A majority of the state’s voters say they’re ready for full-blown casino gambling, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll.
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
Exonerated Men Plead for Justice System Change
After listening to nearly two hours of emotional testimony from exonerated prisoners, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee today approved a bill meant to reform the way law enforcement officials in Texas gather and use eyewitness identification evidence.
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Criminal Justice
Advocates Worry TYC Cuts May be Shortsighted
The House and Senate budgets propose a $95.6 million cut in total revenue from the Texas Youth Commission budget in 2012-2013, and lawmakers are eying reductions in parole services, which could lead to fewer staffers and fewer district parole offices.
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Criminal Justice
Wentworth, Rodriguez Debate Campus Carry on CNN
On today’s broadcast of CNN’s American Morning, state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, and state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, debated the controversial issue of concealed handguns on college campuses.
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Criminal Justice
Small Brewers Pushing to Tap Into the Action
Brewpubs want to be able to sell their distinctive beers in stores, restaurants and other bars and are fighting for the right to expand. The major beer distributors like things the way they are.
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Criminal Justice
Jurists, Lawmakers, Lawyers: Aid Funds Running Out
Organizations that provide legal services to those who can’t afford them are quickly running out of money even as the need for their help is increasing, advocates said Wednesday at a press conference.
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Criminal Justice
Religious Leaders Advocate for Ex-Veteran’s Clemency
Today, a week before his son is scheduled to die, Columbus Adams and a host of religious leaders asked the state to forgive Timothy Adams. His son, he said, never committed a crime before the day he lost control during an argument with his wife and killed their son.
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Criminal Justice
Community Colleges Leery of Guns on Campus
State Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, has filed legislation to allow licensed handgun owners to carry concealed weapons on community college campuses. But some campus police fear it could actually put students and faculty in more danger.
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Criminal Justice
Woman’s Death Reveals a Troubled East Texas Jail
Amy Lynn Cowling’s death is just the most recent at the Gregg County Jail in Longview. Interviews and public documents reveal a troubled facility, where the staff turnover rate is unusually high and inmates report shoddy medical care.
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Criminal Justice
Inmate’s Family Vexed Over Jail Death
Amy Lynn Cowling died on Dec. 29, 2010 in the Gregg County Jail. Her family is outraged over the treatment she received there, but jail officials say Cowling’s unfortunate death was not their fault.