All Law & Courts
First LookSupreme Court sides with Black voters in Alabama redistricting caseIn a 5-4 ruling the Supreme Court justices affirmed a lower-court decision that Alabama’s redistricting to concentrate Black voters in a single district violated the Voting Rights Act. In a surprise move, two conservatives sided with the court’s liberals.
First LookPacific Northwest states search for gun control solutionsGun control advocates in Washington state are hailing victory after a federal judge rejected a request to block a new state law. The new law bans the sale and manufacture of more than 50 types of guns, including AR- and AK-style rifles.
First LookMoms behind bars: Are separated families punished, too?The number of mothers incarcerated dropped during the pandemic, but as prison regulations return, families are once again being separated. Some programs such as the Reunification Ride hope to strengthen family connections by supporting monthly visits.
First LookTree of Life synagogue massacre trial begins 4 years after attackRobert Bowers went on trial Tuesday in Pittsburgh for an attack that killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted of some of the 63 counts he faces.
First LookAI in the courtroom: Judges enlist ChatGPT help, critics cite risksAn Indian High Court judge used AI chatbot ChatGPT to summarize case law. The use of AI chatbots in the legal system is growing, with proponents praising their potential to streamline processes while critics warn of biases and false results.
First LookOath Keepers founder sentenced to 18 years for Jan. 6 seditious conspiracyA federal judge's 18-year prison sentence for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, is the longest yet among people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
First LookCould the Bad River get worse? Wisconsin Native tribe says yes.A Wisconsin Native American tribe is concerned an Enbridge oil pipeline will cause a massive oil spill due to erosion and proximity to a river. Attorneys are set to argue that the energy company should shut the pipeline down to a federal judge on May 18.
First LookDurham report criticizes FBI role in Trump-Russia probeA four-year investigation into the possible misconduct of the FBI’s probe into ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign has concluded. Prosecutor John Durham’s report has identified major flaws in the FBI’s investigation.
First Look‘Kidfluencers’ are on the rise. But who is cashing in?Illinois is poised to pass groundbreaking legislation that will protect the earnings of child social media stars. A unanimously approved bill would require child influencers to receive a percentage of earnings from online content.
First LookArrested for fraud: George Santos indicted on 13 chargesU.S. Rep. George Santos has been arrested on federal criminal charges. The indictment says the New York Republican induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense the money would be used to support his campaign.
First LookJury finds Trump liable for sexual assault in Carroll lawsuitJurors have reached a verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. They found him liable for sexual abuse and awarded Ms. Carroll $5 million, but they rejected her claim of rape.
First LookSupreme Court ethics breach? New gift to Justice Thomas surfaces.Harlan Crow, the same GOP donor who gave luxury gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas, also paid private school tuition for a child Mr. Thomas raised. The latest revelation raises more questions about Supreme Court ethics and disclosure requirements.
First LookWalk or wait: US ruling calls for more audio pedestrian signalsA U.S. federal judge has ruled that Chicago’s lack of audible traffic signals for blind pedestrians violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ruling may inspire other cities as well to improve their roads’ accessibility.
First Look‘We did this’: Proud Boys found guilty in Jan. 6 insurrection trialEnrique Tarrio, former leader of the far-right extremist group Proud Boys, has been charged with seditious conspiracy for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol. Four other members of the group have also been convicted.
Disney versus DeSantis: Does free speech cover corporate privileges?The ability to criticize the government without retaliation lies at the heart of the First Amendment. What happens when it’s a corporation doing the criticizing?
First LookDemocrats turn up heat in Supreme Court ethics probe, hearings beginAmid reports of Justice Clarence Thomas participating in luxury vacations with a top GOP donor, Senate Democrats are aiming to strengthen ethics rules for the Supreme Court. Republicans say this is merely an effort to destroy the reputation of Mr. Thomas.
First LookSupreme Court rules access to abortion pill to continue – for nowThe Supreme Court on Friday preserved access to mifepristone, rejecting lower-court restrictions while the appeals process continues.
‘Wildly problematic’: Standing, the Supreme Court, and mifepristoneWhat does it mean to have endured clear and concrete harms? In recent decades, the Supreme Court had narrowed the definition of who had “standing” to bring a case. Then came this term.
First Look‘We need more time’: Supreme Court delays abortion drug decisionThe Supreme Court pushed its self-imposed deadline of Wednesday to Friday for deciding whether women seeking access to a widely used abortion pill would face more restrictions while a court case plays out. There was no given reason for the delay.
First LookShould parents and educators be held accountable for school shootings?Parents and educators are facing increasing scrutiny involving school shootings. Investigations can be rare, but they appear to be gaining traction as communities demand accountability and new ways to prevent gun violence.
