All Law & Courts
Justice Department sues fundamentalist Mormon sect for discriminationThe US Justice Department alleges that the聽Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), which聽controls most of the law enforcement and other government services in two adjacent communities, discriminates against those who are not members of the polygamous聽sect.- As Sandusky case goes to jury, adopted son makes allegationsMatt Sandusky, one of six adopted children of Jerry Sandusky and his wife, Dottie, released a statement Thursday saying his father molested him. Also Thursday, lawyers delivered closing arguments in the case.
Supreme Court says broadcast decency standards too vagueThe Supreme Court ruled that the FCC didn鈥檛 give broadcasters enough notice before enforcing new standards on language and nudity. But because the court didn't address the underlying constitutional issue of free speech, a variety of interest groups all claimed a measure of victory.
Why police tapes of George Zimmerman may be key to his defenseThe tapes, released Wednesday, recount George Zimmerman's version of events the evening he shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin. He said Trayvon initiated a fight 鈥� and who starts an attack is key under Florida's Stand Your Ground law.
Jerry Sandusky trial to head to jury without testimony from the accusedWith former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky not testifying in his own defense at his trial for child sex abuse, the jury faces with two alternatives: Believe the accusers 鈥� or not. Closing arguments are Thursday.- In Texas, a father who killed daughter鈥檚 attacker is no vigilanteAfter considering a case that raised questions about vigilantism, a Texas grand jury declines to indict a young father who beat to death an older man he found sexually assaulting his 5-year-old.
Jerry Sandusky trial: To boost 'alternative story,' should he take the stand?A defense attorney for Jerry Sandusky said his client may testify. In legal circles the move is seen as a risky one, but perhaps necessary, to counter the compelling evidence against him.- Is Texas dad who killed man to protect his 5-year-old daughter a criminal?A Texas grand jury must decide whether to charge a father who killed a man after finding the man molesting his 5-year-old daughter. Does deadly force extend to a father protecting his daughter?
- Yale settles Title IX complaint, launches new sexual misconduct policiesThe Department of Education had accused Yale University of violating Title IX by not having an adequate system for reporting and resolving incidents of sexual harassment and assault.
'Stand your ground' defense fails in Texas case. Lessons for George Zimmerman?A conviction in Texas Wednesday shows that not all defenses built on stand-your-ground laws are successful. George Zimmerman has invoked the defense in the Trayvon Martin case.聽
Zimmerman's wife charged: What does it mean for his defense?George Zimmerman's wife was charged with perjury Tuesday for lying to a judge. Now Zimmerman's defense team in the Trayvon Martin murder case will have to put her arrest into perspective.
Dutch bank pays steep price for ignoring US sanctions on Iran and CubaDutch bank ING has agreed to pay a record $619 million fine after admitting that it moved money from Iran and Cuba through US banks despite sanctions forbidding the practice.聽
Sandusky case: Can prosecutors explain long gap between abuse and charges?It is not uncommon for sexual-abuse victims to wait years before bringing claims, experts say. But explaining that to a jury could be a challenge for prosecutors in the Sandusky case.
Supreme Court declines case accusing Donald Rumsfeld of tortureThe Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal arguing the US government violated the constitutional rights of citizen Jos茅 Padilla by detaining and subjecting him to harsh interrogation as an enemy combatant suspected of having links to Al Qaeda.
Supreme Court deals blow to Guant谩namo prisoners challenging their detentionSupreme Court refuses, without comment, to take up multiple appeals examining whether Guant谩namo detainees have a 'meaningful opportunity' to challenge the legality of their detention.
New Jersey Muslims sue NYPD to end surveillanceThe plaintiffs say the NYPD's program to monitor Muslims on the basis of their religion is a constitutional violation. The NYPD says it's a necessary safeguard against future terrorism.
Prop. 8: appeals courts set stage for Supreme Court review of gay marriageThe Ninth Circuit on Tuesday declined to reexamine a ruling overturning California's Prop. 8 gay marriage ban as unconstitutional. The decision sets the stage for a Supreme Court showdown.- Supreme Court sides with Secret Service agents in free-speech caseA Colorado man said Secret Service agents arrested him in retaliation for his political comments about former Vice President Dick Cheney. The Supreme Court said the agents had probable cause.聽
George Zimmerman back to jail for 'falsehoods.' Will they influence trial?The judge in the Trayvon Martin case revoked George Zimmerman's bond and ordered him to jail after prosecutors showed he had lied about his personal finances during his bond hearing.
Why the John Edwards prosecution went down in flamesAt the outset, the government's election-fraud case against John Edwards appeared open and shut. But vague laws, a shaky star witness, and political overtones all undercut the prosecution. 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽
