All Law & Courts
Video shows Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson after he shot Michael BrownCommunities around the US, as well as Ferguson, Missouri, are preparing for the grand jury report about the shooting death of black teenager Michael Brown by white police officer Darren Wilson. New details, including video of Officer Wilson, are being reported.- Appeals court rejects religious challenge to ObamacareThe three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the current religious accommodation did not impose a substantial burden on the religious groups鈥� exercise of their faith under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Supreme Court weighs role of race in Alabama voter redistricting caseThe case is being closely watched because it marks the first time the high court has considered a voting rights case since deciding 5 to 4 in June 2013 to strike down a key portion of the Voting Rights Act.
Why NYPD officers are unhappy with New York's new marijuana policyMayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton announced Monday that possessing small amounts of marijuana would be a ticketable offense, instead of a felony. Some NYPD officers are bristling at the change and hinting at a work slowdown.
Missouri governor: 'Violence will not be tolerated' in Ferguson againMissouri Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday that he is prepared to call out the National Guard again to quell any violent unrest that might result from the grand jury decision on whether to indict a police officer who shot teenager Michael Brown in August.
NYPD may soften approach to small-scale marijuana possessionNew York City, the marijuana arrest capital of the world, is reportedly poised to pull back its longstanding, controversial policy regarding marijuana arrests and make possession of small amounts just a ticketable offense.
Loretta Lynch: GOP likely to confirm new Attorney General. But when?Loretta Lynch has the qualifications to be the next Attorney General, plus she comes without the political baggage Eric Holder accumulated butting heads with Republicans in Congress. Still, the White House is unlikely to push for early confirmation.
Obama introduces Loretta Lynch as AG pick: What say ye, Republicans?Loretta Lynch, a no-nonsense US Attorney, seems to be a solid choice to replace retiring US Attorney General Eric Holder. But will Republicans drag their feet on her confirmation until after the GOP takes control of the Senate?
Supreme Court agrees to hear new challenge to ObamacareThe Supreme Court agreed Friday to consider whether the IRS overstepped its authority when it permitted the agency to award tax credits to people who signed up for the ACA on a federal health exchange. Without that provision, the president's health-care reform effort would likely collapse.
Appeals court upholds gay marriage bans, Supreme Court showdown loomsThe Sixth Circuit became the first federal appeals court to uphold a ban on gay marriage, greatly increasing the likelihood that the Supreme Court will step in.- Sikh woman wins settlement from US government over wearing religious knifeKawal Tagore worked at the IRS when she was baptized in the Sikh faith. She wore a kirpan, a small ceremonial knife, and was not allowed into her workplace. Now, she鈥檚 receiving a settlement.
Avast ye Supreme Court justices, thar be an undersized grouper!Supreme Court hears case Wednesday testing whether federal prosecutors engaged in overkill in charging a commercial fisherman under document shredding law for disposing of undersized fish.
Federal judge rules against Kansas's gay marriage banA federal judge on Tuesday moved to invalidate the same-sex marriage ban in Kansas, saying there was clear legal precedent from a federal appeals court. State officials have until Nov. 11 to file an appeal.
Jerusalem or Israel? Supreme Court appears split on passport case.Solicitor General Donald Verrilli told justices Monday that if the court allowed American citizens born in the disputed city of Jerusalem to list 'Israel' on their US passports, it would undercut the credibility of the US to serve as honest brokers in Mideast peace efforts.- Supreme Court takes up fight over US passports and 'Jerusalem'State Department policy has been to designate the place of birth as 鈥淛erusalem鈥� 鈥� not 鈥淚srael鈥� 鈥� in all passports for American newborns in that city in order to preserve US credibility as an honest broker in Arab-Israeli peace talks.
Justice for sale? More money flowing to judicial electionsAs political action committees become involved in judicial elections, there's growing concern that the influence of outside money could erode public trust in a judge鈥檚 impartiality.
The capture of Eric Frein: How a self-styled Cold War soldier finally tripped upSome had begun to doubt whether police could ever catch up with Eric Frein. But before spotting and arresting him for the聽assassination of a Pennsylvania state trooper, one of the trackers said he had a 鈥榟unch鈥� that Frein was close 鈥� very close.
Ebola quarantine: why judge sided with nurse Kaci HickoxThe judge in Maine on Friday rejected a request by state officials that the movements of nurse Kaci Hickox be restricted. The order he issued will remain in effect pending the outcome of a full hearing that must be held within 10 days.
Sniper Eric Frein in court: Justice for fallen police comrade drove manhuntIt took 48 days for law enforcement in Pennsylvania to pin down Eric Frein, the man they believe is responsible for a聽Sept. 12聽sniper attack on the Blooming Grove state police barracks, which killed Cpl. Bryon Dickson, a father of two, and critically injured Trp. Alex Douglass.
Maine governor: Ebola quarantine talks fail with nurse Kaci HickoxGov. Paul LePage announced the breakdown on Thursday and pledged to use the 'full extent' of his legal authority to safeguard public health, setting the stage for a court showdown.
