All Law & Courts
A US judge invalidates a gay marriage ban, this time in PennsylvaniaA federal judge on Tuesday struck down Pennsylvania's ban on gay marriage, a day after a different judge ruled likewise in Oregon. That makes eight US judges in six months whose decisions went the same way, versus none who upheld a state ban.
Lethal injection: Missouri inmate facing execution challenges source of drugsMissouri's planned execution of a convicted murderer would be the first in the US since a botched lethal injection in Oklahoma. The inmate is challenging the state's refusal to disclose the source of the drugs it will use.
US judge strikes down Oregon gay marriage ban as state refuses to defend itIn striking down Oregon's Measure 36, District Judge Michael McShane became the 7th federal judge in recent months to rule that bans on gay marriage discriminate against same-sex couples.
International bust targets BlackShades malware. Is your computer safe now?The BlackShades 'RAT' made taking over a computer so easy 'even a caveman could do it,' says FBI investigator. Ninety-seven people in 16 countries have been arrested in the cyber-crime crackdown.
US indicts five in China's secret 'Unit 61398' for cyber-spying on US firmsMonday's indictment is the first the US has filed against a 'state actor' for economic cyber-theft, says Attorney General Eric Holder, citing need for 'aggressive response.' No one is expecting a trial, though, so why do it?
Supreme Court vacates police-immunity ruling in suit over multiple TaseringThe Supreme Court ordered the New Orleans-based Fifth Circuit to reexamine a case involving a suit against a police officer for repeatedly Tasering a handcuffed arrestee who was lying on the ground.
Sixty years after Brown v. Board of Education, what progress on race?In many ways, America has moved steadily toward racial integration since the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. But persistent problems remain involving remnants of segregation.
Utah may bring back firing squad: Perhaps more humane after all?Execution by lethal injection has included botched procedures and questions about availability of certain drugs used to kill convicted prisoners. As a result, some in Utah, and other states, want to reinstate death by firing squad.
Texas execution halted, court says Texas hid crucial evidenceThe execution of Robert Campbell was halted by a federal appeals court after evidence emerged that Texas had withheld tests scores that suggest Mr. Campbell is mentally handicapped.
New York rethinks marijuana prosecutions of low-level offendersNew York City, one of the most aggressive prosecutors of marijuana offenses in the US, is rethinking the practice, with an eye to avoid stigmatizing young black and Latino men.
Medicare fraud: Feds charge 90-plus people for $260 million in false claimsSix US cities, including Miami, were featured in the crackdown. With the continued ramping up of Obamacare, enforcement of laws that prevent Medicare and other health-care fraud will become increasingly important.- As Texas execution looms, defense says state withheld low IQ scoresTexas is preparing to put a man to death Tuesday in what would be the first US execution since Oklahoma bungled one April 29. The defense is asking for a stay over questions about state secrecy.
Same-sex marriage: 10 years on, it's becoming the normIn 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.聽Since then, the legal, political, and social movement to recognize gay marriage has spread significantly.
New bid to topple Obamacare in court: Did Harry Reid bend the rules?Senate majority leader Harry Reid violated the Constitution in his maneuverings to pass Obamacare, a conservative legal fund argues. The case will go before a federal panel of judges Thursday.- California court charts new path on life without parole for juvenilesThe California Supreme Court has ordered judges to be more cautious in sentencing juveniles to life without parole. States are struggling with the issue after a recent US Supreme Court ruling.
Montana killing: Deadly clash of teenage mischief, pot, and self-defense?The killing of a German exchange student renewed international criticism of US 'stand your ground' self-defense laws. Police are investigating whether the alleged shooter set a trap for the student.
Supreme Court's prayer ruling: Does it allow Satanists' invocations, too?The US Supreme Court ruling that the Constitution allows for public prayer at town meetings is opening a wider cultural skirmish over what qualifies as an appropriate public invocation.
Missouri man walks free after prison mistake: Case for more judicial mercy?Cornealious 'Mike' Anderson was supposed to spend 13 years in prison. But thanks to a mixup, he never did, instead building a responsible life. Now, a judge has let him go free.
Supreme Court: Constitution allows for public prayer at town meetingsCeremonial prayer before a legislative session, as practiced by Greece, N.Y., does not amount to an unconstitutional government endorsement of 海角大神ity, the US Supreme Court ruled Monday.
Strict N.J. rule on gun permits stands, as Supreme Court refuses caseThe US Supreme Court declined Monday to take a case about a New Jersey law requiring residents to show a 'justifiable need' to carry a gun in public. The law's critics had hoped the high court would take the case 鈥� and rule to expand gun rights.
