Officials of a prison workers’ union say that understaffing had a role in the 1999 murder of a correctional officer, who was fatally stabbed by an inmate. They say such issues continue to exist and put officers in danger today.
Criminal Justice
Get the latest Texas Tribune coverage on criminal justice, including crime, courts, law enforcement, and reforms shaping the state’s justice system.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Constitutionality of State Law Challenged in Sexual Assault Case
Attorneys presented oral arguments Wednesday at the Court of Criminal Appeals over whether Mark Fleming’s rights were violated because prosecutors didn’t have to prove he knew he was having sexual relations with a minor.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Shannon K. O’Neil: The TT Interview
The senior fellow for Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations on immigration reform, security in Mexico, the country’s budding prosperity amid an escalating drug war, and what the United States needs to understand.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers Discuss Race-Related Evidence in Death Penalty Cases
Lawmakers on Tuesday debated a bill that would allow death row inmates to appeal their sentences if they believe that race played a role in their punishment.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Bill Would End Diversion of Auto Theft Prevention Funds
A bill by state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, would restore dedicated funds to a state agency that has helped recover 1.6 million stolen vehicles in Texas. In recent years, lawmakers diverted the funds to help balance the state budget.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Report Urges Reduced Prostitution Punishment
A new report out Tuesday urges lawmakers to reduce penalties for prostitution and send more defendants to diversion and intervention programs. Advocates argue it will save the state money.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Michael Morton Act Handily Passes Senate
Senators passed Senate Bill 1611, also known as the “Michael Morton Act,” which would require prosecutors to turn over evidence to defense lawyers in criminal cases. The chamber erupted in applause following the vote.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
The Polling Center: Cruz Registers Tea Party Embrace of Gun Rights
Attitudes about gun control proposals among Texas Republicans provide a foundation for understanding Sen. Ted Cruz’s resistance to the apparent compromise taking shape in the U.S. Senate.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Agreement Reached on Michael Morton Act
“It looks as if we have a deal,” Michael Morton said after Wednesday afternoon negotiations with senators and lawyers on a measure that would require prosecutors to turn over evidence to defendants in criminal cases.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
House Panel Considers Simpson’s TSA “Anti-Groping” Bill
Despite previous threats from the federal government to shut down Texas airports if state lawmakers limit the TSA’s ability to conduct security screenings, Rep. David Simpson is pushing lawmakers to approve a so-called anti-groping bill.
