Crime

Judicial Pushback: D.C. Courts Challenge Weak Charges Amid Trump’s Crime Crackdown

by

WASHINGTON — A grand jury recently declined to indict a man caught on camera throwing a sandwich at a federal agent, as the U.S. judicial system grapples with an influx of cases amid intensified law enforcement efforts in the nation’s capital. Alongside this, prosecutors dropped another case following allegations that police conducted an unlawful search that uncovered a firearm. Judges have expressed significant concerns about the evidentiary basis for many of the charges being levied. The ramped-up law enforcement actions are a key element of President Donald Trump’s initiative to combat crime in Washington, D.C. … Read more

Justice Behind the Lines: How Ukrainian Lawyers Are Empowering War Crime Victims in Their Fight for Accountability

by

Kyiv, Ukraine — As war criminals face prosecution in Ukraine, the role of victim advocates has grown increasingly vital. For countless survivors, navigating the legal system is not a mere formality but a crucial step toward justice. However, many victims lack the resources and strength to engage deeply in this process. This is where attorneys specializing in victim advocacy come into play, possessing both legal expertise and the sensitivity to manage the traumatic nature of these cases. Iryna Kapalkina, a prominent lawyer with the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group (ULAG), highlights the dual role practitioners have … Read more

Former Trump Lawyer Critiques leniency in DC Juvenile Crime Policies

by

Washington, D.C. – A former attorney for President Donald Trump is calling attention to what he perceives as overly lenient treatment of juvenile offenders in the nation’s capital. His comments follow an alarming rise in juvenile crime, sparking debate about the effectiveness of the current legal framework. During a recent interview, the former lawyer expressed concerns over the handling of juvenile cases, highlighting instances where offenders are not held accountable for their actions. He argued that a more stringent approach is necessary to deter crime and protect the community, particularly as incidents involving young offenders … Read more

Payton Gendron’s Lawyers Challenge Jury Selection in Hate Crime Case, Citing Lack of Diversity

by

Buffalo, New York — Lawyers for Payton Gendron are seeking to have federal charges against him dismissed, claiming systemic bias in jury composition. The defense contends that insufficient representation of Black and other minority jurors during his previous trial violates Gendron’s constitutional rights. During a hearing on August 14, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo expressed skepticism about the defense’s arguments, noting the irony in their claim, given that Gendron faces accusations related to a racially motivated hate crime. Gendron was previously convicted in 2022 and is currently serving eight consecutive life sentences. If convicted on … Read more