Topic: U.S. Department of Justice

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'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?

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Zimmerman won't get his gun back yet, per Justice Department. What's up?

The US Justice Department wants the George Zimmerman gun and other physical evidence in the Trayvon Martin shooting to be held intact, pending its civil rights probe. That might signal stepped-up activity by the feds, but analysts see reason to doubt they will ultimately file charges.
Should Congress restore key part of Voting Rights Act? House hears both sides.

A House subcommittee hosted an exchange of views Thursday about the meaning of and potential fallout from the US Supreme Court’s decision last month that struck down a portion of the Voting Rights Act.
Feds target 'stand your ground' laws, but what can they do?

Neither Congress nor the executive branch can force states to change their laws, and courts have been skeptical about attempts to strike down stand your ground legislation. At least one juror has said this law was a key factor in the George Zimmerman verdict.
Why Zimmerman verdict might not roll back 'stand your ground' laws (+video)

The US attorney general, Juror B37, and even Stevie Wonder express reservations about self-defense laws like Florida's 'stand your ground' statute, a factor in the George Zimmerman trial. What's the likelihood such laws will be reconsidered?
The Monitor's View Why Holder's probe of 'stand your ground' laws stands out

US Attorney General Eric Holder said after the George Zimmerman verdict that Justice will take a 'hard look' at the many 'stand your ground' state laws, such as Florida's. Such laws need challenging as they reverse history's path away from killing.
Surveillance court to declassify documents in 2008 Yahoo case

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will declassify a 2008 court case in which Yahoo protested the government's collection of its users' data.
Federal probe of George Zimmerman not over, says Justice's Eric Holder

In his first statement since George Zimmerman was acquitted, Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday the Justice Department probe into Trayvon Martin's death will continue, 'consistent with the facts and the law.'
Decoder Wire Will George Zimmerman now face federal charges? (+video)

The Justice Department is reviewing the evidence to see if there is a basis for civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. Such a case would have to prove that Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin primarily due to race.
George Zimmerman 'not guilty' verdict: Legal fight could continue

George Zimmerman has been found not guilty in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. But the US Justice Department may pursue the case under civil rights law, and Trayvon's parents are considering whether or not to file wrongful death civil charges against Zimmerman.
Zimmerman not guilty: Victory for new kind of civil rights era?

Persecution of lawful gun owners is the new civil rights battle, many Americans claim. George Zimmerman just became their icon.
Justice Department backs off on secret seizure of reporters’ records

The Justice Department has revised its guidelines on when it can probe the phone and email records of journalists as part of an effort to stem government leaks. This comes after the controversial secret seizure of Associated Press and Fox News records.
Chapter & Verse Judge finds Apple went against anti-trust laws in e-book price-fixing case

US District Judge Denise Cote found that Apple was part of a conspiracy to increase e-book retail prices. An Apple spokesperson maintained that 'we've done nothing wrong.'
American Airlines-US Airways merger faces antitrust suit

American Airlines' merger with US Airways faces opposition in the form of an antitrust lawsuit filed in a San Francisco court. Critics of the American Airlines merger claim it would hurt consumers by driving up airfares.
Opinion After Supreme Court, Congress must move on Voting Rights Act

The Voting Rights Act has been America’s most effective tool to eradicate racial discrimination in voting. Today, a sharply divided Supreme Court has thrown the future of this critical tool in limbo by striking down a key provision. It’s now up to Congress to revive the act.
Latin America Monitor Small but significant step: Cuba and US say ready to resume talks on migration

The cold war enemies recently completed negotiations on resuming direct mail service, which has been suspended since 1963.
FBI pick: Obama poised to name Bush appointee James Comey

The White House announced today that on Friday, President Obama will nominate Bush's Deputy Attorney General James Comey to head the FBI.
Chapter & Verse E-book price-fixing trial: Will the judge come down on the side of Apple?

Judge Denise Cote seemed inclined to rule for the Department of Justice at the beginning of the trial, but her remarks as the case closed seemed to indicate a shift towards Apple's side.
How drones are used for domestic surveillance

FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Judiciary Committee that unmanned aircraft is used minimally in domestic surveillance to monitor unmoving objects and save law enforcement officers from serious risks. Senators expressed concerns about the secrecy of the program and possible threats to privacy.
Chapter & Verse Apple e-mails are at the center of the DOJ e-book price-fixing trial

The Justice Department’s e-book price fixing trial – alleging that Apple conspired to raise e-book prices – is scheduled to end this week.
Minnesota Nazi: How did Nazi hunters miss Michael Karkoc? (+video)

Minnesota Nazi: US, German, and Polish authorities are now taking a look at 94-year-old Michael Karkoc’s reputed past as a Nazi commander. ‘Nazi hunters’ have had major successes and notable failures in finding and deporting Nazis.
Obama, in surprise move, wades into NYPD 'stop and frisk' lawsuit

A federal judge is poised to rule soon on the constitutionality of the NYPD's controversial 'stop and frisk' policy. The Obama administration this week said nothing on that point, but it did state its preferred remedy if the city loses the case.
Feds surrender: Teens can buy 'morning-after pill'

The federal government said today it will end its years-long fight against a judge's order to allow girls of any age to buy emergency contraception without prescriptions.
Edward Snowden leaks: why Obama has a political cushion (+video)

Edward Snowden and his decision to speak out as the leaker of classified national security documents have deflected attention from President Obama. The political odd couples defending and opposing the programs also insulate the president.
Another NSA leaker? More expected to come on spying revelations

Columnist Glenn Greenwald, who broke the NSA spying story, expects there'll be more whistle blowers and more stories based on leaks. The government is treating that as criminal activity.
Verizon phone-snooping flap: why Obama won't be harmed

News that Verizon has been forced to turn over millions of phone records to the US government feeds the narrative of Big Brother-ism in Washington. But concerns over national security are likely to mitigate political fallout.