Law

National

In Some States, Defiance Over Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

3:50pm June 29, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The court ruled last week that states cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions. The ruling was welcomed by many, but there was criticism, too.

Supreme Court Blocks Obama Administration Plan On Power Plant Emissions

3:36pm June 29, 2015

by Brian Naylor

In a 5-4 ruling, the court says the Environmental Protection Agency should have taken into account the costs of complying with regulation.

National

How The Entertainment Industry Helped Influence Support For LGBT Issues

3:00pm June 29, 2015

Variety Magazine is publishing a special issue devoted to the Supreme Court's decision to legalize gay marriage — and the entertainment industry's role in helping shift public perceptions on this issue.

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National

Supreme Court Says Use Of Lethal Injection Drug Is Legal

1:47pm June 29, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

Lawyers for Oklahoma death row inmates argued midazolam does not reliably induce a comalike sleep, violating the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Flowers line the sidewalk in front of the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.

How Well Do Hate Crime Laws Really Work?

1:14pm June 29, 2015

by James Doubek

Proponents of hate crime laws say tough punishments modify behavior and show society's intolerance of hate. But trying to measure the deterrent effect of hate crime laws is difficult.

National

Supreme Court Wraps Up Big Term With Death Penalty, Redistricting And More

12:22pm June 29, 2015

The high court ended its term Monday with rulings on redistricting powers and a lethal injection drug. For details on the court's decisions this term, Renee Montagne talks with NPR's Nina Totenberg.

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New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico (left) speaks during a news conference Sunday evening as Gov. Andrew Cuomo looks on. At the press conference, both men detailed the capture of fugitive David Sweat earlier that day in Malone, N.Y.

National

Police Capture Prison Escapee David Sweat, Ending Weeks-Long Manhunt

9:57am June 29, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Police say the convicted murderer who escaped from a prison in New York earlier this month, has been shot but captured alive. Just days ago, his accomplice, Richard Matt, was fatally shot by police.

As a staff member takes down the Arizona redistricting map, Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission chair Colleen Mathis gets a hug from Frank Bergen, a Pima County Democrat, at a 2012 meeting.

One-Third Of Congressional Districts Could Be Affected By Supreme Court Ruling

7:03am June 28, 2015

by Jessica Taylor

A Supreme Court ruling expected Monday could dramatically remake the partisan makeup of the next Congress ahead of the 2016 elections.

National

Supreme Court Changes Face Of Marriage In Historic Ruling

1:55pm June 27, 2015

by Nina Totenberg

The court ruled in a 5-4 decision that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, setting off celebrations nationwide. Opponents — and justices' incensed dissents — suggest the fight isn't over.

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National

How The High Court Has Changed The Legal Landscape For Same-Sex Marriage

1:47pm June 27, 2015

For analysis of the Supreme Court's landmark decision on same-sex marriage, David Greene talks to Richard Primus, a constitutional law professor at the University of Michigan.

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