Are religious beliefs a defense to criminal charges?
People’s sincere religious beliefs may occasionally conflict with the law. Usually, it’s the religious beliefs that...
How do courts determine whether prison conditions are cruel and unusual?
The Eighth Amendment requires that state and federal prison systems provide at least “the minimal civilized...
Hit-and-Run Charges
By Jessica Gillespie Learn the basics about the crime of hit and run, as well as...
Offers of Leniency in Exchange for a Confession
Learn what officers can and can't suggest in order to get a statement from a defendant....
Criminal Writs
Writs involve review by appellate courts, but they're different than appeals. Writs are an exception to...
Restitution Law for Victims of Crime
Restitution is designed to compensate crime victims for their losses. Learn about the kinds of expenses...
Breached Plea Bargains
Learn what happens when the defense doesn't get what it bargained for. By Michael Tarleton A plea...
Warrant Execution and Unreasonable Police Behavior
There are limits to the ways police officers can act while enforcing a warrant. When the...
Why Judges and Prosecutors Engage in Plea Bargaining
Moving cases along, and making sure that there's room in the jails and prisons for...
