Latest Criminal Law News
Regulators imposed vigilante justice
The legal system was young and the judges, lawyers and law enforcers were few and ill-trained. Residents grew frustrated at violations they felt were crimes against the community and sins against God. The well-meaning residents organized a group of men
Updated: 02/20/2012 09:01A
Is 'no contest' a door best left closed?
Says Justice Watt, “[n]o statutory provision or common law principle prohibits a procedure similar to what was followed here after an accused has entered a plea of guilty. The flaw here was [only] in the execution.” He goes on: “The procedure followed
Updated: 02/20/2012 08:28A
No win for default sentencing
Justice Molloy said the 27-year-old, first-time offender displayed “colossally bad judgment” when he posed in 2009 for a photo with a loaded illegal handgun to impress his friends on Facebook. However, he had no other criminal intent, she found.
Updated: 02/20/2012 08:28A
Split underpins new trial order
By Cristin Schmitz Exposing again a deep philosophical divide in criminal law, the Supreme Court has split 6-3 on making it easier for mentally disabled adults to give unsworn testimony in sexual assault and other criminal trials. Led by Chief Justice
Updated: 02/20/2012 08:28A
No laws banning political satire – culture minister
To this day, the Code of Police Laws contains no formal ban on political satire. The Criminal Code however lists as contraventions the wearing of any mask or disguise - unless it is allowed by formal police order during such events as Carnival - and
Updated: 02/20/2012 08:22A
Give prosecutors and judges more discretion in sentencing: An editorial
Bobby Jindal opposed that for violent and sex crimes. The inflexibility politicians added in recent decades to sentencing laws has contributed to the large prison population. Mandatory minimums throughout the Criminal Code eroded much of the discretion
Updated: 02/20/2012 08:17A
Lying about military service should not be a crime
An op-ed in New York Times makes the case that the Stolen Valor Act — making it a crime to lie about military service even when no harm is done to others — is bad law. William Turner brings up one of the points I was thinking about this morning while
Updated: 02/20/2012 08:13A
MSU study: Military death sentences more likely for racial minorities
EAST LANSING -- Military criminals who are minorities are more likely to be sentenced to death, according to a study by a Michigan State University law professor. Catherine Grosso, associate professor at the MSU College of Law, found that minorities in
Updated: 02/20/2012 07:38A
Statement: Radebe: JCPS cluster media briefing
The overall targets require that we change the way we approach the fight against crime and corruption through strong partnerships while ensuring that the Criminal Justice System is people-centred and victim friendly. Based on this approach,
Updated: 02/20/2012 07:22A
'Stand Your Ground Law' faces another court test
"I think the law ought to do everything possible to discourage people from shooting each other," Felman said. "It makes me feel like Texas in the old west." Robert Batey, a criminal law professor at Stetson University College of Law, said Stand Your
Updated: 02/20/2012 07:13A
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