Justice

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Trayvon Martin case: Is hoodie a symbol of menace or desire for justice? (+video)

Protesters are donning hoodies in rallies calling for an arrest in the Trayvon Martin case, but others say that wearing a hoodie in the wrong neighborhood puts minority kids at risk.
Two formidable lawyers to spar at Supreme Court over health care reform law

Two attorneys will handle the lion's share of the arguments before the Supreme Court in the Obama health care reform case. In one corner, US Solicitor General Donald Verrilli. In the other, the indomitable Paul Clement.
Obama health reform law: clues to how the justices might behave

The four justices who make up the US Supreme Court's liberal wing are expected to uphold the constitutionality of the Obama health reform law. How the other five will see it is less certain.
Obama health care law at Supreme Court: mega case for the history books

US Supreme Court takes up the Obama health-care reform law starting Monday. The case puts the high court center stage in a constitutional showdown that could define the scope of congressional power for generations – and perhaps affect Obama's reelection prospects.
US Supreme Court: Big 21st century rulings

The past 12 years have seen significant US high court decisions with wide-ranging effects on personal freedoms and national politics. Another key ruling is expected this summer on President Obama's health-care reform law. Here are some recent top rulings, all decided by 5-to-4 votes.
Will Trayvon Martin case spur rethinking of Stand Your Ground laws? (+video)

Calls are mounting to reassess, and perhaps refine, the Stand Your Ground law in Florida, after the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin by a man who apparently pursued the teen and then claimed self-defense.
Does Secret Service protection trump speech rights? Supreme Court hears case.

A Colorado man arrested in 2006 after telling Vice President Cheney what he thought of the Iraq war alleges that Secret Service agents retaliated against him for his opinions.
EPA wetlands order can be challenged by land owners, Supreme Court rules

The Idaho couple, saying the ‘EPA used bullying and threats of terrifying fines’ to halt building of their dream home, thanks Supreme Court justices for ‘affirming’ their right to a court hearing.
Do 14-year-old killers deserve life without parole? Supreme Court hears cases.

Supreme Court Justice Kennedy is seen as the potential swing vote in two cases questioning whether life without parole for 14-year-old killers is cruel and unusual punishment.
Does Supreme Court decision on sick leave hint at health-care law ruling?

The sick leave provision and health-care law rely on different sections of the Constitution, but Supreme Court-watchers noted with interest that the justices found Congress had overstepped its authority.
Why California's chief justice is taking on the Legislature

As head of the California court system, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye is in a power struggle with lawmakers. It points to a delicate balance for judges.
Trayvon Martin case: use of Stand Your Ground law or pursuit of a black teen?

A grand jury in Florida and the US Justice Department will both probe the Feb. 26 shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. Key questions: Did the alleged gunman racially profile Trayvon? And did he use the Stand Your Ground law appropriately?
Drug testing: Florida aims to be first to test public workers

New Florida drug-testing law allows agency heads to randomly test public workers for illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol. But it exempts the governor and state legislators.
Supreme Court refuses church-state case involving child sex abuse by clergy

US Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up an appeal by a man who says he was abused by a Roman Catholic priest decades ago. He sought to challenge the archdiocese's assertion that the First Amendment shields it from a lawsuit.
Trayvon Martin 911 tapes: Who screamed for help before shot rang out?

Police and the parents of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager shot by a neighborhood watch captain, differ in their interpretation of 911 tapes, specifically about who was yelling for help.
Dharun Ravi guilty of anti-gay hate crime in Rutgers spycam case

A jury finds ex-Rutgers student Dharun Ravi guilty of privacy invasion and bias intimidation – a hate crime – after exposing a gay roommate's sexual encounter via spycam. The message: Privacy rights count even in the social-media age.
Trayvon Martin killing in Florida puts 'Stand Your Ground' law on trial

The shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in a gated Florida community has raised allegations of racial injustice and highlighted the burden that 'Stand Your Ground' laws impose on law enforcement officers.
Prison-bound, a grave Rod Blagojevich bids farewell to his public

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is slated to report to prison Thursday to serve a sentence for corruption. On Wednesday he bade a public goodbye at an event that was half solemn, half street fair.
New York voters back NYPD Muslim-spying operation, poll finds

A poll released Tuesday finds that 58 percent of New York voters support NYPD antiterror operations that critics call a violation of Muslims' civil liberties.
Report: NYPD compiled huge, secret dossier on law-abiding Muslims

A report released Friday suggests that, despite claims to the contrary, the NYPD singled out Muslims for surveillance and sometimes even crossed state lines. Critics want a federal probe.