The state’s highest criminal court ruled Wednesday that a Texas law banning defacement of the U.S.and state flags is unconstitutional.
Texas Court Of Criminal Appeals
Posted in
Criminal Justice
New Crime Lab Protocol Leads to Reviews of “Mixed DNA” Evidence
A new standard, used by crime labs in Texas and nationwide when analyzing multiple sets of DNA taken from evidence, has prompted questions and a review of court cases dating back to 1999.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Court’s Ban of Death Penalty Lawyer Will Stand
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday ruled it has no authority or jurisdiction to intervene in its sister court’s ban of prominent death penalty lawyer David Dow.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Legislators Move Closer to Overhauling State’s Grand Jury System
The Texas House on Sunday gave final approval to an overhaul of the state’s grand juries, moving one step closer to getting rid of a controversial way of seating the panels.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Abbott Signs Online Solicitation Measure Into Law
Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a measure that makes online solicitation of a minor a punishable offense and changes the definition of a minor, calling it “regrettable that this bill is necessary.”
Posted in
Criminal Justice
House Gives Early OK to Expanding DNA Testing
The Texas House on Monday gave early approval to expanding DNA testing in criminal cases, an effort to prevent the incarceration of innocent Texans like Michael Morton, who spent nearly 25 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Posted inState Government
The Playlist: Cruise Control
With a late night tweet, U.S. Sen Ted Cruz announced his candidacy for president then immediately hit the road, so we start our playlist with “Cruise Control” by the Dixie Dregs.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawyer’s One-Year Banishment Leads to Showdown
When the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals banished a prominent death row attorney this year, it set in motion an interesting showdown not only with the lawyer, David Dow, but one with its own glossier sibling, the Texas Supreme Court.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Court Suspends Lawyer for Death Row Inmate Over Late Filing
The Court of Criminal Appeals has suspended a criminal defense lawyer, arguing that he filed motions to stop executions too late. The move is part of a ongoing feud in Texas between such lawyers and judges who rule on their claims.
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, State Government
Ushering in Several Reforms, But Not Always Leading the Charge
Rick Perry will leave behind a criminal justice system in healthier shape than when he stepped in as governor. Terri Langford writes that how instrumental Perry was in improving it remains an open question.
