All Law & Courts
The ExplainerHow common are killings by police? How often are officers prosecuted?In many cases the use of force by police goes unquestioned, seen as a necessary part of defending themselves and public safety. But the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis amplifies concerns about unjustified violence.
As Memphis mourns Tyre Nichols, city seeks police accountabilityOfficials’ response to the Memphis police killing of Tyre Nichols suggests that calls for accountability might be taking hold.
First LookWrongful conviction case reveals flaws in Hawaii's justice systemA man who spent over 20 years in prison convicted for the murder of a tourist – the biggest murder case in Hawaii’s history – has been released because of new evidence. Now a free man, he’s committed to finding justice for the tourist and others like him.
Supreme Court investigation on abortion ruling leak comes up emptyAn eight-month investigation conducted by Supreme Court marshal Gail Curley failed to identify who was behind the May 2022 leak of a draft version of a ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. None of the 97 court employees questioned by investigators confessed.
First LookTitle 42 to remain in place at US border as Supreme Court takes up casePut in place in 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19, Title 42 lets the government deport migrants before they can lodge an asylum claim.
First LookNew Central Park gate honors the Exonerated Five in New YorkIt’s been 33 years since five young men were wrongfully convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park in 1989. Now, a gate in Central Park honors the Exonerated Five. “We are here because we persevere,” said Yusef Salaam.
First LookCalifornia trial against Harvey Weinstein ends in guilty verdictJurors in Los Angeles found Harvey Weinstein guilty of rape at his second sexual misconduct trial. Jurors could not reach a verdict on two accusers’ cases. Mr. Weinstein is currently serving a 23 year-sentence in New York on similar charges.
First LookOregon commutes all 17 outstanding death sentencesAmid shrinking support for the death penalty nationwide, Oregon governor Kate Brown has commuted all of the state’s death sentences to life without parole. All executions in the U.S. this year took place in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Alabama.
The ExplainerAnother year, another US border crisis. Could 2023 be different?U.S. immigration reform has been needed for a generation. But amid rancor over the border, immigration experts point to Ukrainian refugees as an example of how policy can be successfully adapted for modern times.
First LookFormer CEO of FTX Sam Bankman-Fried arrested and charged by SECThe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has charged the former CEO of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, with defrauding investors by diverting their funds to his personal hedge fund. He was arrested on Monday after separate criminal charges were filed.
First LookLockerbie attack suspect to appear in court 34 years after bombingIn 1988, a bomb on an airplane from London’s Heathrow airport killed 270 people, including 190 Americans and 35 college students. Thirty-four years later, the man suspected of planting the bomb is in U.S. custody, with prosecution in progress.
A radical election theory has day in court. Justices appear divided.The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a pivotal case that could make huge waves in how states govern elections. But some justices appear skeptical of throwing another boulder into America’s electoral waters.
The ExplainerTrump’s firm found guilty of fraud. He faces deeper legal waters.The DOJ may have to weigh which is a greater harm: If it indicts Donald Trump, it risks the loss of faith of his followers. If it lets allegations against the former president go, it risks society’s belief that everyone is subject to the law.
First LookWill Biden's loan cancellation plan pass? Supreme Court to decide.Supreme Court justices have agreed to take up the case on President Joe Biden’s student loan cancellation plan. The Congressional Budget Office said that Mr. Biden’s program, currently on hold, will cost about $400 billion over the next three decades.
First LookOath Keepers founder convicted of sedition for insurrection plotTwo leaders of the antigovernment militia Oath Keepers have been found guilty of sedition for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The verdict marks a significant milestone for the Justice Department in its Jan. 6 investigation.
First LookAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey calls for pause in executions after failuresAlabama is one of 27 states that still use the death penalty as a form of punishment. After three failed lethal injections, Gov. Kay Ivey called for a stay of executions “for the sake of the victims and their families.”
First LookDOJ names special counsel for Trump investigationsAttorney General Merrick Garland appointed prosecutor Jack Smith as special counsel in the Justice Department’s two-part investigation of Donald Trump. Mr. Garland said that Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden likely running for president again influenced his decision.
Cover StoryUS has fraught history with Native adoption. Enter the Supreme Court.What is the best interest of the child? That’s the question at the core of every child welfare case. When it comes to Native adoptions, the fate of the law that set the standard for four decades now rests with Supreme Court.
First LookPolice reform momentum has slowed as states roll back legislationTwo years after the death of George Floyd, the momentum behind the push for police reform has stalled. Change is coming unevenly throughout the country, though legal experts say Mr. Floyd’s death, among others, has altered the trajectory of policing.
First LookTwo more officers head to trial for aiding George Floyd's killingThe trial of J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao on aiding and abetting counts is the third and likely final criminal proceeding stemming from the case.
