Topic: Criminal Sentencing and Punishment

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Where do things stand at Guantánamo? Six basic questions answered.

President Obama this week pledged to “reengage” with Congress to find a way to close the terror detention camp at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. The renewed focus comes as 100 of the 166 detainees are reported to be engaged in a hunger strike. Here is a brief look at where things stand now.
The 25 best movie musicals of all time

The American Film Institute picks the best song-and-dance stories ever put on film.
Father of the Rainbow Nation: How well do you know Nelson Mandela?

Revolutionary and reconciler, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to apartheid in South Africa before becoming the country's first black president.How well do you know this towering global statesman?
How much do you know about gay rights in America? Take the quiz!

Throughout much of the 20th century, an admission of homosexuality could result in a felony conviction and a lengthy prison sentence. Even as late as 1970, Connecticut denied a drivers license to a gay man on the basis of his sexual orientation. Today, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people get considerably more legal protection. Twenty-one states plus Washington, D.C. outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and nine states plus Washington, D.C. recognize same-sex marriage. But 39 other states prohibit same-sex marriage, either in their state constitutions or by statute. And LGBT people in every state still face bullying that can range from taunting to physical violence.How much do you know about the history of gay rights in America? Take our quiz to find out!
The 25 best country songs of all time (+video)

Check out Country Music Television's rankings of the best country music songs ever released.

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Arias jury deadlocked over death penalty: Retrial set (+video)

Arias jury deadlocked over whether to give life in prison or the death penalty. Jodi Arias was convicted of murdering her one-time boyfriend, but the judge ordered a mistrial on the sentencing hearing. A new jury will consider the question of the death penalty on July 18, unless the prosecutor agrees to life in prison.
Backchannels Iraqi government still using bomb detectors it knows are faulty

James McCormick was sentenced in Britain weeks ago for selling the same fake bomb detectors in Iraq during the war.
Jodi Arias begs for life: 'I'll donate my hair'

Jodi Arias offered to donate her hair, run prison book clubs, and support abuse prevention programs if the jury who convicted her of murdering her ex-boyfriend would give her life in prison instead of a death sentence.
'Bishop' gets 37 years: He could have gotten 200

'The Bishop' gets a 37-year sentence after his conviction for 12 counts related to his construction and mailing of pipe bombs. The bombs failed to explode, but 'The Bishop' still faced up to 200 years in prison.
Chad Johnson in custody: What did he do? (+video)

Chad Johnson in custody: The former NFL star, Chad Johnson (aka Chad Ochocinco) was serving a year probation for head-butting his ex-wife, reality TV star Evelyn Lozada. Johnson failed to meet with this probation officer.
Obama to detail terrorism policy including drone attacks and Guantánamo Bay prison

In a national security speech, President Obama will explain his policies dealing with terrorism, the use of drone aircraft, Al Qaeda, and the military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
Report reveals inmates suffer high levels of sexual abuse from guards

A new report by the Justice Department found prison inmates in Indianapolis, Baltimore, St. Louis, and Philadelphia suffered a higher-than-average rate of sexual abuse at the hands of guards.
Monkey killer: 7-year sentence for Boise man

Monkey killer 7-year sentence: Michael Watkins was sentenced to 7 years for breaking into a Boise zoo and killing a monkey. But he will likely be eligible for release after 9-12 months.
Bulger girlfriend: Why she's still getting 8 years in jail

Bulger girlfriend, Catherine Greig, lost her appeal to reduce her 8-year prison sentence. Greig was alleged gangster James "Whitey" Bulger's girlfriend during his 16 years as a fugitive.
O.J. Simpson's former lawyer takes the stand, gives damaging testimony

Yale Galanter, former attorney to O.J. Simpson, defended himself on Friday against allegations that he botched Simpson's 2008 kidnapping and robbery trial. Galanter denied he knew of Simpson's plans before the crime was committed.
Francois Hollande signs France's same-sex marriage bill into law (+video)

On Friday, France became the fourteenth country to legalize same-sex marriage. A campaign promise by French President Francois Hollande, the bill was hotly contested by conservatives in France.
David Chandler trial: Ohioan to appeal case hinged on dying man's blinks

David Chandler trial: A jury on Thursday found Ricardo Woods guilty of murder and felonious assault for the death of David Chandler, who was shot Oct. 28, 2010, while sitting in a car in Cincinnati.
Paralyzed man identifies his assailant by blinking

An Ohio man was identified and later convicted when his victim, who was paralyzed, communicated with authorities by blinking. The paralyzed man was shot in the head and neck and died two weeks after communicating with police.
Between the shopping malls, is there space in Dubai for dissent?

The United Arab Emirates has arrested more than 100 alleged dissidents since 2011 in a bid to maintain the Gulf state's reputation for stability.
Jodi Arias trial: Does her statement about wanting death penalty factor in?

The death penalty phase of the Jodi Arias trial began on Thursday. Jurors aren't supposed to watch news coverage of the case, but experts say information from it often filters in.
LulzSec hackers sentenced to prison time for role in 2011 cyber attacks

Sentences for the four LulzSec 'hacktivists' ranged from a 20-month suspended sentence to 32 months in prison.
USA Update How deal was struck for abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell to serve life sentence (+video)

A jury on Monday found Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies. He's waived his right to appeal the verdict, and prosecutors are dropping the death penalty.
Chapter & Verse Shakespeare: working magic in solitary confinement

Can Shakespeare really touch the hearts of America's most hardened criminals? Professor Laura Bates says the answer is yes.
Chuck Muncie dies, leaves legacy as NFL star who fought drug abuse

Chuck Muncie dies: A former NFL running back, Chuck Muncie went to jail for selling cocaine. But later, Chuck Muncie helped at-risk kids with his story of drug abuse. "His most impressive work was done in the second chapter of his life," says his former wife.
Man who fled zombies injures seven with strawberry truck

Man who fled zombies: A Tennessee man stole a big-rig truck in California, caused several accidents, and told investigators he was fleeing zombies when he did it.
British PM Cameron visits Boston, offers condolences

British Prime Minister David Cameron, accompanied by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, visited the Boston Marathon bombings memorial on Tuesday morning to offer his condolences and discuss lessons that can be learned from the deadly bombings.
Gosnell found guilty: Will he get death penalty?

Gosnell found guilty: Dr. Kermit Gosnell was convicted Monday of three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies.
USA Update Abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell guilty of murdering three babies

After 10 days of deliberations, a jury found Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell guilty of three counts of first-degree murder. He was accused of performing illegal late-term abortions.
Latin America Monitor What will the Rios Montt genocide conviction do for Guatemala?

Rios Montt was one of the world's first former presidents tried for genocide in a national court. Many hope his conviction means positive steps for the justice system and healing wounds of war.
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.