All Law & Courts
The ExplainerWill the Equal Rights Amendment cross the finish line? Three questions.As of January, the ERA has finally been ratified by enough states. But it鈥檚 not clear if the amendment is part of the Constitution yet. Here鈥檚 why.
How quickly should courts change the law? Florida tests the limit.The Florida Supreme Court last month rolled back a 2016 death penalty decision, causing chaos on death row and challenging a cornerstone of U.S. law.
The ExplainerThree questions on California鈥檚 new privacy lawThe California Consumer Privacy Act went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Here鈥檚 what you need to know.听
First LookStates sue over 'reckless' shift in 3D-printed gun regulationA coalition of attorneys general is arguing that the Commerce Department lacks the power to keep blueprints for聽so-called "Ghost Guns" offline.
Are racial gaps in US justice system inevitable? New data shows progress.Racial disparities have declined dramatically since 2000, a recent criminal justice report finds. Here, several charts and maps show the progress.听
FocusAs Roberts enters fray, legacy of judicial independence at stakeJohn Roberts is about to spend more time in the spotlight than he ever has since confirmed in 2005. At stake: the legacy of his beloved Supreme Court.
First LookWeinstein's trial looms in wake of #MeToo movementHarvey Weinstein faces a criminal trial this week that could put him in prison for the rest of his life. He's charged with rape and sexual assault.听
Trump presidency鈥檚 most lasting impact? A transformed judiciary.The volume of confirmed judges is arguably the greatest achievement of Mr. Trump鈥檚 first term, and undoubtedly will be his longest lasting.听
First LookUnder 30 US executions for fifth-straight year, report saysEven as the Justice Department moves to resume capital punishment, nationwide use of the death penalty continues to contract, a new report finds.
First LookAfter court rules racial bias, man freed after 22 yearsThe Supreme Court found an unconstitutional pattern of excluding African American jurors for the six separate trials of a Mississippi murder case.听
First LookU.S. Supreme Court to hear its first major gun case since 2010A case backed by the National Rifle Association is at聽the Supreme Court. The case challenges restrictions on licensed gun owners transporting guns. 聽
What鈥檚 the best way to ensure impartial judges? Delaware prompts a rethink.Amid concerns about the money pouring into judicial election campaigns around the country, some hope a Delaware case could spur a reform movement.
First LookWarrantless searches of devices at ports illegal, court rulesAt airports and other ports of entry, phones and computers are often searched. A federal court said warrantless searches violate the Fourth Amendment.
The Explainer鈥榃atchmen鈥� brings 1921 Tulsa massacre to the fore: Three questionsThe massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was largely forgotten, even by those living in the state. But as many as 300 black people died.
DACA recipients get their day at the Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court鈥檚 decision could have major consequences both for presidential power and for the 700,000 DACA recipients.
The ExplainerThe 25th Amendment: Three questions about a tool to oust presidentsSome Donald Trump critics are calling for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove a president who is 鈥渦nable to discharge [his] powers and duties.鈥�
First LookNYC's notorious Rikers jail set be replaced by 2026New York City Council voted to close Rikers and build four new smaller jails. They also plan to reduce the jail population by more than half.听
Fired for being gay? LGBTQ rights return to Supreme Court.The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today on whether federal law prohibits employment discrimination against LGBTQ people.
Supreme Court conservatives poised to make their mark in new termThe U.S. Supreme Court, which started its term Monday, has a docket filled with culture war issues like LGBTQ rights, abortion, and religious liberty.
Immigrant groups sought relief from Trump in court. It isn鈥檛 working.Last week, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration鈥檚 new restrictive rule on asylum-seekers to stand while the legal battle plays out.
