Civil Rights

Suffolk County Chief James Burke speaks at a press conference held to announce the details of a officer-involved shooting in Bay Shore, Long Island on March 23, 2015.

National

In N.Y., A Fight To Reform Police Force Accused Of Being 'Rotten'

6:54pm February 26, 2016

by Charles Lane

Prosecutors allege the ex-police chief in Suffolk County had a large circle of "palace guards" that lied under oath for him, spied on FBI investigations and planted a GPS device on a political rival.

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After speaking (or, more often, shouting) their lines, the students run back to congratulatory teachers.

Fifth Graders Revisit King's 'Dream' Speech At The Lincoln Memorial

2:24pm January 18, 2016

Students from Watkins Elementary School in Washington, D.C., gathered to honor the civil rights leader.

Former Alabama police Officer Eric Parker, seen in September, has been acquitted of a federal charge of violating a man from India's rights by using excessive force.

National

Judge Tosses Case Against Alabama Officer Accused Of Injuring Indian Man

7:02pm January 14, 2016

by Laura Wagner

Eric Parker, accused of using excessive force on the unarmed man, went on trial twice last year. Both trials ended in hung juries. The judge said federal prosecutors won't get a third chance.

National

NYPD Settles 2 Lawsuits Over Surveillance Of Muslims

4:29pm January 07, 2016

by Bill Chappell

One suit accused the police of violating the New York and U.S. constitutions "by singling out and stigmatizing entire communities of New Yorkers based on their religion."

Politics & Government

Ex-Felons Fight To Restore Their Right To Vote

4:32pm December 12, 2015

by Renata Sago

Nearly 6 million former felons will not be able to cast ballots in next year's presidential election. Thousands are trying to change that by petitioning for clemency.

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Darrell Cannon was tortured into confessing to a crime he didn't commit and was sentenced to life in prison. He was exonerated in 2004 and released from prison in 2007.

National

With Chicago Police Investigation, Advocates Ask, What Took So Long?

7:48pm December 08, 2015

by David Schaper

Chicago's department is the latest to be in the spotlight for shooting a black man, which critics say is evidence of a long history of the city's police using excessive force on minorities.

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Avoiding A Lawsuit, Alabama Agrees To Comply With Voting Law

4:14pm November 13, 2015

by Debbie Elliott

The Justice Department found widespread noncompliance with a law requiring states to let people register to vote or update registration information when applying for or renewing a driver's license.

Poor Criminal Defendants Face 'Too Many Barriers' To Get Lawyers, Says DOJ

5:19pm November 10, 2015

by Carrie Johnson

The criminal justice system can be difficult to navigate, and without a lawyer, it's even harder. Yet the government says it's still too difficult for poor defendants to get representation.

Paul Weaver, Laramie City Council representative, says that when the state of Wyoming failed to act, Laramie saw the need for action and stepped in to protect gays and lesbians in the community.

National

'Patchwork Of Protection' In Rural Areas For LGBT Community Has Limits

5:12pm November 02, 2015

by Miles Bryan

Across the country, small towns are beginning to pass LGBT non-discrimination ordinances where state legislatures have failed to implement them. Advocates say it's a start, but still not enough.

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National

Civil Rights Luminaries Remember Julian Bond As A Dogged Advocate

3:27pm October 08, 2015

by Debbie Elliott

Friends, family and colleagues recounted the human rights contributions of the late Julian Bond at a memorial service Tuesday for the former NAACP chairman. Bond died in August after a brief illness.

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