Law

Without Reviews, Inmates Can Get Lost In U.S. Prison System

9:16pm April 05, 2013

by Laura Sullivan

Every year 10 million people funnel in and out of America's jails and prisons. And every year some of them get lost. Recently there have been two high-profile cases of such inmates — one who got out years too early, and one who stayed years to long. Both had disastrous consequences.

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National

The Least Bad Options For Guantanamo Bay

5:46pm April 04, 2013

At the Guantanamo Bay detention center, 166 prisoners remain detained. U.S. officials say nearly a fourth of the captives are on hunger strike, though lawyers for the prisoners say the strike is more widespread. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has re-declared his desire to close the facility.

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The Hunt Is On For A New FBI Director

5:11am April 04, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

Robert Mueller has been the U.S. government's indispensable man when it comes to national security. When his 10-year term as FBI director expired, the Obama administration asked Congress for an unprecedented two-year extension. But now, the clock is ticking on finding his successor.

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What Changes As Women Rise Through Law Enforcement's Ranks

2:57pm April 02, 2013

President Barack Obama named Julia Pierson as the head of the Secret Service, the first female director in the agency's history. At least one woman is said to be on the shortlist for FBI director. Women are also climbing the ranks on local police forces as well.

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Politics & Government

Judicial Vacancies Languish On Key Federal Appeals Court

7:42am April 02, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., is sometimes called the second most important court in the country, regularly delivering the final word on major environmental, labor and national security cases. But four of its 11 judge's slots are vacant, the most in the nation.

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The Road To The Supreme Court Arguments On Gay Marriage

11:27am March 29, 2013

The much-anticipated Supreme Court arguments on California's Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act represent a historic moment in the Court's history. Legal analysts and activists are contemplating what the Court's decisions could mean for the future of United States law.

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National

State Laws Govern Gun Purchases Very Differently Across The Country

7:17pm March 28, 2013

Melissa Block talks to Daniel Webster, director of the John Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, about the wide variation in gun laws from state to state, and how those laws correspond to gun violence.

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Politics & Government

The Politics Of Guns And The Influence Of Advertising

11:50am March 28, 2013

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a $12 million ad campaign in 13 states this week to persuade senators to support gun control legislation. The ads promote universal background checks as a prerequisite for gun ownership.

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Justices Cast Doubt On Federal Defense Of Marriage Act

8:51am March 28, 2013

by Nina Totenberg

In oral arguments, several Supreme Court justices expressed strong skepticism about DOMA, the law that bars same-sex couples legally married under state law from receiving the same federal benefits as married heterosexual couples.

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Arts

Hollywood's History Of Putting Gay Rights On Trial

9:55pm March 27, 2013

by Bob Mondello

With the Supreme Court hearing arguments this week on same-sex marriage, film critic Bob Mondello observes a parallel evolution in what he calls a Hollywood mini-genre: films in which gay characters are either taken to court or seek redress in court for issues involving their sexuality.

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