Courts
Plea Bargaining Needs to be More Transparent, Report Argues
Widespread plea bargaining in the criminal justice system may be fueling racial inequities and leading innocent people to plead guilty, says a new report from the Vera Institute of Justice.
Plea Bargaining Needs to be More Transparent, Report Argues
Widespread plea bargaining in the criminal justice system may be fueling racial inequities and leading innocent people to plead guilty, says a new report from the Vera Institute of Justice.
Courts
Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 200,000
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | CDC advises against trick-or-treating ... Wisconsin judge grants voters extra time to return mail-in ballots ... Alaskan dog-sled race will kick off as scheduled despite pandemic.
In a Cross-State Aquifer Spat, a View of a Water-Stressed Future
Mississippi sued Memphis over its use of a deep aquifer. A possibly paradigm-shifting Supreme Court decision looms.
Minnesota Lawsuit is Latest to Challenge a Face Mask Mandate
Across the country, state and local directives imposing face mask requirements have been met with repeated court challenges.
Governor Has Authority to Close Bars During Pandemic, Federal Judge Rules
A federal judge sided with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards in a lawsuit brought by 10 bar owners who argued that closing their businesses to prevent the spread of Covid-19 violated their constitutional rights.
Cities and Counties Join Lawsuit Challenging Shortened Census Timeline
The Trump administration earlier this month walked back plans to extend the count due to the coronavirus.
State Ban on ‘High Capacity’ Gun Magazines Violates 2nd Amendment, 9th Circuit Rules
The California law, tied up in court since it was approved by voters in 2016, would ban the possession of firearms magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds.
New York Attorney General Seeks to Dissolve National Rifle Association
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Minneapolis voters will not consider proposal to dismantle police department this fall … Governor says positive coronavirus test later came back negative … Houston City Council embraces “walkable” plan.
Appeals Courts Split on Whether Trump Administration Can Enforce 'Public Charge’ Rule
A federal appeals court says the rule penalizing immigrants for using public assistance programs can’t be enforced in three northeast states. But another court found the administration can move forward with its new standards.
States Crack Down on Large Gatherings as Covid-19 Continues to Spread
Minnesota officials are seeking damages from a ranch owner who held a three-day rodeo in defiance of state regulations on large gatherings. They say at least one attendee tested positive for Covid-19 days after the event.
States Let Law School Grads Work Without Taking the Bar Exam
Earlier this month, Louisiana cancelled the bar exam. This week the state became the fourth to enact "diploma privilege," allowing recent law school graduates to practice law without sitting for the three-day bar exam.
Trump Administration Rescinds Rule Banning International Students from Country if Only Taking Online Classes
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Hawaii extends travel quarantine mandate, but relaxes it for college students ... Massachusetts sues ride-hailing companies ... New York governor releases memorable Covid poster.
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