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Carrie Johnson Carrie Johnson is a Justice Correspondent for the Washington Desk.
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Law

Criminal Records Keep Creating Obstacles Long After Incarceration

A new report from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is shedding light on some unexpected consequences of being convicted of a crime — everything from troubles with employment to bans in public housing. The group says it's time to start thinking about forgiveness.

Criminal Records Keep Creating Obstacles Long After Incarceration

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Politics

A Year On, What's Changed (And What Hasn't) On Drone Oversight

A year ago, President Obama defended using drones to target terrorism suspects overseas and offered a rationale for reining in the program. Where do things stand on efforts to impose constraints?

A Year On, What's Changed (And What Hasn't) On Drone Oversight

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National Security

Senate Advances Judicial Nominee Who Wrote Drone Strike Policy

The Senate will consider a judicial nominee who wrote legal advice approving drone strikes against Americans overseas. Critics question executive branch authority to execute citizens without trial.

Senate Advances Judicial Nominee Who Wrote Drone Strike Policy

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Law

Slow Rape Kit Results Leave Victims Few Effective Places To Turn

A new study concludes the medical and justice system can do more to help rape survivors access medical care. Funding cuts often limit access to exams and keep test results from leading to prosecution.

Slow Rape Kit Results Leave Victims Few Effective Places To Turn

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Law

Judicial Nominee On Hold Over Drone Strike Justification

Harvard law professor David Barron is under fire for signing memos that allowed the U.S. to kill a U.S. citizen overseas in a drone strike. Those blocking his nomination want the documents released.

Judicial Nominee On Hold Over Drone Strike Justification

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Law

A Narrow High Court Win For Prayer Before Government Meetings

The Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that the government can use Christian prayers to start town meetings, so long as legislators don't discriminate against non-Christians. It's a new chapter in the long-running fight over prayer in public places and on public occasions. NPR's Carrie Johnson explains what happened in the town of Greece, New York.

A Narrow High Court Win For Prayer Before Government Meetings

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Law

Justice Dept. Opens Door To Freedom For Some Nonviolent Offenders

The Justice Department is considering clemency for thousands of people who are incarcerated on nonviolent drug charges and who have also served at least 10 years of their sentences.

Justice Dept. Opens Door To Freedom For Some Nonviolent Offenders

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Law

4 Muslim Men To Sue Feds Over No-Fly List

They say they were placed on the list for refusing to inform on other Muslims. The suit is part of a broad wave of cases challenging the secretive no-fly list and U.S. counterterrorism strategies.

4 Muslim Men To Sue Feds Over No-Fly List

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News

Longtime D.C. Lawyer Is White House's Next Top Counsel

The White House named Neil Eggleston its new top lawyer. He'll have to muster his legal and political skills to deal with a divided Congress and multiple investigations of the Obama's administration.

Longtime D.C. Lawyer Is White House's Next Top Counsel

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Justice's 'Peacemaker' Unit Focuses On Transgender Rights

Diego Sanchez, the first openly transgender person to work as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill, helped to develop a new Justice Department program that trains law enforcement to be more sensitive to the needs of transgender people. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Law

Justice's 'Peacemaker' Unit Focuses On Transgender Rights

A unit originally created to keep the peace during the civil rights movement is training law enforcement on how to be more sensitive to transgender witnesses and crime victims.

Justice's 'Peacemaker' Unit Focuses On Transgender Rights

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