Third-degree murder is typically defined as an unlawful killing without premeditation, often tied to extreme recklessness or a dangerous underlying felony, with penalties commonly ranging from decades in prison to life depending on the state. Unlike first- or second-degree murder, it turns on the jurisdiction’s specific statutes and how prosecutors prove malice, depraved indifference, or […]
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Sketch Cops
Sketch cops are police artists who create suspect likenesses from witness descriptions to help identify and locate offenders. Their drawings can generate investigative leads, support photo lineups, and sometimes become evidence discussed in court. This article explains what sketch cops do, how sketches are produced and used in investigations, and the legal issues around accuracy, […]
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DNA GOES TO COURT – ll
DNA has been used in law enforcement since 1985 to identify individuals through unique genetic profiles. In court, it can strongly link a suspect to evidence, but experts still dispute interpretation, lab practices, and statistical certainty. This article reviews those debates and how DNA testimony impacts criminal prosecutions. Second Of A Three-Part Series By John […]
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DNA Gets Criminal
DNA became a near-certain identification tool in 1985 when it helped identify Josef Mengele’s remains. The article explains how DNA evidence quickly expanded from scientific labs into criminal investigations and courtroom proof. This first installment traces early milestones and sets up a three-part series on DNA’s legal impact. First Of A Three-Part Series By John […]
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It’s Time For Me To Die: An Inside Look At Death Row
Michael Ross wrote this death row account in 1998 while awaiting resentencing after his original death sentence was overturned. The piece, introduced by the late editor Bill Bickel, reflects on life and mindset under a death sentence. This article republishes that firsthand narrative and its publication context. Forward by the late Bill Bickel – former […]
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MAN versus DOG
“MAN versus DOG” is a legal dispute between a person and a dog owner or handler, most often arising from a dog bite or attack and typically decided under strict liability or negligence rules set by state law. Outcomes commonly turn on provable injury damages, the dog’s history, and any defenses like provocation or trespass. […]
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Executing Kids
In most states, executing someone for a crime committed under age 18 is unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in *Roper v. Simmons*. That ruling reflects evolving standards of decency and recognizes adolescents’ reduced culpability and greater capacity for change. This article explains the history of juvenile executions, the legal doctrines that ended […]
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11 Reasons NOT To Talk To The Police
You should not talk to the police without a lawyer because anything you say can be used against you, even if you’re innocent. Police are trained to gather evidence and may use broad questions, misstatements, or pressure tactics that can turn a casual conversation into self-incrimination. This article explains 11 key reasons to stay silent […]
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The Way Of The WiseGuy
This article features a 2004 interview with Joseph D. Pistone, the FBI undercover agent known as “Donnie Brasco.” It covers Pistone’s experiences infiltrating the Mafia and key takeaways from his books, including The Way of the Wiseguy. It also notes the interview’s origin and republication with permission from Crime, Justice and America magazine. An Interview […]
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Death and Justice
In 2001, Oklahoma carried out 21 executions, with 13 prosecuted by Oklahoma County DA Bob Macy. This interview with Mark Fuhrman discusses the book “Death and Justice” and the legal context around those capital cases. The article highlights key figures and themes in Oklahoma’s death penalty era. An Interview With Mark Fuhrman An Interview with […]
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PRESUMED GUILTY:
“Presumed Guilty” argues the jury missed key evidence in Scott Peterson’s trial and contends he should not face a death sentence. It features a 2007 interview with author Matt Dalton by journalist Bill Bickel, exploring disputed facts and legal issues. This article reviews the book and summarizes the interview’s central claims about the Laci Peterson […]
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