Year in Review: Criminal Justice
Fallout from the high-profile Michael Morton exoneration along with more prison closures and growing concerns about the mentally ill in Texas prisons dominated criminal justice headlines in 2013. Full Story
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Texas Democrats See Judge's Party Switch as Sign of Momentum
Democrats say the the decision by Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Lawrence Meyers to leave the Republican Party gives them something to build on for the 2014 elections. But GOP officials see no evidence of a sea change. Full Story
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![Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Larry Meyers is shown in his office in 2013.]()
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Dewhurst Seeks Study on Intoxication Manslaughter Sentences
In his latest interim charge for lawmakers, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has directed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee to study sentencing in cases of intoxication manslaughter. Full Story
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Immigration Reform Advocates Open to Taking Piecemeal Approach
Steadfast supporters of comprehensive immigration reform say that to have a chance for any change in 2014, they may have to be content with legislation that only addresses some of their overall objectives. Full Story
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![Immigration reform protesters walked up Congress Avenue toward the Texas Capitol on Feb. 22, 2013.]()
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ACLU Lawsuit Targets Feds Over Search of U.S. Citizen
In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union alleges that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in El Paso subjected a U.S. citizen to unwarranted searches, including vaginal probes and a CT scan. Full Story
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If the Sun Salutation Has to Fit Into a Prison Cell
An Austin lawyer turned yogi hopes to make yoga commonplace behind bars in Texas. But financial and administrative challenges lie ahead. Full Story
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![An inmate practices meditation during a yoga session at the Powledge prison unit in Palestine on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.]()
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Latest Texas, EPA Battle: Cross-State Air Pollution
Texas' battle with the Environmental Protection Agency continues Tuesday as the state argues against another air pollution rule before the U.S. Supreme Court. Full Story
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Participants Say Mérida Initiative Making a Big Difference in Juárez
The Mérida Initiative, a $1.5 billion U.S. aid package whose beneficiaries include Mexico, has faced its share of criticism. But in Ciudad Juárez, many say they see the positive results of the initiative every day. Full Story
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![Children who participate in an after school program in Ciudad Juárez dance to Beyoncé as part of their routine. The program is one of several Merida Initiative projects in this border city designed to help the city rebound.]()
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Branch Focuses on Voter ID Fight in New Web Ad
In a new web video, attorney general candidate Dan Branch focuses on protecting the state's elections laws, concluding with a pledge to "stop Obama's Department of Justice from overturning our Texas voter ID law." Full Story
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While Searching for Their Mother, Sisters Form Drug-War Support Group
The mother of twin sisters Mitzi and Nitza Alvarado Espinoza disappeared from their home in Mexico in 2009. Now exiled in El Paso, the sisters have formed a movement aimed at providing comfort to young victims of the drug war. Full Story
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![Twins, Nitza Alvarado Espinoza (black shirt) and Mitzi Alvarado Espinoza, with their sister Deisy, at a rally in Austin on November 9. The sisters started "Hijos de Desaparecidos" after their mom was kidnapped by the Mexican military in Chihuahua. They are currently in deportation proceedings but their attorney has filed a petition seeking a special-immigrant status since they were abandoned or orphaned.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Open-Carry Advocates See Hope in Abbott Proposal
If the state's Republican leadership succeeds, Texans could find themselves growing accustomed to the sight of openly carried handguns. Full Story
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High Court May Answer Question on Impairment and Death Penalty
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the case of a Florida death row inmate — who claims he does not have the mental capacity to face execution — could provide more guidance to states like Texas. Full Story
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![The death row file for Marvin Wilson, who was executed in 2012 for the 1992 murder of Jerry Robert Williams of Beaumont. Wilson's lawyers argued that he was mentally retarded and unfit for execution.]()
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Celebrity Gun Manufacturer Sets Up Shop in Texas
Jesse James, best known as a vendor of high-end motorcyles, cited the state's "gun-friendly" attitude as the reason he opened his new firearm business here. Full Story
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![Guests check out Nomad AR-15s at the Jesse James Firearms Unlimited launch party Saturday.]()
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Anderson to Serve 9 Days in Jail, Give Up Law License as Part of Deal
Ken Anderson, who oversaw Michael Morton’s wrongful murder conviction as a prosecutor, was sentenced to nine days in jail and will surrender his law license as part of a deal to resolve criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. Full Story
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![Former Williamson County State District Judge Ken Anderson walks into the courtroom on Nov. 8, 2013. He was ordered to serve 10 days in jail and was forced to give up his law license.]()
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Dignity in Burials for Prisoners and Families
Prisoner rights advocates often criticize the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, but experts agree that offender burials are one thing the state prison system does well, especially compared with other states. Full Story
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![Anthony Ormsbee places flowers with other volunteers at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery in Huntsville, Texas Monday Nov. 4, 2013 where a group placed roses on the more than 3000 headstones for All Souls Day.]()
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Facing Deportation, Activist Says He Has No Regrets Over Actions
A member of the "DREAM 34" — a group that marched to the Laredo port of entry to criticize U.S. immigration policies and to seek political asylum — is facing deportation. He says his actions were the right thing to do. Full Story
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![A view of the Texas-Mexico border from El Paso.]()
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Liberal Groups Fault Cornyn, Cruz on Judicial Vacancies
Leaders from state and national liberal organizations on Monday called on U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn to increase efforts to fill nine vacant federal judgeships that impact Texas. Full Story
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Proposed Rules Could Increase Use of Pepper Spray on Youths
County probation chiefs want new authority to use pepper spray, saying proposed rules would provide more local control over how their facilities are operated. Full Story
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Castro: No Split Among Democrats on Immigration Reform
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that despite reports that some Democrats are urging their colleagues not to work with Republicans on immigration reform, the party wants to see something pass before the year ends. Full Story
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![U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, at a victory party for congressional candidate Pete Gallego at Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio on Nov. 6, 2012.]()
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Court Orders New Mental Competency Hearing in Death Penalty Case
UPDATED: The Court of Criminal Appeals has ordered a new hearing in the case of Marcus Druery to determine whether he is mentally competent to be executed. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
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