Law

National

Big Cities See Violent Crime Rates Fall In 2013

8:43pm January 03, 2014

by Cheryl Corley

Cities across the country saw sharp drops in violent crime rates in 2013. For some big cities, murder rates reached historic lows. The numbers reflect a decades-long decline, which shows that plenty of neighborhoods in urban areas are safe while some remain troubled by violent crime.

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National

Is It Legal For Undocumented Immigrant To Practice Law?

3:44pm January 02, 2014

by Emily Green

Opponents argue that admitting Sergio Garcia to the bar would violate a federal law prohibiting entities funded with state money from granting undocumented immigrants professional licenses. The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case on Wednesday.

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Justice Sotomayor Blocks Part Of Birth Control Mandate

11:42am January 01, 2014

The Supreme Court justice issued a decision Tuesday night that's putting part of President Obama's health insurance law in doubt. Groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged are suing to block the law, saying it violates their religious freedom.

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How 2013 Became The 'Gayest Year Ever'

4:36pm December 26, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

Utah's surprise decision to legalize same-sex marriage caps a landmark year for gay rights. The last 12 months saw a huge string of victories, from state legislatures, to Congress, to the Supreme Court.

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National

'New Level' Of Scandal With LA Sheriff's Department

5:00pm December 22, 2013

Host Arun Rath talks with Los Angeles Times reporter Robert Faturechi about the troubles facing the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. More than a dozen current and former deputies face federal charges stemming from allegations of abuse and corruption.

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National

A Majority In U.S. Favor Legal Pot, But Will That Stick?

1:49am December 18, 2013

by Martin Kaste

Colorado and Washington state are setting up legalized marijuana markets, and advocates are celebrating. But there are signs of discontent. Even a founder of a marijuana legalization group says there's a possibility of a popular backlash.

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National

In Press-Rights Battle, Reporter Says Accountability's At Risk

6:03pm December 15, 2013

by NPR Staff

The Justice Department is trying to compel New York Times journalist James Risen to testify in the case of a former CIA official who may or may not have leaked classified information to him. The case calls into question the limits of the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of the press.

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National

Tug Of Authority Over Legal Gap In Online Privacy

5:32pm December 14, 2013

by NPR Staff

Without one law that mandates security standards, the Federal Trade Commission is stepping in to confront companies that expose their customers to risk online. But then one company fought back, arguing the FTC didn't have the right. So whose responsibility is it to keep your sensitive data safe?

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Kenneth Johnson wears a shirt with an image of his son Kendrick, 17, in November. Johnson and other family members have maintained a presence near the Lowndes County judicial complex in Valdosta, Ga., since last January after Kendrick's body was discovere

National

Family Of Ga. Teen Found Dead In A Gym Mat Pushes For Answers

7:16pm December 12, 2013

by Kathy Lohr

Activists from across the country are asking Georgia's governor to support an investigation into the death of Kendrick Johnson, 17, who was discovered dead in a high school gymnasium almost a year ago. State investigators ruled out foul play, but Johnson's parents don't believe it.

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Economy

DOJ Signals JPMorgan Deal Could Be Model For Other Cases

12:51pm December 12, 2013

by Chris Arnold

The Justice Department on Tuesday announced a landmark $13 billion settlement with JPMorgan Chase. That's the largest settlement the federal government has ever made with a single company. It's three times the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill settlement.

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