Topic: Southwestern Law School

All Content

New BART protests could test emerging policy on cell service shutdowns

After criticism from civil libertarians and First Amendment scholars, BART says it will consider a policy of shutting down cellular service only in an 'extreme case.' But what is an extreme case?
Barry Bonds trial: A strong case for steroid use, but the charge is perjury

Baseball's Giambi brothers, admitted steroid users, testify at the Barry Bonds perjury trial in a San Francisco federal court that they knew what Bonds's trainer was giving them.
Barry Bonds trial opens with push to prevent 'roundabout justice'

Jury selection begins Monday in the Barry Bonds trial. A primary goal is to find jurors who will focus on the actual charges in the case – perjury – and not allegations of steroid use.
Michael Jackson trial: Did Conrad Murray act as a doctor or an enabler?

Conrad Murray, doctor of the late Michael Jackson, will stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter this month, a judge ruled Tuesday. The case could offer insight on legal gray areas.
Why California OK'd, then delayed first execution in years

California was set to execute a man convicted in 1982 of rape and murder on Thursday, but a shortage of one of the drugs used in lethal injections was cause for a further reprieve, courts ruled.
Prop. 8 gay marriage delay a 'good thing' for eager couples?

A judge said Monday that same-sex couples have to wait until a December appeal to his Prop. 8 ruling. The decision might have delayed intervention from the US Supreme Court.
Protests of Arizona immigration law promised as deadline looms

Protests and rallies are being planned in Phoenix and around the country on July 29, the day police are set to begin enforcing the controversial Arizona immigration law.
Is FCC 'running wild' with its big fines for 'fleeting expletives'?

A court has ruled that the FCC has to reconsider its fines for unplanned expletives blurted out on live broadcasts. The ruling comes as media experts debate whether the FCC should have a role in the Internet world.
Immigration law in Arizona targeted in Department of Justice lawsuit

Immigration law: A Justice Department suit filed Tuesday alleges that federal law trumps the controversial state statute and that enforcing immigration law is a federal responsibility. Legal experts are split on the likely outcome.
In BART murder case, police brutality, video evidence on trial

The trial of an Oakland, Calif. BART police officer may reveal judicial attitudes toward video evidence and police brutality, legal analysts say.
Teen juries put a new spin on juvenile justice

In L.A.'s peer courts, teen juries grill young offenders and then devise deterrents. The new juvenile justice approach is quickly building a track record of preventing repeat crimes.
Healthcare reform: Who wins when governor, attorney general clash?

Washington's attorney general filed suit against the healthcare reform bill signed today. One problem: He didn't ask the state's governor, who supports the bill. Who wins?
Case against Michael Jackson's doctor centers on gross negligence

Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter Monday. Legal experts – and doctors – will be watching to see if new standards are set for future cases of alleged medical negligence.
Anthony Sowell pleads insanity - legal tactic rarely works.

Anthony Sowell, the alleged Cleveland serial killer, pleaded insanity Thursday. His attorneys will have a difficult time proving that, experts say.
Earthtalk: Do sunspots and solar flares affect climate change?

Scientists and skeptics of human-induced climate change differ in their answers.
Why California's case against violent video games is a long shot

Courts have struck down many laws aimed at preventing sales to minors. Legal analysts see Supreme Court as unlikely to step in.
In Arizona, cameras that nab speeders record a murder, too

Controversy flares after shooting death of a worker inside a camera-equipped van.