The latest criminal justice news from The Texas Tribune.
A Texas senator wants to criminalize cyberbullying when it leads to a minor's serious injury or suicide. Critics of the bill say prevention is more effective than punishment. Full Story
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The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals halted the execution of Paul Storey Friday afternoon, which was set for next Wednesday. Full Story
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The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday morning. Full Story
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A senator's ability to filibuster a U.S. Supreme Court nominee ended on Thursday. Full Story
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Most registered sex offenders would be barred from living on college campuses under a bill unanimously approved by a House committee Wednesday. Full Story
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A death row inmate convicted in a Texas prison guard's murder lost another appeal Wednesday at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Full Story
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A bill that would crowdfund money from Texans to deal with a state backlog of thousands of untested rape kits tentatively passed the Texas House Wednesday on a voice vote. Full Story
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After North Carolina revised its controversial bathroom law last week, the NCAA announced it would again consider the state for future championship games. So is the proposed Texas bill more like the new North Carolina law or its predecessor? Full Story
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"These are serious crimes," said state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, the bill's author. "The state's response should be as well." Full Story
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The Judge Julie Kocurek Judicial and Courthouse Security Act of 2017 passed the chamber Tuesday. Full Story
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Key lawmakers are optimistic about the passage of a bill that would ban texting-and-driving across Texas, despite failed attempts over the last few sessions. Full Story
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The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear the Texas death penalty case of a Honduran national who was convicted for his role in a 1995 murder of 67-year-old Santiaga Paneque during a Houston home invasion. Full Story
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Texas is one of eight states that does not have a ban on the books against bestiality. Full Story
Texas lawmakers might revive a special prosecuting unit in Travis County — this one only investigating fraud, not corrupt state officials. Full Story
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The proposal – which would affect high school students, new drivers and police officers – passed the chamber unanimously and now heads to the House. Full Story
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Amidst the threat of a filibuster from Democrats, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz said Wednesday they are intent on finding a way for Republicans to confirm President Trump's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Full Story
The judge in the securities fraud case against Attorney General Ken Paxton says he will rule by noon Thursday on a number of major pretrial issues. Full Story
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The case against Steve Stockman is growing. Full Story
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas death row inmate Tuesday, sending his case back to the appeals court and invalidating the state's method of determining if a death-sentenced inmate is intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for execution. Full Story
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As Paul Storey's execution looms, one juror is asking the Texas Legislature to clarify the jury instructions in death penalty cases, claiming he didn't know he alone could have stopped the sentence. Full Story