All Law & Courts
- VA Supreme Court to hear Republican challenge over ex-felons' voting rightsIn April, Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order restoring the vote to felons who have completed their sentences.聽
- A push to help gay couples find wedding joy 鈥 without rejectionGay couples worry about rejection when they search for wedding vendors. A new suite of businesses is growing to serve them 鈥 and head off conflict. Part 7 of seven.
- Behind America's racial tensions, a deeper problem: segregationThe Minnesota police shooting is a tale of two cities, and it is not alone.聽
- Can a California homeowner be sued for a wildfire?The federal government is arguing that homeowners who neglect fire prevention measures are liable for the costs of fighting any resulting wildfires.
- Dallas PD's uncertain example on race and policingAfter Thursday's mass shooting, Dallas Police Chief David Brown has been lauded for the remarkable progress of the department during his tenure. But black Dallas activists say the praise ignores problems that remain.
- For those on front lines of religious liberty battle, a very human costConservative 海角大神s who have gone to court rather than serve gay clients against their religious convictions have lost their cases, and in some instances, much more. Part 6 of seven.
- North Carolina voter law could put 29,000 ballots at risk, report saysAs a federal court weighs challenges to to North Carolina's voting laws, a review of election data by Reuters suggests the 2013 law has impacted minority voters.
- Beyond protests, St. Paul shows how police and community can find solutionsSt. Paul, Minn., has seen a dramatic drop in juvenile crime and arrests since it implemented a new program three years ago.聽
- First LookBaltimore police on edge after shootout with man bearing AR-15-style riflePolice say they were drawn to the scene by the sounds of shots, but officers have yet to discover any intended victim, raising concerns that the shooter may have been trying to lure police to scene.
- Is wedding photography art? A wrinkle in religious liberty debate.Can refusing to take wedding pictures for a gay couple be a free speech issue, not just a question of religious freedom? So far, courts are saying 'no.' Part 5 of seven.
- Could the proposed 'Back the Blue Act' deter assaults on law enforcement?A new bill introduced by Republican lawmakers aims to reduce targeted attacks on police officers by establishing mandatory minimum sentences, but some say the act is unlikely to have an effect.
- What is the protocol for an interaction between police and legal gun-carriers?The investigation of the fatal shooting of Philando Castile will focus on how officers handled Castile's alert that he was carrying a gun 鈥 the Monitor talked to gun safety trainers about how these situations should proceed.
- First LookVirginia school's emergency SCOTUS appeal protests restroom ruleA school board in Virginia has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to block a transgender male from using the boys bathroom as the court decides whether to review the case.聽
- First LookFresno police release shooting video, hoping for calm but fearing backlashThe killing of Dylan Noble in California didn't initially spark a national response. With the release of graphic body camera video Wednesday, his family is pushing for accountability.
- In police shootings, should trials re-examine a victim's past?Defense lawyers often introduce a victim's history during trial. Critics say that in cases of police violence, it can unfairly traumatize surviving family members.
- First LookACLU sues Baton Rouge Police over 'excessive physical force' in protestsPolice have defended their actions and arrests during the protests as necessary, citing safety. Three suspects have been arrested in an alleged plot against Baton Rouge officers.聽
- In Mississippi gay rights battle, both sides feel they are losingWhen Mississippi passed a law defending religious liberties, it felt like overkill to LGBT residents who have virtually no protections anyway. But religious conservatives say they are trying to hold back a tide. Part 4 of seven. 聽
- Would independent prosecutors make police shooting investigations fairer?Critics say the close connections between prosecutors and local police leads to unjust decisions not to prosecute officers following officer-involved shootings.聽
- Federal judge declares evidence from cellphone tracker unconstitutionalFor the first time, a federal judge on Tuesday suppressed evidence obtained by a 'Stingray' cellphone tracking device, saying the defendant's rights were violated with an 'unreasonable search.'
- First LookArkansas to revive lethal injections soon, says governorPublic support for the death penalty is on the decline nationally. But Arkansas could begin scheduling new executions before the end of the year.