Law

Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden speaks via video conference at Johns Hopkins University in February.

National

Former AG Holder Says Edward Snowden's Leak Was A 'Public Service'

8:06pm May 31, 2016

by Eyder Peralta

Eric Holder, who was attorney general when the former NSA contractor leaked highly sensitive documents, said what Snowden did was illegal but that his leak brought up important conversations.

Donald Trump Attacks Federal Judge Involved In Trump University Case

7:08pm May 31, 2016

Donald Trump continues to face lawsuits over his for-profit education company, Trump University. Trump accused federal judge Gonzalo Curiel of bias in one case, and said the judge, who is from Indiana, "happens to be, we believe, Mexican." NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Washington Post political reporter Tom Hamburger about the case.

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Director Roman Polanski speaks to his lawyers after a February 2015 hearing concerning a U.S. request for his extradition in Krakow, Poland.

Poland Renews Push To Extradite Filmmaker Roman Polanski To U.S.

6:34pm May 31, 2016

by Chris Arnold

A Polish court last year denied a U.S. request to extradite Polanski, who pleaded guilty in 1977 to statutory rape but fled. Now Poland's justice minister says he'll appeal to the Supreme Court.

National

Utah Sheriffs Threaten To Arrest Rangers If They Try To Close Public Lands

12:27pm May 31, 2016

by Kirk Siegler

Clashes over grazing rights continue. Local sheriffs will give you an earful about how they believe environmental extremists have taken over federal agencies. But this is more than just a turf battle.

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Hearing Topic For Accused Sept. 11 Mastermind Shifts To Defendants' Rights

8:17am May 31, 2016

by Arun Rath

At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the focus of a hearing has shifted to a probe of defendants' rights. Five men, accused of planning or supporting the Sept. 11 attacks, claim they've been mistreated in prison.

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Judge To Rule On Contempt Charges Against Maricopa County Sheriff

8:17am May 31, 2016

by Jude Joffe-Block

Sheriff Joe Arpaio was found in contempt for violating court orders related to a longstanding racial profiling lawsuit. Many believe the judge will ultimately refer the case to a criminal prosecutor.

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Education

Merrick Garland Tells Grads At His Former High School: Focus On Helping Others

7:38am May 30, 2016

The Supreme Court nominee reminded students that Harry Potter's pal Hermione rejected a career in law to "do some good in the world." He said, "Instead of taking a selfie, turn the camera around."

National

Pennsylvania Debates Statutes Of Limitations For Child Sex Abuse Crimes

7:52am May 29, 2016

State Rep. Mark Rozzi tells NPR's Rachel Martin about why he's supporting new Pennsylvania legislation that would eliminate the state's criminal statutes of limitations on child sex abuse crimes.

National

Victims Of Civil Asset Forfeiture Criticize New Federal Rules

4:31pm May 27, 2016

by Martin Kaste

Early last year, the Obama administration pledged to reform the civil asset forfeiture system, by which police can seize and keep suspicious assets without having to convict anyone of a crime. Critics of that system say the reforms haven't changed much.

Baylor Demotes President, Fires Football Coach Amid Sexual Assault Scandal

4:31pm May 27, 2016

Baylor University demoted its president and fired the head football coach for their handling of allegations of sexual assault by members of the school's football team. NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Paula Lavigne of ESPN's Outside the Lines, who reported on the cases and how Baylor officials failed to investigate the allegations and violated Title IX federal law.