criminal-justice-issues
Pa. Court: Allegheny Co. must release autopsy report of man who died in jail
By Jordana Rosenfeld Allegheny County administrators must release the autopsy report of a man who died in the custody of the Allegheny County Jail in late 2020, according to a new court ruling. In a 6-1 vote, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court determined that the county had unlawfully denied Pittsburgh-based reporter Brittany Hailer access to an autopsy […]
Pa. House approves bill extending PFAs to pets, animal companions | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Pets play 'an essential role in offering comfort' to people experiencing abuse, the bill's sponsors said
A leftover pandemic restriction in N.J.’s prisons deprives some of ‘lifeline’ family visits
More than three years after the state closed New Jersey prisons to visitors as a pandemic precaution, they’ve opened them up again — but a lingering requirement to schedule visits has kept visiting rooms at many facilities largely empty.
‘It’ll be fine, I’ll be with a white girl’: Words of wisdom and a warning | Monday Morning Coffee
Jordan Neely died for no reason. For too many, Black lives still don’t matter enough. Words from a teen remind us of why.
Pa. Senate approves bill creating SEPTA crimes division in Philly DA’s office
The bill sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria, is now before the House Judiciary Committee.
The Pgh synagogue shooting case should’ve been heard in Pa. court | Bruce Ledewitz
Federal jurisdiction over this case introduces enormous complications, both practical and legal.
Philadelphia families remember loved ones during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
'He was destined for something big. He made us better people just knowing him,' the mother of one victim recalled.
Pa.’s landlord-tenant law literally can get you killed | Michael Coard
Officials have a lot of explaining to do in the shooting of a Philadelphia woman.
Here’s why some countries prosecute former presidents despite the risk | Opinion
Such legal proceedings can be dangerous and sometimes destabilizing. But they show no one is above the law.
In New Jersey, bill would track deadly car crashes caused by cannabis impairment
Experts say exploring a link between marijuana use and car crashes may not be easy.
Firing squads could return as states debate the death penalty | Analysis
Twenty-seven states allow capital punishment, but public support for it has declined.
Philly’s Office of Criminal Justice receives nearly $1M MacArthur grant to enhance racial equity, safety
The money is expected to solidify the city's 'ability to sustain long-term public safety initiatives,' a spokesperson said.