Topic: Crime and Law

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

'Stop and frisk': 7 questions about New York's controversial policing tactic

A federal class-action lawsuit regarding the New York Police Department’s stop-and-frisk program has raised questions about the controversial practice made legal under a 1968 US Supreme Court ruling. But what is it, and does it work?
Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Briefing
IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal

The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.
Bestselling books the week of 5/12/13, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.
5 myths about amnesty for illegal immigrants in Senate bill

Under a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, immigrants who have come to the United States illegally are given a "path to citizenship." On close inspection, each of the following five claims about the requirements for illegal immigrants to earn amnesty are not what they seem.

All Content

Farmers cannot replicate Monsanto seeds for second crop, Supreme Court rules (+video)

The Supreme Court ruled against an Indiana farmer who sought to cut the planting cost of his soybean crop by relying on subsequent generations of a patented Monsanto herbicide-resistant seed.
5 myths about amnesty for illegal immigrants in Senate bill

Under a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, immigrants who have come to the United States illegally are given a "path to citizenship." On close inspection, each of the following five claims about the requirements for illegal immigrants to earn amnesty are not what they seem.
Is smoking in public park a constitutional right? Supreme Court refuses case

Arthur Gallagher, a smoker, challenged a ban on lighting up in city buildings, parks, and playgrounds in Clayton, Mo. The Supreme Court turned away the case Monday.
Readers Write: A smart alternative to school suspensions

Letter to the Editor for the May 13, 2013 weekly print issue: Suspensions lead to wasted educational opportunities and increasing absenteeism, truancy, and dropout rates. A holistic approach where trained community members and counselors work with students on a one-on-one basis keeps students in school, so they have a better chance of graduating and becoming productive citizens.
Fugitive caught sunbathing in Spain

Fugitive caught sunbathing: British fugitive, Andrew Terence Moran, was caught while sunbathing in Spain some four years after he assaulted and escaped from security guards during an armed robbery trial in the United Kingdom.
O.J. Simpson in court to seek retrial for armed robbery conviction

O.J. Simpson in court: Former NFL star O.J. Simpson returns to a Las Vegas court Monday to seek a retrial in his conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping. Simpson is currently serving a 33-year sentence.
Castro brothers knew nothing? That's what they say (+video)

Castro brothers knew nothing about three women held captive by Ariel Castro for a decade, they say. The brothers, Onil and Pedro Castro, called Ariel Castro a 'monster.'
19 shot at parade on Mother's Day in New Orleans (+video)

19 shot at parade in New Orleans: None of the 19 shot at a Mother's Day parade were fatally wounded, but three people were seriously wounded. Police have offered a $10,000 reward to find the shooters.
Ted Turner bison: Keep the calves, judge rules (+video)

Ted Turner bison agreement allowed state to transfer Yellowstone bison to billionaire's care for five years in exchange for their most of their calves. Judge upholds agreement, letting Ted Turner keep 150 bison calves.
Cleveland kidnappings: Was Ariel Castro record of abuse a red flag? (+video)

What if Ariel Castro’s past record of domestic violence had resulted in legal action? Could it have led authorities to discover that he was holding three women in his house? Could it have prevented the kidnappings?
O.J. Simpson in court to fight robbery, kidnapping conviction

O.J. Simpson in court Monday to seek a new trial in his conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping. O.J. Simpson has served four years of a 33-year sentence. The latest court case is seen as a legal 'Hail Mary.'
Tsarnaev 2011 murders? Boston-bombing brothers also could be linked to earlier deaths.

Tsarnaev 2011 murders? Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev was friends with one of the victims of a 2011 triple homicide near Boston. According to some news reports, investigators are exploring evidence that could link him and his brother to that crime.
Shane Franklin Miller manhunt expands

Shane Franklin Miller is wanted as a suspect in a triple homicide, involving his wife and daughters. The California manhunt continues as police expand the search for Shane Franklin Miller.
Brian Williams sees 'Rock Center' canceled

Brian Williams will remain the anchor NBC's Nightly News, but the news magazine 'Rock Center' was canceled. Brian Williams had no comment. Some say 'Rock Center' was undermined by scheduling changes.
Could Ariel Castro be tried for murder? Case would be unprecedented.

Aggravated murder charges likely will be sought against Ariel Castro, a prosecutor said. Experts say it is unprecedented to sentence someone to death for killing a fetus in a case in which the mother survives.
Can Boston bombing suspect get a fair trial if public thinks he confessed?

For much of the public, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has already admitted guilt, whether or not his reported confession is admissible in court. A look at the challenges posed by pretrial publicity.
Unexpected twists in case of deadly blast at Texas fertilizer plant

A first responder to the huge explosion last month at a Texas fertilizer plant was arrested Friday for possessing a pipe bomb – but officials aren't linking his arrest to the deadly incident. The probe, however, is now a criminal matter, they said.
How do you get $45 million from ATMs? Cyberthieves did it in 12 hours.

Most of a New York City 'casher' crew is under arrest, suspected of stealing $2.8 million from ATMs as part of a global cyberscheme that netted $45 million from tampered debit card accounts.
Kenyan official seeks ally in UN to drop criminal charges against new president

Kenya's UN ambassador says the crimes against humanity indictments of the country's president and his deputy are flawed. Can his move influence the International Criminal Court?
Sister Megan Rice, 83-year-old nun, convicted after nuclear protest

Sister Megan Rice, 83, Michael Walli and Greg Boertje-Obed were convicted Wednesday of interfering with national security and damaging federal property during last year's incursion of the the Y-12 National Security Complex.
Will Dutch police soon be stalking cybercriminals on your computer?

A minister has proposed empowering Dutch law enforcement to access and control the computers of suspected cybercriminals, even if those computers are outside of the Netherlands.
Terrorism & Security North Korea explains why it sentenced American Kenneth Bae to hard labor

Mr. Bae was detained and sentenced to 15 years in prison. North Korea today spelled out its charges, which include plotting to overthrow the government.
Difference Maker He brought Christianity into the streets to promote civil rights

Episcopal priest Malcolm Boyd has taken the message of Christianity outside the walls of church to champion minority rights and show that God is everywhere.
Convicted nun wants out: 83-year-old nun faces 20-30 years in prison

A nun, convicted of national security crimes after engaging in civil disobedience, has asked to be released from jail pending sentencing.
FBI didn't tell Boston about Tsarnaev warning, says police chief

The FBI didn't tell Boston police that they'd been warned about Tamerlan Tsarnaev, despite FBI-Boston PD collaborations, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told Congress today.