Law

National Security

Timeline: Recent Major Terrorism Prosecutions In The U.S.()  

Jose Padilla walks with police.

November 25, 2009 The media buzz surrounding the decision to prosecute professed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four co-defendants in New York suggests the case is unprecedented. In fact, in recent decades the U.S. has brought hundreds of such prosecutions. Here's a look at the outcomes of some of the more notable ones.

Summary

In Sept. 11 Trial, Lots Of Evidence, But No Slam-Dunk()  

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

November 25, 2009 Prosecutors have plenty of evidence to support allegations that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed masterminded the Sept. 11 attacks, including multiple confessions. But it won't be easy getting most of it into federal court. The accused terrorist most likely won't go free, but the trial could be a long, tough battle.

Summary

Polanski Wins Bail, Remains In Swiss Jail For Now()  

November 25, 2009 A Swiss court granted Roman Polanski bail on Wednesday, accepting $4.5 million to allow him to remain under house arrest at his chalet. The film director, who faces extradition to the U.S., will stay in prison for up to 10 days while the Swiss government decides whether to appeal.

Summary

FBI Report Notes Rise In Hate Crimes()  

November 23, 2009 The number of hate crimes against religious groups in the U.S. jumped more than 8 percent during 2008, according to data released Monday by the FBI. That was the most notable percentage increase in the FBI's 2008 Hate Crime Statistics report, which showed an overall rise in hate crimes of 2 percent from 2007.

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Politics

S.C. Gov. Sanford Faces 37 Ethics Violation Charges()  

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford

November 23, 2009 Mark Sanford is accused of breaking state laws more than three dozen times by violating rules on airplane travel and campaign money, according to details of the allegations. The state attorney general will decide whether to file criminal charges.

Summary

On The Road To Safety

States Want To Keep Illegal Immigrants Off The Road()  

November 23, 2009 Only three states — Illinois, New Mexico and Washington — allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Other states have recently implemented practices aimed at banning immigrants who enter the U.S. illegally from operating motor vehicles.

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On Tell Me MorePlaylist

On The Road To Safety

Congress' Safety Agenda Faces Obstacles()  

Rep. James Oberstar

November 23, 2009 With a sour economy, spiraling deficits and automakers in trouble, Congress' safety agenda faces some tough obstacles. Federal transportation and highway safety laws are set to expire this year, and a bill to renew their funding is stalled. So Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) is pushing a six-year, $500 billion transportation reauthorization bill.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

The Somali-Minneapolis Terrorist Axis

8 Charged In Terrorism Probe Of Missing Somalis()  

November 23, 2009 Prosecutors allege that the suspects provided financial support to young men from the Somali community in Minneapolis to go to Somalia and fight on behalf of al-Shabab, a group on the State Department's list of terrorist organizations. Five of the Minnesotans have been killed.

Summary

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Iraq

Feds To Drop Charges Against Blackwater Guard()  

November 20, 2009 The Justice Department intends to drop manslaughter and weapons charges against one of the Blackwater Worldwide security guards involved in a deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting, prosecutors said in court documents Friday.

Summary

National Security

Leader Of Sears Tower Plot Sentenced To 13 Years()  

November 20, 2009 Narseal Batiste, who faced a maximum of 70 years in prison, was convicted in May of conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaida, plotting to blow up buildings and conspiracy to wage war against the U.S. Officials acknowledged the plot never got past the discussion stage and the group never acquired the means to carry it out.

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Supreme Court Nomination Hearings

First Up For Sotomayor: A Case With Partisan Edge

The newly confirmed justice will soon hear a case that could rewrite corporate campaign money rules.

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