All Law & Courts
- Georgia prosecutor seeks to indict cop who shot naked black man
Anthony Hill, who was fatally shot by police, was a U.S. Air Force veteran who struggled with mental health problems, says his family.
First LookAs Sandra Bland's arresting officer is indicted, her family pushes for moreTexas State Trooper Brian Encinia was indicted on Wednesday by a grand jury on a charge of perjury. Her sister called the charge 'bittersweet,' saying the traffic stop that led to her death could have been avoided.
First LookWhy Alabama's top judge just revived the same-sex marriage banDefying the US Supreme Court ruling that prohibits any ban on gay marriage, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore ordered the state's probate judges Wednesday to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
First LookWhy voters are calling for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to be recalledEvidence in the trial of Darius Pinex, a black man shot and killed by police in 2011 during a traffic stop, suggests that Chicago's law department concealed evidence to protect city officials. Now, activists want to oust Mayor Emanuel.
Couple attempted to keep Amish girls as sex slaves: Sentenced to 25 yearsIn New York, Stephen Howells and his girlfriend Nicole Vaisey were sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to kidnapping charges.
Serial killer Oscar Ray Bolin faces execution in FloridaOscar Ray Bolin: After almost three decades, and three separate trials, Bolin may be executed Thursday in Florida State Prison for the 1986 slaying of Teri Lynn Matthews.
First LookFamily deportation raids: too tough, or not enough?The Department of Homeland Security began raids targeting illegal immigrants, including families, over the weekend. Responding to a dramatic uptick of migrants from Central America has proven a difficult balancing act for the Obama administration.
First LookFrom solitary to house arrest: South Carolina cop released on bailFormer North Charleston officer Michael Slager's fatal shooting of Walter Scott, as Mr. Scott fled from a traffic stop, is one of many cases fueling debate on police officers' use of lethal force, particularly against black men.
First LookMichigan Supreme Court cracks down on 'pay or stay' imprisonmentThe court has proposed adopting a standard rule to assess whether defendants can pay fines. In many cases, judges jail those who cannot, but the practice is illegal.
First Look‘Making a Murderer’ blurs line between justice and entertainmentAfter recent release of the popular Netflix documentary miniseries, 'Making a Murderer,' viewers are calling for the president to pardon Steven Avery.
Why Seattle is scoring victories against labor traffickersUS Attorney General Loretta Lynch has called the Seattle antitrafficking task force an 'extraordinary partnership' that in a decade of operations had investigated more than 140 cases. Part 11 in a series on solutions to labor trafficking.
GM ignition switch trial in NYC: The first of six big casesGM knew about the faulty ignition switches for more than a decade but did not recall them until February 2014. The company paid nearly $600 million to settle 399 claims made to a fund it established.
When a prison closes, what happens to the prison town?Amid a bipartisan push to reduce mass incarceration, rural towns that have been economically reliant on prisons are learning – quickly – how to adapt when the facilities close.
- 'Ag-gag' laws head to court: So far, animal rights activists are winning
A Wyoming judge allowed a case to go forward this week challenging the state's two new data trespass laws, saying he had 'serious concerns and questions about the constitutionality of various provisions.'
Texas 'affluenza' teen won't be back in US soon, official saysEthan Couch and his mother were taken into custody Monday after authorities said a phone call for pizza led to their capture in a Mexican resort city.
Bill Cosby arraigned on sexual assault chargeThe actor and comedian had no comment on his way in and out of court as he was arraigned on a charge of aggravated indecent assault, punishable by five to 10 years behind bars and a $25,000 fine.
Why 'calls for calm' in Tamir Rice case strike black activists as condescendingMany black Americans perceive a greater concern for civil calm and the protection of property than for the lives of those who were killed, including Tamir Rice in Cleveland.
Chicago police officer pleads not guilty in Laquan McDonald shootingJason Van Dyke faces six counts of first-degree murder and one of official misconduct in the death of the Chicago teenager last year.
With 'affluenza' teen's capture, questions about justice in AmericaThe case of Ethan Couch, who was sentenced to parole after a drunk driving incident that killed four people, symbolized the extent to which class and race play a role in the justice system, some observers say.
Backlash against Tamir Rice shooting decision. Are grand jury reforms ahead?Many struggled to accept an Ohio grand jury's decision not to bring charges against a Cleveland police officer who shot Tamir Rice, age 12, last year. Proposed changes may make grand jury proceedings more transparent.
