Oklahoma Education Law Chills Classroom Speech as Appeals Court Weighs Case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit is reviewing an Oklahoma law that plaintiffs say has created a chilling effect for educators, prohibiting instructors... Read more.
Florida Executes Michael King for 2008 Murder of Denise Lee after Kidnapping and Rape
Michael King was executed in Florida for the 2008 kidnapping, rape, and murder of Denise Lee, which led to the creation of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation to advocate... Read more.
Connecticut Partners with Vera Institute to Transform Prison Conditions
The Vera Institute of Justice has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Correction to participate in Designed for Dignity, a new initiative aimed at transforming... Read more.
Woman Exonerated after 22 Years in Prison for a Murder She Didn’t Commit
Carmen Mejia was exonerated after 22 years in prison for a murder she did not commit, when new evidence established that the death of a 10-month-old infant in her... Read more.
Judge Denies Restraining Order in Kansas Transgender Rights Case
A judge in Kansas rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to block the enforcement of SB 244, a state law that invalidates the driver's licenses of... Read more.
Supreme Court Denies Alabama Appeal, Allowing New Trial in Death Row Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a lower court ruling that Alabama prosecutors violated Michael Sockwell's constitutional rights by intentionally rejecting... Read more.
State’s Judicial Bench Reflects Growing Diversity in Gender and Race
California's judiciary has become more diverse over the past two decades, with significant increases in both gender and racial representation, according to newly... Read more.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Reverses Decision in Death Penalty Resentencing
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered a new penalty-phase hearing in the case of Wayne A. Smith, after finding that his resentencing counsel was ineffective... Read more.
Public Polls Show Growing Opposition to Death Penalty, Raising Questions about Jury Fairness
The practice of "death qualification" allows prosecutors to dismiss potential jurors who oppose the death penalty, raising concerns about fairness, racial exclusion... Read more.
California Governor Grants Clemency to 14, Emphasizing Second Chances
Gov. Gavin Newsom granted eight pardons and six commutations, recognizing rehabilitation, accountability and public safety, and emphasizing the importance of second... Read more.