As the co-chairmen of the Congressional Border Caucus introduced an omnibus immigration bill Friday, two Texas congressmen left a House group working on immigration after saying they could no longer trust the president.
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.
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Criminal Justice
Cornyn: Time Left to Fix Specific Flaws in Immigration Laws
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn on Wednesday said that even without a comprehensive overhaul to the country’s immigration system, the federal government should address a problem that led to the release of more than 2,800 sex offenders from federal custody.
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Criminal Justice
Bar Association: Death Penalty System Falls Short
Despite recent improvements that aim to prevent wrongful convictions, an American Bar Association report released Wednesday says much work remains to ensure fairness in the application of the death penalty in Texas.
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Criminal Justice
In Texas, Fight Over Water Spills Underground
A recent court ruling in Texas has fueled an already fiery debate over whether groundwater resources can be adequately protected alongside property rights and economic development.
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Criminal Justice
DPS Expands Surcharge Relief for the Poor
A new incentive program will allow some low-income drivers to pay reduced surcharges under the Driver Responsibility Program. Thousands of Texans’ licenses have been suspended as a result of the controversial program.
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Criminal Justice
Court: Inmate Can’t Be Forcibly Medicated Ahead of Execution
In a ruling issued Wednesday, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declared that Steven Staley, a mentally ill death row inmate, cannot be forcibly medicated for the purpose of making him competent for execution.
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Criminal Justice
Perry: Hecht Will Replace Jefferson as Chief Justice
UPDATED: Justice Nathan Hecht will replace Wallace Jefferson chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Gov. Rick Perry said Tuesday. He’ll be up for election next year.
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Criminal Justice
Battery Thefts Plague Texas Oil and Gas Drillers
In Texas oilfields, thieves are targeting batteries that power pipeline monitors, saddling drillers with big replacement costs and stalling production. Some fear the temptation to steal will only swell as production expands.
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Criminal Justice
New Law Gives New Hope to Death Row Inmate
Convicted of stomping a 19-month-old baby to death, Robert Avila faces execution in January. Under a law passed this year, Avila hopes to bring to court new scientific evidence that may show the death could have been a tragic accident.
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Criminal Justice
State’s High Court to Examine Smuggling Case
The Texas Supreme Court could rule this month in a case that that is likely to weigh in on the rights of private-property owners whose lands are traversed by undocumented immigrants.