A judge in Montgomery County plans to recommend that the state move forward with the execution of Larry Swearingen, who argues that science proves he is innocent of the 1998 murder for which he was condemned to die.
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
Shootings Don’t Spark Calls for Gun Restrictions
Despite recent high-profile shootings in Texas and other states, advocates on all sides of the gun-control debate say there is little chance for change to gun laws.
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Criminal Justice
When It Comes to Transparency, There’s Room for Improvement
Lawmakers say they want transparency and that the public should be able to see their finances. But state requirements allow officeholders to report their financial interests vaguely enough to hide conflicts.
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Criminal Justice
TABC Changes What it Means to Be a Beer
For years, beers sold in Texas have had to have special labels if they contained a certain amount of alcohol. After a rule change finalized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission last month, brewers can now just call a beer a beer.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Updated: Supreme Court Denies Stay of Execution for Marvin Wilson
The U.S. Supreme Court declined a request to stay the execution of Marvin Wilson scheduled for this evening. Wilson’s lawyers argue that he is mentally disabled and should be exempted from the death penalty.
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Criminal Justice
Surprise Inspections of Juvenile Facilities Reveal Areas for Improvement
Last month, inspectors conducted surprise safety and security reviews at the state’s secure juvenile facilities. Among the findings: lax security procedures and problems with documentation.
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Criminal Justice
Death Row Inmate’s Sentence Reduced to Life
Delma Banks Jr., one of Texas death row’s longest residents, on Wednesday agreed to a life sentence for the 1980 murder of Richard Whitehead. He will be eligible for parole in 12 years.
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Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: Answering Aurora
In the wake of the movie theater killings in Aurora, Colorado, we asked the insiders what the legislative response — if any — ought to be.
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Criminal Justice
A Tragic Accident and a Continuing Legal Battle
Michelle Gaines is unlikely to ever live on her own after an auto accident. A jury awarded her $8 million in damages, but the decision was overturned. Her lawyers argue that if her appeal isn’t heard, it would set a troubling precedent.
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Criminal Justice
Local Court Race Tests Judicial Campaign Law
A runoff for the state district court in Marshall, just east of Longview near the Louisiana border, has two Republicans slinging lawsuits and ethics complaints over provisions of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
