All Law & Courts
First LookAfter legal roadblocks, Arkansas performs its first execution since 2005The state originally wanted to put eight inmates to death before its supply of a drug used in lethal injection expires at the end of April. Overcoming last minute legal hurdles, the first inmate, Ledell Lee,聽was executed Thursday night.
Progress WatchAcross US, states answering cries for police reformsLargely overshadowed by the emotional protests demanding police reforms, a wave of legislation and executive orders has been enacted at the state level in the past two years.
First LookArkansas executions face new legal roadblocksFor the second time this week, court rulings halt efforts in Arkansas to carry out its first executions since 2005.
First LookIn first day on Supreme Court, Gorsuch is an 'energetic questioner'Justice Neil Gorsuch's inquiries in the three cases heard by the Supreme Court on Monday often revealed a Scalia-style emphasis on the text of the statutes themselves.
Amid Arkansas death penalty debate, concern for the executionersArkansas is planning to execute seven prisoners in 11 days starting Monday. This week, 23 former corrections officials pleaded with the governor to reconsider, warning that participating in executions can exact a 'severe toll on corrections officers鈥� well-being.'
Sessions announces revamp of immigration law system. Will it help?Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a plan Tuesday to add more immigration judges to the courts, a move that many call long overdue. But some worry that an uptick in immigrant detention will keep a case backlog in place.
US drops out of top 5 death penalty countries in the worldIn the US, the number of people executed 鈥� 20 鈥� fell to levels not seen since 1991, according to an Amnesty International report. Worldwide, use of capital punishment dropped by 37 percent.
Neil Gorsuch heads to a Supreme Court changed by his appointmentThe Senate voted Friday to confirm Neil Gorsuch. An ugly political fight and the dropping of a 200-year-old rule meant to ensure bipartisan candidates has raised concerns about whether the high court will be perceived as more political.
FocusHas bail reform in America finally reached a tipping point?The US Justice Department estimates that 450,000 Americans are stuck in limbo every day, imprisoned before their day in court. Studies have found that it costs more for cities to jail those who can鈥檛 afford bail than they accrue in fees.
Trump鈥檚 bid to federalize cops faces roadblock: copsNot only do local police departments not have the budget or manpower to hunt for undocumented immigrants, police say prioritizing immigration could in some cases make it more difficult to keep their communities safe.
First LookWhy California prosecutors charged anti-abortion activists who secretly filmed Planned ParenthoodActivists David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt face 15 felony counts, including criminal conspiracy to invade privacy.
First LookFormer 鈥楢pprentice鈥� contestant sues Trump. Will presidential immunity shield him?Summer Zervos first accused Donald Trump of making unwanted advances in October. The then-presidential candidate dubbed her and other women who made similar claims 'liars.' Now, Ms. Zervos is suing for an apology and聽$2,914.
Can judiciary recover from political battles over Supreme Court seat?While Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has called for a filibuster, most expect that Judge Neil Gorsuch will eventually fill the vacancy left after Antonin Scalia's death. But, many ask, at what cost?
Gorsuch hearings: Should agencies 鈥� or courts 鈥� decide the law?Judge Neil Gorsuch is one of the most prominent critics of a legal doctrine that gives the power to federal agencies to interpret regulations. Scaling it back could also have significant repercussions for President Donald Trump.
In Gorsuch hearings, questions of religious liberty and the law'The balance of faith and freedom, the balance of free exercise rights and ... self-determination rights, are pretty fundamental questions,' says Sen. Chris Coons, a member of the committee that will question the high court nominee, in an exclusive interview.
New protest bills: Stamping out 'economic terrorism' or chilling free expression?Republican lawmakers in at least 18 states have proposed a spate of bills, including ones to make blocking streets a felony in North Carolina, to allow businesses to sue people protesting them in Michigan, and to force Minnesota protesters pay the costs of policing.
Federal judge in Hawaii puts Trump travel ban on holdJudge Derrick Watson issued the 43-page ruling came hours before the ban was supposed to go into effect, voicing skepticism that the executive order was motivated by national security concerns.
Who is Wayne Tracker? Tillerson's pseudonym puts Exxon emails at fore of investigation.While it is not unheard of for business leaders to have an email alias, the current investigation into Exxon's record on climate change has put Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a tricky spot.
Revised travel ban gets day in court: Will it be found constitutional?The revised executive order has more precision and legal rigor, experts say, but statements by administration officials on the ban鈥檚 intent may still be relevant. Judges on different sides of the country will hear arguments Wednesday.
First LookWhat new video reveals about the Michael Brown shootingThe documentary filmmaker who released the video says it shows Michael Brown had an agreement with the convenience store that involved mini-cigars, a claim an attorney for the store disputes.聽
