SCOTUS: Defense Lawyer Can't Refuse to File Appeal Even If Client Has Given up Appeal Rights
February 27, 2019. The client had plea agreements with "appeal waivers," but the Court said the lawyer provided ineffective assistance of counsel by failing to begin an appeal.
SCOTUS: Excessive Fines Ban Applies to State Governments
February 20, 2019. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision potentially limiting the states' civil forfeiture power.
Washington Becomes 20th State to Eliminate Death Penalty
October 11, 2018. The state's highest court found that capital punishment "fails to serve any legitimate penological goal."
California Is First State to Eliminate Cash Bail
August 31, 2018. A new law ends the system of having to pay money to get out of jail.
Police Must Normally Get Warrants for CSLI, Says Supreme Court
June 22, 2018. The Court set a cellphone privacy rule for all the country.