First and Fourmost

Analysis and news on the courts, constitutional rights, criminal and social justice

Debates about 'freedom' and 'choice' often misconstrue democracy

Beginning in grade school, Americans learn the Pledge of Allegiance, with the last line holding particular resonance: With liberty and...

Race to the Bottom: Guns, vigilantism and unequal 'justice'

Years ago as a TV reporter working with our chief photographer out in the field in Nashville, Tennessee, I was surprised to learn he...

Brazen attacks on voting rights define America

It shouldn’t require a herculean effort to make it to the ballot box. Voters shouldn’t have to be heroes—surmounting obstacles,...

Reimagining Policing: Organizations and activists help drive law enforcement change

A new administration means a new approach to justice issues in America, but it remains to be seen what actions will be taken amid clamors...

Biden has an opportunity to reform and diversify federal courts

America’s third branch of government has been at the epicenter of the news cycle in recent years, with the death of Justice Ruth Bader...

The Chauvin conviction shows why diverse juries matter

When it comes to convicting police officers, clear and convincing evidence is only half the battle. During former Minneapolis police...

Balance of power: Money and inequity in the judicial system

Looking back, in many ways 2008 was a remarkable year. The United States elected its first black president; the global economy plunged...