Aug 09 New Jersey court strikes down murder conviction based on violent rap lyrics By Saskia de Melker, William Brangham This week, the New Jersey State Supreme Court overturned, by a vote of 6-0, the attempted murder conviction of an aspiring rapper and small-time drug dealer named Vonte Skinner, arguing that the extensive reading of Skinner’s violent rap lyrics during… Continue reading
Jul 18 Expanded cost-cutting proposal would release 46,000 drug felons from prison By Eric Tucker, Associated Press More than 46,000 inmates, including many who have already served a decade or longer in prison, would be eligible to seek early release under the commission's decision. A judge would review the case of each prisoner seeking to get out… Continue reading
Jun 19 White House pushes for better statistics on college sexual assault By Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press The Education Department announced Thursday it is proposing a rule change to provide a better picture of these problems on campuses. Continue reading
Apr 29 Carjackers will drive themselves to severe penalties in Detroit By News Desk Carjackers, you have been warned. A new effort launched Monday in Detroit and Flint, Michigan, warns would-be thieves that carjacking is a federal crime, punishable with up to life in prison, or in some cases, death. U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade… Continue reading
Apr 21 Justice Department encourages imprisoned drug offenders to seek clemency By Associated Press In a video statement Monday, Attorney General Eric Holder said the change is designed to help federal drug offenders imprisoned under now out-of-date sentencing guidelines. Continue reading
Apr 14 Watch Feds classify Kansas shootings as hate crimes By PBS News Hour Federal authorities confirmed that they believe shootings at two Jewish community sites in Kansas were motivated by hate. Gwen Ifill talks to Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center to learn more about the 73-year-old suspect, Frazier Glenn Cross,… Continue watching
Mar 17 Border agent’s apparent suicide and alleged actions shock his family By Alicia A. Caldwell, Associated Press MISSION, Texas -- Esteban Manzanares was working his regular day shift as a U.S. Border Patrol agent along the busiest stretch of Mexican border when a trio of Honduran immigrants spotted him and offered to surrender. A woman, her teenage… Continue reading
Feb 24 Watch Mexicans express hope and skepticism about significance of ‘El Chapo’ arrest By PBS News Hour Continue watching
Feb 19 Study shows gun violence surged in Missouri after repeal of gun control laws By Chelsea Coatney A study claims to have new evidence that proves tighter gun control laws can reduce gun violence. After the repeal of a 2007 Missouri law -- a law that required potential gun buyers to be vetted and licensed by a… Continue reading
Feb 17 Watch Mistrial in Jordan Davis murder case revives debate on race and self-defense By PBS News Hour Continue watching