courts26.18 min read
Anthony seeks fresh trial with new judge in Metcalf murder appeal
3 days ago•Source: New York Post
Courts News
The latest courts stories, summarized by AI
Featured Courts Stories
View original source
2.565 min•4 days ago
Utah prosecutors press case in Charlie Kirk killing as preliminary hearing proceeds
Prosecutors in Utah opened a five-day preliminary hearing to determine if Tyler Robinson should stand trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, presenting what they call a confession note, admissions in texts, and a roommate’s video testimony, plus a police witness; ballistics tests remain inconclusive. Robinson has not entered a plea, the defense has unsuccessfully sought to block the death penalty, and the case has drawn national political attention given Kirk’s Turning Point USA ties and remarks from President Trump.
More Top Stories
2
TI and Tiny Lose Punitive Damages in OMG Girlz IP Trial
Rolling Stone•9 days ago
3
Utah judge disciplines prosecutors for public remarks in Charlie Kirk murder case
Al Jazeera•14 days ago
More Courts Stories
SCOTUS blocks Rastafarian inmate's bid to sue over shaved dreadlocks
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafarian inmate cannot sue prison staff for religious-liberty violations under RLUIPA, holding that individual employees aren’t liable under the statute because they did not consent to be subject to it; the decision upholds a lower-court ruling that prisoners cannot seek monetary damages from staff even when rights are violated, with dissents arguing RLUIPA should protect prisoners’ rights against officials.
Supreme Court expands gun rights to marijuana users in unanimous ruling
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal ban on gun ownership by individuals who illegally use drugs violates the Second Amendment, siding with Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas man who challenged the law; the ruling signals a broader expansion of gun rights amid evolving cannabis laws.
Two Convicted in UK PM-Targeting Arson Plot Tied to Suspected Russian Handler
A London court convicted Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych and Romanian Stanislav Carpiuc of conspiracy to commit arson for five attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer; a third man, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted. Prosecutors said Lavrynovych acted for about $4,000 in cryptocurrency at the direction of a Russian-speaking online handler named El Money, who sought to cause unrest. There is no proven link to an official Russian state, though a BBC investigation linked the act to a broader Russian sabotage campaign, which Russia denies.
Court Blocks Most of Texas SB4 as Immigration Law Nears Activation
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking four core provisions of Texas Senate Bill 4, delaying most of the 2023 immigration law just before it was set to take effect, while allowing the provision permitting police to arrest people suspected of illegal entry to proceed. Civil rights groups argued the measures infringe on federal immigration authority and could lead to racial profiling, while Texas officials contend SB4 mirrors federal policy and defends state borders; the ruling follows prior appellate actions and ongoing litigation over the law.
Texas Supreme Court Narrows Abbott’s Bid to Oust Wu Over Redistricting Quorum
The Texas Supreme Court rejected Gov. Greg Abbott’s effort to remove Rep. Gene Wu for his role in a quorum-break over a mid-decade redistricting map, ruling the Legislature could restore a quorum without court intervention and leaving the door open to future judicial involvement only if internal remedies fail.
Utah judge keeps courtroom cameras in Charlie Kirk case as hearing is delayed
A Utah judge refused a blanket media ban in the Charlie Kirk murder case, allowing courtroom cameras under case-by-case access rules, while postponing the preliminary hearing to July 6 due to substantial discovery and the need for defense review.
Utah judge allows courtroom cameras in Kirk murder case as hearing is delayed
A Utah judge refused to ban media coverage in the Charlie Kirk murder case, allowing courtroom cameras under a request-based process, and postponed the preliminary hearing to July 6 due to the large volume of discovery, while addressing media-access on a case-by-case basis and noting ongoing motions.
Supreme Court Permanently Clears Texas’ Redrawn Congressional Map for 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court permanently upholds Texas’ newly redrawn congressional map, making it the official map for the 2026 midterms and beyond after previously allowing only temporary use. The ruling ends a long legal fight over the state’s mid-decade redistricting aimed at adding up to five Republican seats, with mixed reactions from lawmakers and uncertainty about the map’s political impact as demographics and other states’ maps could offset any gains.
Judge questions standing in Trump’s $10B IRS lawsuit
A federal judge signaled potential trouble for Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns, ordering briefing and a May 27 hearing to decide whether a sitting president can sue the government he oversees, given concerns the case may not meet the Constitution’s case-or-controversy requirement and the unitary-executive theory; Trump, his sons, and a family company are plaintiffs, with the parties facing questions about adverseness and authority.
5th Circuit lifts injunction, allowing Texas SB4 to take effect
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction blocking Texas SB4, a 2023 immigration law that lets state police arrest people suspected of illegally entering the country, after ruling the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue; the ruling does not address the law’s merits, and it’s unclear when enforcement would begin. Texas officials celebrate the decision as a win for public safety, while opponents warn it could worsen profiling and conflict with federal immigration authority.