All Law & Courts
First LookFerguson police agree to massive overhaul under federal oversightIn recent years, consent decrees have become an increasingly common way for the federal government to guide municipal police departments through difficult reforms.
In Ferguson, Mo.,a tentative police reform dealFerguson city officials posted documents of the proposed police department overhaul on its website and scheduled three public sessions over the next two weeks for input from residents.
Oregon arrests reveal promise, and pitfalls, of FBI's handling of extremistsWhile the Malheur operation showed in part how law enforcement has learned lessons from past tragedies, there are concerns about whether the death of one of the extremists Tuesday might have more lasting ramifications.
First LookSix Cleveland police officers involved in fatal 2012 barrage to be firedSix Cleveland police officers involved in a 2012 shooting that killed two unarmed black people will be fired, with six more facing suspensions.
How new federal rules on solitary confinement could be just the startIf the states are willing to follow President Obama's lead on solitary confinement, some experts believe there could be significant, systemic change in how American inmates are treated.
First LookWho are Conn. cops most likely to stun with a Taser? Minorities, data show.Adding to the sting, recent data shows serious racial disparities in stun gun usage by Connecticut police officers.聽
First LookTransgender student takes bathroom case to federal courtA Virginia high school student is challenging his school鈥檚 restroom policy as discriminatory, and a US Court of Appeals will hear arguments for his lawsuit Wednesday.
Federal trial opens rare window on two polygamous US townsThe former head of security for a polygamous church explained how he protected the sect's leader Warren Jeffs while he was a federal fugitive and explained how two towns in Arizona and Utah took orders from the church.- First LookOregon standoff: Will Bundys' arrests prompt remaining occupiers to leave?A traffic stop involving members of the militia occupying an Oregon wildlife refuge turned violent Tuesday, leading to one man's death and the arrest of several others including the group's leader Ammon Bundy.
Milwaukee Muslim planned machine gun attack on Masonic temple, says FBIThe FBI recorded conversations between Samy Mohamed Hamzeh and two federal informants talking about an attack on a Masonic temple in Milwaukee.
Six Cleveland officers fired over deadly 2012 car chaseSix police officers have been fired for their role in a car chase through Cleveland that killed a black man and woman in 2012.聽The decision comes as US law enforcement faces growing scrutiny for the use of lethal force against minority groups.- First LookShould government meetings include prayer? Federal court hears N.C. case.The hearing marks the first time a federal appeals court will consider how local councils conduct prayers since the US Supreme Court in 2014 upheld the practice of an upstate New York town鈥檚 officials of invoking 海角大神 references during thier meetings.
- First LookGrand jury turns tables on Planned Parenthood accusersDavid Daleiden,聽director of the Center for Medical Progress, and Sandra Merritt, one of Mr. Daleiden鈥檚 employees聽face a felony charge of tampering with a government record 鈥� a charge聽that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
First LookFrom Supreme Court to the White House, US rethinks juvenile justiceOn the same day the US Supreme Court declared life sentences for juvenile offenders unconstitutional,聽President Obama banned solitary confinement of young inmates in federal prisons.
One state's push to return to get-tough-on-crime 1990sStates and Congress have been moving away from get-tough-on-crime laws and toward criminal justice reform. Why does New Mexico's governor want to go the other way?
First LookCalifornia inmates' escape likely an inside job, expert saysOn average, only about one in 1,000 inmates escape. But when they do, investigators often look to inside help or complacent prison cultures.聽
Supreme Court displays its 'evolution' in ruling on juvenile life sentencesJustice Anthony Kennedy says the decision shows the law is changing in the way it understands young offenders.
First LookAs new wave of young migrants floods US border, can US ensure their safety?An Associated Press investigation uncovers a system that allows for the abuse of migrant children in sponsors鈥� homes. The report raises the question of how the US will handle the arrival of yet another wave of underage refugees.
Cops and communities: Are viral videos a path to progress?A video of a Florida police officer playing basketball with local kids got the attention of millions last week, including basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. But can these feel-good videos reverse police distrust?
First LookDespite uptick in crime, officials say New York subway is world's safestThough felony assaults on the subway are up, overall crime is really low, considering that ridership has skyrocketed in the last 20 years.
