The national union that represents more than 16,000 agents of the United States Border Patrol issued its first-ever endorsement of a presidential candidate on Wednesday by throwing its support behind Republican Donald Trump.
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
Criminal Justice
Execution Stayed for Dallas Accountant Who Gunned Down Daughters
A federal appeals court on Wednesday stayed the execution of a Dallas accountant who shot and killed his two daughters in 2001. John Battaglia’s lawyers argue he is not mentally competent enough to be put to death.
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Criminal Justice
Guns Up: Texas Tech Will Allow Firearms in Classrooms, Some Dorms
Texas Tech University plans to ban guns in its recreation center, chapel and some dorms but won’t prevent students with concealed handgun licenses from carrying in classrooms, according to an operating policy issued Tuesday.
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Criminal Justice
Unlike Other States, Texas E-Verify Law Operating Under Honor System
When former Gov. Rick Perry ordered state agencies to use E-Verify in 2014, his plan was criticized for not having an enforcement mechanism. But a senate bill designed to make Perry’s mandate a bona fide law also lacks teeth.
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Criminal Justice
Texas Planned Parenthood Affiliate Joins Lawsuit Over Videos
A Texas-based Planned Parenthood affiliate on Thursday moved to join a federal lawsuit filed in California against the anti-abortion group behind undercover videos of the organization’s clinics.
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Bordering on Insecurity
Hearing Probes Deportation of Criminal Immigrants
During an hours-long committee on border security and immigration Wednesday, a Republican sheriff was called out for doing what some argue only Democrats do: Let deportable immigrants out of jail.
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Criminal Justice
U.S. Reps. Cuellar, Farenthold Target Provision Benefiting Cuban Immigrants
Two Texas congressmen have introduced legislation designed to roll back the automatic benefits and legal status that Cuban immigrants receive shortly after reaching U.S. ports.
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Criminal Justice
Supreme Court Weighs Religious Freedom in Birth Control Case
In another major case concerning Texas women’s reproductive care, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday will consider if the right to religious freedom is broad enough to completely exempt religious nonprofits from providing women access to contraceptives through their insurance plans.
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Criminal Justice
Trooper in Sandra Bland Case Pleads Not Guilty
Former Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Brian Encinia appeared before a state district judge Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea to a perjury charge stemming from his arrest of Sandra Bland.
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Criminal Justice
Texas Executes Man Courts Recognized as Mentally Ill
Adam Kelly Ward, whom appeals courts recognized as mentally ill, was executed Tuesday evening for the 2005 shooting death of a code enforcement officer.
