Justice for Marsha Blakely and The Ohio Four
The Ohio Four were convicted in the 1991 killing of Marsha Blakely; all four have maintained their innocence to date. [...]
Criminal Law
A state split between North Carolina and South Carolina: Mitchell v. Wisconsin
When it comes to unconscious DUI suspects, the Supreme Court’s “almost always” rule in Mitchell v. Wisconsin has left states divided, defendants uncertain, and constitutional clarity hanging in the balance. [...]
How Long is Too Long?
Stopping a vehicle for speeding, writing a ticket, and sending that person on their way is on the “simple” side of the spectrum. Complexity arises with continued questioning, K’9’s, or asking drivers to step out of their vehicles. These additional factors suddenly create a growing issue: how long is too long for a traffic stop? [...]
Racial Disparities in Capital Punishment: How Prosecutorial Power and Jury Selection Influence Death Penalty Sentencing
Justice is supposed to be blind – administered to everyone equally without regard to race or ethnicity. Yet, justice often turns a blind eye to the racial disparities within the courtroom and prisons nationwide. [...]
Redefining Parental Responsibility: The Jennifer Crumbley Verdict and Its Implications for Mass Shooting Cases
For the first time, a parent has been charged with manslaughter after her child committed a school shooting. [...]
Juvenile Status Offenders: Let Them Have Their Day [Out of] Court
Status Offenders: Guilty of Youthful Offenses There are two types of juveniles represented within North Carolina’s juvenile justice system: status offenders, otherwise known as simply “undisciplined” juveniles and delinquent juveniles. Delinquent juveniles typically draw the attention of the public eye, as they are the minors that commit “adult” level offenses, such as robbery, vehicle theft, or assault with a deadly weapon. Status offenders, however, commit offenses that are [...]
Insurrection at the Capitol Revives Debate Over Statute Outlawing Domestic Terrorism
Currently, there is no federal law or crime that directly addresses and outlaws “domestic terrorism.” Thus, domestic terrorism is not a chargeable criminal offense. Despite the fact that lawmakers, experts, and the media have identified the reprehensible events of January 6th as domestic terrorism, prosecutors cannot actually charge the rioters specifically with domestic terrorism. [...]
DDoS attacks: the common cyber-weapons of choice
Though the number of small-scale “distributed denial of service” attacks has increased, the number of prosecutions for such attacks remains relatively low. [...]
Mexican Judge dismisses sexual charges because offender did not enjoy it
Judge Anuar Gonzales Hemadi dismisses sexual assault case because there was no evidence that it was done “to satisfy sexual desire.” [...]