All Law & Courts
First LookWhat Supreme Court's ruling on death penalty sentencing means for FloridaThe US Supreme Court’s ruling in Hurst v. Florida will change how the state handles its capital punishment sentencing, granting juries the final decision when handing down the death penalty.
Should prisoners get a free college degree? Why opinions are shifting.A Bill Clinton-era, get-tough-on-crime bill targeted college programs for inmates. But the programs showed success, and with prison populations teeming, they're coming back into favor.
- US Supreme Court deals blow to death penalty in Florida case
The US Supreme Court ruled 8 to 1 Tuesday against a controversial legal procedure used in Florida death penalty cases.
- First Look'Affluenza' mom makes bail, but not off hook for son's brazen flight
Tonya Couch will be monitored electronically, subject to drug testing, and required to report to authorities weekly.
First LookWhy MADD wants 'Affluenza' teen Ethan Couch tried as an adultMothers Against Drunk Driving demands that the so-called 'affluenza' teenager, Ethan Couch, be held accountable as an adult for his 'blatant disregard' for the law.
First LookGM ignition switch trial: Did President Obama protect the automaker?President Obama has taken credit for rescuing Detroit automaker General Motors when it was on the brink of bankruptcy. But some question whether the administration also helped GM by slowing its recall on faulty ignition switches.
First LookHow FBI caught a $4 million jewelry store robbery suspectA combination of technology and traditional police work led the FBI to Abigail Lee Kemp, who is suspected of about stealing $4 million from jewelry stores across five Southern states.
First LookFour Brooklyn rape suspects caught: Does NYC have a rape problem?Incidents of rape are rising in New York City, but those who provide services to victims attribute the rise to better reporting of the crime.
Freddie Gray van driver trial: High stakes for BaltimoreAfter Officer William G. Porter's case ended with a deadlocked jury, activists in Baltimore say they hope that the trial of Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., which begins Monday, will result in a guilty verdict.
Why this California teacher took her union to the US Supreme CourtIn a potential watershed labor case, the Supreme Court is poised to weigh if mandatory ‘fair share’ union fees violate the First Amendment. Rebecca Friedrichs, the teacher at the center of the case, speaks out.
For black officers, police controversies hit close to homeBlack police officers know the challenges of being a cop but also say they aren't immune to the type of incidents that have made headlines in recent months.
Freddie Gray van driver to give his side of story in Monday trialCaesar Goodson, the police driver behind the wheel of the van that carried Freddie Gray from the site of his arrest to the Western District police station in Baltimore, is the second police officer to be tried Mr. Gray's death.
Armed Oregon occupation: Is it really about white poverty in the West?Ammon Bundy says that federal land management practices are pushing more people into poverty, highlighting a serious rural economic problem.
Will Mexico extradite 'El Chapo' to a prison in the US?Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is in custody again. But American authorities say he'll be more secure in a US prison. After two escapes, why might Mexico want to keep him?
Philly suspect blames Allah: Are US police shootings on the rise?Edward Archer confessed to shooting Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett and told investigators he was following Allah. Archer's mother says he's been hearing voices.
First LookArrest of Syrian refugee with ISIS ties reignites asylum concernsThe arrest of two men in the United States have renewed concerns over the US refugee program in Syria. The pair were arrested on terrorist-related charges.
First LookOn-duty police officer ambushed in Philadelphia. How to respond?A Philadelphia police officer was ambushed while on patrol, just days after President Obama called for a renewed national conversation about gun control.
Roy Moore: the Alabama judge who 'relishes' gay marriage fightRoy Moore, Alabama's top justice, told state judges not to issue gay marriage licenses – in defiance of the US Supreme Court. That's classic Roy Moore.
New York City to start monitoring 'discriminatory' surveillance by policeA settlement on two lawsuits requires the city to appoint a monitor, who will keep an eye on NYPD terrorism investigations for the next five years.
First LookAmid effort to improve Muslim relations, N.Y. appoints civilian monitor of NYPDAs part of a settlement deal in two civil rights lawsuits, New York City will bar investigations based on race, ethnicity, and religion, lawyers said Thursday, following outreach efforts in recent months.
