A viral video of a white Fort Worth police officer forcefully arresting a black woman and her daughters has put a spotlight on the city’s police chief, Joel Fitzgerald. Many are waiting to see how he handles the fallout.
Courts
Stay up to date on Texas courts with in-depth coverage of major rulings, judicial elections, criminal justice, and the judges shaping state law from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Guides
Hey Texplainer: Is it legal for me to shoot my gun into the air in celebration?
Hey Texplainer: A state lawmaker who was hit in the head by a stray bullet during a New Year’s celebration says he plans to file a bill to stop “celebratory gunfire.” Isn’t shooting your gun into the air already illegal in Texas?
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Criminal Justice
Appeals court panel taking up provision in Texas border security law
On Wednesday the U.S. Fifth Circuit of Appeals will hear arguments over whether an immigrant harboring provision lawmakers passed nearly two years ago should be implemented.
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Criminal Justice
Texas sues FDA over seized execution drugs
More than a year after the feds blocked Texas from importing an execution drug, Texas filed a lawsuit demanding a final decision on whether the drugs can be delivered.
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Criminal Justice
After taking bullet to head, Texas lawmaker planning “celebratory gunfire” bill
After being hit in the head with a bullet shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve, state Rep. Armando Martinez plans to file legislation aimed at reducing or preventing celebratory gun firings.
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Criminal Justice
Report: Texas Rep. Armando Martinez shot in head, in stable condition
State Rep. Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, is in stable condition after being hit by a “stray bullet” early Sunday morning, according to a report from The Monitor.
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Criminal Justice
Texas judge issues injunction on federal transgender health mandate
A Texas judge issued a preliminary injunction Saturday against a federal mandate aimed to protect transgender people, finding that the federal health rule violates existing law.
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Criminal Justice
Texas Rangers launch criminal probe into Dallas’ pension shortfall
Mayor Mike Rawlings blames former pension administration for a “grave breach of trust,” but it’s unclear who is the target of the state inquiry.
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Criminal Justice
Texas judge who questions death penalty won’t seek reelection
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Elsa Alcala, a Republican, said the main reason she won’t run is because of the “random and unreliable” results from partisan judicial elections.
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Guides
In light of Arizona ruling, will Texas executions change? A Texplainer
Hey, Texplainer: A federal judge in Arizona just ruled that witnesses have the right to see the full process of an execution, including the administration of lethal drugs. Will this affect how Texas carries out executions?
