Inmates are vulnerable because prisons control 100% of their access to medical care and safety, so ignored known risks can quickly become severe harm. When officials know of a serious risk and fail to act, courts may treat it as deliberate indifference under the Eighth Amendment. This article explains the legal standard, common fact patterns, […]
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Felons In The Workplace
In most states, employers can hire people with felony convictions, but many roles are limited by background-check rules and industry licensing laws. Federal and state protections may also restrict how and when employers can consider criminal records, especially for older or unrelated convictions. This article explains employer rights and duties, common job restrictions for felons, […]
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Cooking Up Salvation
Jeffrey Henderson, 37, says he “poisoned a whole generation” while becoming one of Southern California’s youngest, wealthiest crack cocaine dealers. The article contrasts his teenage excess—cars, women, money, and Las Vegas trips—with his later life in Las Vegas. It recounts his criminal rise and personal path toward salvation. By the editorial staff of Crime, Justice […]
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Assault
Attempted Crime
Breaking and Entering
Burglary
Case Law
Court Procedures
Court Sentencing
Court Trial
Criminal Defense
Criminal History
Criminal Justice
Criminal Law
Criminal Threats
Criminal Trial
Drug Manufacturing
Drug Possession
Drug Sales
Drug Trafficking
Drugs
Felony
Marijuana
Misdemeanor
Other Legal Issues
Possession of Stolen Property
Prison
Shoplifting
Statutes
Theft
Theft/Larceny
Three Strikes Get a Second Look
“Three strikes” laws impose life or near-life prison sentences after a third qualifying felony in many states, but courts and legislatures have increasingly narrowed who qualifies and how prior convictions count. Recent reforms and appellate decisions have expanded options to challenge strikes, seek resentencing, or reduce enhancements based on the nature of the offenses and […]
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Define “Likely” – The Sexually Violent Predator Law
In sexually violent predator (SVP) proceedings, “likely” generally means a substantial—more than merely possible—risk that the person will commit future sexually violent offenses if released. Courts interpret the term through expert testimony and clinical risk evidence rather than a fixed percentage, and the standard can vary by state statute and case law. This article explains […]
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Wages of Sin – Profiting In Prison
In most U.S. prisons, incarcerated people can be required to work, often for pennies per hour—or nothing at all. Prison labor generates revenue and reduces operating costs for governments and private contractors, raising persistent legal and ethical challenges. This article explains how prison work programs are structured, who profits, what laws and constitutional rules apply, […]
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Arraignment
Arrest
Court Procedures
Court Sentencing
Court Trial
Criminal Defense
Criminal History
Criminal Justice
Criminal Law
Criminal Trial
District Attorney Prosecutor
Drug Manufacturing
Drug Possession
Drug Sales
Drug Trafficking
Drug Treatment
Drugs
Felony
Jail
Misdemeanor
Other Legal Issues
Penal Codes
Prison
Prisoner Rights
Probation
The Causes of Crime : Drugs
Drug use and drug trafficking are major drivers of crime, frequently linked to theft, violence, and repeat offending. Illegal markets and addiction can increase offending by creating financial pressure, disputes over territory, and impaired decision-making. This article explains how drugs contribute to criminal behavior, outlines key legal consequences, and discusses prevention and enforcement approaches. By […]
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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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The History Of Habeas Corpus
Habeas corpus traces back to Magna Carta in 1215 as a legal protection against unlawful imprisonment. It evolved through English common law into a core safeguard in American courts for challenging detention. This article outlines key historical milestones and explains the writ’s role in Anglo-American jurisprudence. by the late Wally Farrell, Certified Criminal Law Spcialist, […]
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YOU’VE GOT MALE!
In the U.S., inmates do not have an automatic right to father children, and prisons can deny requests for conjugal visits or sperm transfer under security and policy rules. Courts have recognized limited procreation interests but often uphold restrictions unless they are arbitrary. This article analyzes a California case and the pro/con legal debate over […]
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HUMOR – Part 1
This article compiles 12 courtroom humor snippets presented as “absolutely-true” testimony from guaranteed-actual transcripts (tongue-in-cheek). Reposted with permission from Crime, Justice and America magazine, it highlights judge-and-defendant exchanges and a self-represented defendant’s remarks. It’s Part 1 of a series focused on light, transcript-style legal humor. Originally printed in 2002 in Crime, Justice and America magazine […]
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