justice Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

First Latina Judge For Benton Franklin Counties Norma Rodriguez Talks Diversity On The Bench

By Dori Luzzo Gilmour May 25, 2022

Justice Norma Rodriguez Listen (Runtime 3:21) Read Judges with unique backgrounds and life experiences bring invaluable perspectives according to a report by the Center for American Progress (CAP). And the first Latina judge appointed in Benton and Franklin county agrees. Norma Rodriguez knows the importance of diversity on the bench. Born to migrant farm workers… Read More

A Constitutional Quirk Inspired Stacey Abrams’ New Fiction Thriller, ‘While Justice Sleeps’

By NPR News May 9, 2021

Book cover of 'While Justice Sleeps' novel by Stacey Abrams

A Supreme Court justice is gravely ill, ideological control of the court hangs in the balance — throw in a ruthless president and an international conspiracy, and what you have is the plot of Stacey Abrams's new novel, While Justice Sleeps. Yes, that Stacey Abrams, the Georgia politician, and she's written a thriller ripped straight from the headlines — inspired by a Read More

Testimony Ends Without Derek Chauvin Taking The Stand In His Trial

By NPR News April 15, 2021

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin tells the judge on Thursday he will not testify on his own behalf in his trial over the death of George Floyd. His attorney, Eric Nelson, is seen at left. Court TV/Pool via AP

Testimony ended Thursday in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The defendant said he will not testify in his defense in the trial and would invoke his Fifth Amendment right. Continue Reading Testimony Ends Read More

Half Of The Jury In The Derek Chauvin Trial Is Nonwhite. That’s Only Part Of The Story

By NPR News March 25, 2021

A member of the Minnesota National Guard stands outside the Hennepin County Government Center during jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on March 11 in Minneapolis. Chauvin is facing murder charges in George Floyd's death. Among the 12 jurors and three alternates selected are three Black men, one Black woman and two multiracial jurors. CREDIT: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

The jury chosen for the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, is notable because it is significantly less white than Minneapolis itself. Continue Reading Read More

How Washington Supreme Court’s Drug Ruling Upends State’s Criminal Justice System

By NWPB News March 14, 2021

Washington State Supreme Court building in Olympia. CREDIT: TONY OVERMAN

For advocates of drug policy reform and those in the world of criminal defense, the ruling “was a much-needed nail in the coffin on the war on drugs,” said Ali Hohman, director of legal services at the Washington Defender Association. Meanwhile, many prosecutors, law enforcement officials and lawmakers are nervous about its implications. Read More

Democrats Unveil Legislation To Abolish The Federal Death Penalty

By NPR News January 11, 2021

Protesters gather near the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Ind., in August ahead of the scheduled execution of Keith Dwayne Nelson, who was convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering at 10-year-old Kansas girl. Democrats are pushing new legislation to outlaw federal executions. CREDIT: Michael Conroy/AP

The Democratic proposal, shared first with NPR, comes as the party will have unified control of Congress after victories in two Georgia Senate races, a change in fortunes for Democratic legislative priorities. The legislation would end capital punishment at the federal level and require the resentencing of all federal inmates on death row. Read More

First Latina Judge For Benton Franklin Counties Norma Rodriguez Talks Diversity On The Bench

A Constitutional Quirk Inspired Stacey Abrams’ New Fiction Thriller, ‘While Justice Sleeps’

Testimony Ends Without Derek Chauvin Taking The Stand In His Trial

Half Of The Jury In The Derek Chauvin Trial Is Nonwhite. That’s Only Part Of The Story

How Washington Supreme Court’s Drug Ruling Upends State’s Criminal Justice System

Democrats Unveil Legislation To Abolish The Federal Death Penalty

Republic Police Chief, Candidate For Governor Responds To Suit Over Handling Of Abuse Investigation

Washington Supreme Court Denies Prisoners’ Request For Release Over Coronavirus Fears

Supreme Court Allows States To Virtually Eliminate The Insanity Defense