Law

National

Police Expert: Tasers Should Be Used Only When Suspects Are Threats

8:14am January 03, 2016

The Chicago Police Department is doubling its supply of Tasers in an effort to reduce the use of lethal force. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with former Baltimore police officer Peter Moskos about the effectiveness of Tasers in de-escalating conflicts.

Activists held an open carry rally at the Texas state capitol on Jan. 1, 2016 in Austin, Texas.

National

Texas Businesses Adapt To Open-Carry Law

7:14pm January 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

A new law in Texas allows the open carry of handguns. Some business owners, like restaurateur Jack Perkins, are apprehensive.

Queue Listen Now

New Year, New Laws: States Diverge On Gun Rights, Voting Restrictions

5:15pm January 02, 2016

by Joel Rose

In North Carolina, you'll need ID to vote; in Oregon, people will be automatically registered. California has a new way to block a person's access to firearms; in Texas, expect to see more handguns.

National

A North Carolina Police Department Improves Its Customer Satisfaction

8:04am January 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

The Fayetteville Police Department has begun to implement 76 recommendations to eliminate racial disparity in traffic stops and reduce the use of deadly force.

National

After Prison, Then Clemency, 'I Can Do The Right Thing'

7:54am January 02, 2016

David Padilla, a 48-year-old father of three, was sentenced to life in prison in 1997. After serving 19 years, President Obama commuted his sentence. NPR's Scott Simon shares Padilla's story.

Obama To Implement Gun Control Measures Through Executive Action

4:28pm January 01, 2016

by Scott Horsley

One of President Obama's biggest frustrations has been the inability to pass gun legislation. But as he begins his last year in office, Obama is expected to take action on his own to address gun violence.

National

Calif. Employers Must Comply With New Fair Pay Law

5:23am January 01, 2016

by Laura Sydell

The new law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, aims to close the wage gap between men and women by requiring employers to pay both genders the same when they do "substantially similar" work.

Chicago police escort protesters demonstrating against police brutality and gun violence in Chicago on Thursday.

Chicago Releases Thousands Of Emails On 2014 Shooting Of Laquan McDonald

8:32pm December 31, 2015

by Merrit Kennedy

The release comes as protesters demand that Chicago's mayor resign.

Fight Over Control Of Western Lands Heats Up In Congress

4:52pm December 31, 2015

by Kirk Siegler

A Utah legislative commission has voted to move forward with suing the federal government in an attempt to seize control of millions of acres of federal land.

Bill Cosby Lawyer Says Charges Are Politically Motivated

4:51pm December 31, 2015

by Jeff Brady

Bill Cosby's attorney says the comedian and actor will fight criminal charges filed against him and predicted he will be exonerated. She also said the charges are politically motivated.