissed ex-prosecutor's back room deal with actorThe focus of the first criminal case against Bill Cosby turns to a civil deposition given by the comedian after the judge rejected an informal non-prosecution agreement.
San Francisco lesson: to help police departments, less could be moreThe Justice Department frustrated critics who wanted a tough crackdown on San Francisco police. But a softer approach could help, too.
First LookRobert Durst agrees to seven-year jail term: Are murder charges coming next?The real estate heir Robert Durst pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as part of a plea agreement and could soon face a trial for murder.
First LookSerial's Adnan Syed returns to court. What happens now?'Serial' star Adnan Syed, serving a life sentence after his 2000 murder conviction, returns to a Maryland appeals court Wednesday to request a new trial.
First LookUS breaks exoneration record for third year in a row: What's driving the trend?Courts cleared a record number of wrongful conviction cases in 2015, with Texas in the lead, according to a report released Wednesday.
First LookFerguson police overhaul: Residents finally have their sayThe City Council will vote on a proposed overhaul of the police department, meant to protect safety and civil rights, after a series of public hearings.
First LookBizarre twist in Cosby case: former prosecutor testifies on his behalfBill Cosby's lawyers hope the former district attorney's 2005 deal not to prosecute the actor for his testimony will negate the only criminal case brought against him, despite years of allegations.
San Francisco police face Justice Department reviewThe review comes amid calls for the city police chief's removal sparked when five officers opened fire and killed a 26-year-old man in the on Dec. 2.
What happens when you pull over a police officer?A Florida woman recently filmed a motorist she believed to be speeding and pulled him over, even though that motorist was a police officer.
First LookChicago homicides spike in January: Echoes of city's past struggles with violence?Chicago saw its bloodiest January in 16 years last month, continuing an uptick in violent crime from last year that is now playing out amidst a deepening mistrust between public and the police.
First LookIrregular traffic stop: Miami cop pulled over for speedingA series of videos showing the stop illustrates how citizen videos of police don't just have to focus on use-of-force.
One percent of Chicago police named in nearly 33 percent of complaintsJust 124 of Chicago's 12,000 officers are named in nearly one third of lawsuits settled since 2009, costing the city $34 million.
First LookThree California inmates recaptured: Did security lapses enable their escape?Deputies at the Orange County jail that housed the three inmates had complained for a year that the jail wasn't following departmental policy on inmate counts.
Two escaped California inmates captured thanks to a tipA white van used by the two escaped inmates was spotted outside a Whole Foods store in San Francisco.
San Francisco police take anti-racism vow. Will it work?San Francisco police will recite an anti-racism pledge. Can a pledge restore public trust?
Ransacked Oregon refuge: Sign of disdain toward America’s rangers?A public backlash against the Malheur occupiers also suggests American sympathy for those who work for the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Fish and Wildlife Department.
More than 600 animals rescued from North Carolina no-kill shelterDogs, cats, horses and other critters were saved in one of the largest rescues of companion animals in the history of the ASPCA.
Were Clinton 'top secret' emails illegal? What history tells us about such casesHillary Clinton's home email server contained top-secret messages. But it's not uncommon for workers with access to classified material to mishandle it.
First LookChicago's mental health 'crisis': Is reform of police enough?Following a series of shootings by Chicago police of people suffering with mental illness, the mayor has demanded changes to the way police responded to mental health crises.
