Legal news covering major trials, court decisions, federal courts, appellate rulings, and notable cases in the American judicial system.
A federal judge in Boston blocked a Trump administration rule limiting international student visas to four years, ruling the Department of Homeland Security failed to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act. The injunction prevents the policy from taking effect this September, citing exceptionally weak national security rationales.
Alex Saab pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering in Miami federal court, agreeing to cooperate with investigators and forfeit $195 million. Prosecutors will recommend a low-end sentence contingent on his cooperation. Saab, described as Maduro's 'bag man,' faces allegations of bribing officials to access billions in oil sales.
Los Angeles prosecutors will not seek capital punishment for Nick Reiner, accused of murdering his parents Rob and Michele. The decision respects the victims' opposition to the death penalty and consulting with the family. Reiner faces life without parole for the December 2025 stabbings.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper again blocked the Kennedy Center board's attempt to inscribe President Donald Trump's name, ruling the resolution violated his earlier injunction and federal statute. The Justice Department argued the move recognized contributions rather than renaming the institution, but the court maintained that Congress must bless such memorials.
A UK court martial heard testimony that Col Samantha Shepherd and Maj James Hook failed to properly handle a sexual assault allegation made by teenage soldier Jaysley Beck. Beck took her own life in December 2021 after being assaulted by former Battery Sgt Michael Webber, who was jailed last year. Both officers deny charges of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline.
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil filed a civil rights lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging deliberate indifference to harassment against pro-Palestinian students. The suit claims the university violated Title VI by suspending the Palestine Working Group and labeling it hostile after October 7, seeking damages and reinstatement. Khalil is simultaneously fighting deportation efforts expected to reach the US Supreme Court.
A court in Bangladesh sentenced seven senior figures from ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's former ruling party to death in absentia on September 15, 2026. Prosecutors alleged the convicted leaders directed violence during the 2024 crackdown that resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths. In related cases, sixty-eight people have been convicted, with 22 receiving death sentences.
Jarques Ratliff was denied bond and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Tasia Fortune. Prosecutors stated she was hanged with a black cable cord, and Ratliff attempted to hide from officers after her body was found on August 3. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 25 in Jackson Municipal Court.
Jury selection has commenced in the high-stakes criminal trial against Huawei Technologies, with prospective jurors facing extensive questioning to uncover potential biases linked to China and Iran. The process involves over 80 questions per juror to ensure impartiality amid significant pre-trial publicity and complex geopolitical factors.
Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal surrendered to a Goa court and was sent to Central Jail at Colvale to serve a 10-year sentence. The Supreme Court dismissed his plea for exemption, directing him to surrender within three weeks following his conviction for raping a junior colleague in 2013.