All Law & Courts
California jail break: How rare are US prison escapes?The elaborate escape by three California inmates is reminiscent of a June jailbreak in New York. How often do such escapes occur?
Why New Mexico is bucking criminal justice trendsNew Mexico is toughening its sentencing laws, including聽a proposal would add more violent felonies to the list of crimes that make habitual offenders with three or more convictions eligible for life sentences.
263-year sentence in Oklahoma City rape case: A wakeup call for policeThe Daniel Holtzclaw case spotlights the problem of police sexual abuse. Even when cities take strong steps to address the issue, however, progress can come slowly.聽
Slam dunk video by Florida cop: Can positive images of police change minds?The short video stands in stark contrast to accurate but one-sided portraits of some police officers who show deep callousness 鈥� or poor judgment. The acts of kindness are also a part of that portrait.聽
First LookWith Oklahoma officer sentenced to life, victims can finally start to healAs former Oklahoma police officer Daniel Holzclaw learns he will spend the rest of his life in prison, his victims tell of the life-long impacts of his actions.
First LookDefamation suit against Cosby dismissed, but criminal charges remainOn Thursday, a federal judge ruled that comments made by Bill Cosby, his wife, and his attorney detailed in the suit are聽constitutionally protected opinions and could not be proven to be defamatory.
Ex-Oklahoma officer convicted of rape sentenced to 263 years in prisonFormer police officer Daniel Holtzclaw was convicted last month on 18 counts of sexual misconduct. His attorney said he will appeal.
Why embattled public defenders 'welcome' lawsuits against themPublic defense offices are being sued more frequently, and, ironically, it could help them do their jobs.
Kent State professor case: When does academic speech justify FBI probe?Federal law enforcement has investigated a Kent State professor on suspicion of links to ISIS, renewing a debate about the extent of academic freedom.
First Look'Sister Wives' case: Will polygamy become legal in Utah?Kody Brown and his four wives, who appear on the 'Sister Wives'聽reality TV show, won a 2013 lawsuit with the state of Utah over its ban on multiple marriages, based on religious freedom grounds. Why state prosecutors are challenging their win. 聽
First LookFirst Alabama execution in two years: Does state have the correct drugs?Alabama is set to execute Christopher Brooks for a 1992 rape and murder. But his lawyers are pushing for a stay, arguing that the state's new execution drug protocol hasn't been properly tested.
First LookWhat Oregon Gov. Brown and Ammon Bundy have in commonOn Thursday, Ammon Bundy spoke with the FBI. On Wednesday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown voiced frustration, but she seems to share a goal with leader Ammon Bundy: The federal government needs to respond.
In potential landmark case, Supreme Court takes up Obama's immigration planIn a signal of the potential magnitude of the dispute, the justices instructed lawyers to address whether President Obama鈥檚 unilateral action violates the 'take care' clause of the US Constitution.
First Look鈥婭s Obama's鈥� immigration plan legal? Supreme Court takes up caseThe Court may override lower courts' decisions against the executive actions, which would enable up to 5 million parents of US citizens, currently living illegally in the United States, to find legal jobs.聽
First LookTrial begins for New York cop in shooting of unarmed black manOfficer Peter Liang's defense team says the 2014 shooting death of聽Akai Gurley was accidental, but聽to many, the incident is further evidence of the country's frequent failure to hold police officers accountable for the use of force.
First LookU. of Cincinnati gives family of slain black man $5.3 million. Is that a lot?Large cash settlements of wrongful death claims are becoming commonplace in many US cities.
First LookOhio officer reportedly ambushed. Isolated incident or troubling trend?Officer Thomas Cottrell was killed shortly before midnight on Sunday. Ohio police say a woman had called into authorities right before the shooting cautioning that her ex-boyfriend was hunting police officers.
First LookHate crime in the Bronx? Local leaders condemn attack on Muslim manAnxiety over ISIS has contributed to tripling of hate crimes against Muslim Americans in recent months. In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio says he is taking steps to protect and connect with the city's Muslims.
University of Cincinnati pays family $5.3 million after cop shoots black manThe University of Cincinnati settlement聽gives the family of Samuel DuBose $4.85 million and free undergraduate tuition for his 12 children.- California wants to know who's harvesting your shrimpLarge companies are now required to disclose what they are doing to tackle labor abuses in their supply chain. For some activists, lawsuits offer a path to accountability.聽Part 13 in a series on solutions to labor trafficking.聽
