Nation Aug 27

Carpooling is at a new low -- but popular internet ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have the potential to change that.

Nation Aug 17

Because many states and localities don’t use tested court interpreters and ignore federal rules for when interpreters are required, many criminal defendants and civil litigants with limited English skills are not equipped to navigate the complex legal system, jeopardizing their…

Nation Aug 03

Nearly every state has a hate-crime statute that increases penalties for offenders motivated by hatred of a victim’s race, religion, sexuality or other personal characteristic. Louisiana in May became the first state to add police to the list when it…

Nation Jul 22

In many states, offenders serving time are barred from contacting victims. But the prison-based programs give victims a chance to ask questions in ways they weren’t able to in court. Prisoners get a chance to do something positive for those…

Nation Jul 20

Thirty-five states have adopted legislation encouraging the use of restorative justice for children and adults both before and after prison, though many local law enforcement departments have for years relied on local nonprofits to perform the sessions without an official…

Nation Jul 06

Some local governments around the country are welcoming tiny houses, attracted by their potential to ease an affordable housing crunch or even house the homeless. But lost in the enthusiasm is the fact that in many places, it is hard…

Nation Jun 08

Many Americans are not taking advantage of a growing number of state laws that allow people to clear or seal their records of arrests and convictions after they’ve served their sentences.

Nation May 26

Online businesses have long contended that collecting taxes in the 45 states that tax retail sales would be too burdensome. But states say that argument is outdated because new software can calculate the tax and about half the states have…

Nation May 18

Fueled by sexual abuse allegations against comedian Bill Cosby and the Catholic Church, and other high-profile cases dating back decades, state legislators across the country are considering lengthening or eliminating statutes of limitations on rape.