Legal News

Army To Try Bradley Manning In WikiLeaks Data Case

Pfc. Bradley Manning, 24, will stand trial for allegedly giving more than 700,000 secret U.S. documents and classified combat video to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks for publication. Manning, a low-ranking intelligence analyst, is charged in the biggest leak of classified data in U.S. history.

Fallout Continues In L.A. School's Lewd Photo Scandal

A second teacher has been removed from Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles as part of an investigation into lewd photos. One teacher has already been charged with lewd conduct with 23 students.

Justice Department Lawyers Play Role In Guantanamo

Justice Department and Pentagon officials have worked to create a military commission system that mirrors federal courts in the U.S. One way they're doing that: Justice Department lawyers are teaming with military prosecutors at Guantanamo, preparing the cases against the alleged Sept. 11 conspirators.

Lawmaker Leading Probe: 'Someone Needs To Go' At Justice Over Fast And Furious

The Republican leading a yearlong investigation into the failed gun-trafficking operation known as Fast and Furious acknowledged that the probe has turned up no evidence that Attorney General Eric Holder approved the idea. Other GOP lawmakers Thursday threatened Holder with contempt of Congress.

Illinois Court Allows Torture Case To Move Forward

An inmate who says Chicago police officers tortured him into confessing to a brutal rape can present evidence of coercion that was denied at trial, the state's Supreme Court said. The ruling that could have implications for as many as 20 other inmates seeking similar appeals.

TV News Uses Puppets To Recreate Courtroom Drama

A high-profile corruption trial in Cleveland is being re-enacted on a local news station using puppets. Cameras are barred from the courtroom so the station has come up with a unique way to show what's been going on in the courtroom. A former county commissioner and seven others face prison terms for a pay-to-play scheme.

Abortion Debate Likely To Heat Up In 2012

Dozens of abortion restrictions passed in the states during 2011 — nearly a record since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. This year, anti-abortion groups say they'll focus on bills that would ban abortions at 20 weeks, limit insurance coverage and grant constitutional rights to embryos.

How Much English Is Enough To Hold Office?

An Arizona judge has deemed Alejandrina Cabrera's English language skills to be inadequate, and has struck her name from the ballot for the San Luis, Ariz., City Council.

Monsanto Accused In Suit Tied To Agent Orange

A class-action lawsuit claims Monsanto spread dioxin and other toxic substances when it made a primary ingredient for Agent Orange in West Virginia. Dioxin has been linked to cancer and other illnesses. At issue is whether Monsanto must pay millions to monitor the health of everyone in the case.

Silicon Valley Coalition Faces New Challenge

Internet companies and activists showed their growing clout by all but killing two copyright bills that big media websites had pushed. Now, the same players who stopped SOPA and PIPA are trying to work together to further protect their interests. They're finding that may be easier said than done.

D.C. Court Considers Texas Redistricting Case

The special Washington, D.C., court charged with "pre-clearing" the redistricting map in Texas — where four new congressional seats are at stake — hears closing arguments Tuesday. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans and minority groups are working on a deal.

GOP Seeks Big Changes In Federal Prison Sentences

Federal sentencing punishments are supposed to be predictable. But Republicans in Congress argue that sentences are not consistent, and they're calling for tough new mandatory prison terms. Others say Congress shouldn't take away the discretion that judges have to evaluate each defendant.

Embattled East Haven, Conn., Police Chief To Retire

The Connecticut police chief accused of tyrannizing Latinos is retiring at the end of the week. Four East Haven officers were arrested Friday by the FBI. They're accused of waging a campaign against Latino residents that included beatings and false arrests. Chief Leonard Gallo is accused of creating a hostile environment for witnesses who cooperated with the investigation.

Abu-Jamal Moved Into General Prison Population

Prosecutors recently agreed to a life term for Mumia Abu-Jamal, sentenced to death for murdering a police officer three decades ago, after a federal appeals court ordered a new sentencing hearing. Abu-Jamal garnered worldwide support for his claims that he was the victim of a racist justice system.

Why New Photo ID Laws Mean Some Won't Vote

Most Americans use photo IDs daily. And their driver's license — perhaps the most common form of government-issued photo ID — has become indispensable. So what's the big deal about new laws requiring a government-issued picture ID to vote? Some who have always voted, but can't in 2012, explain.