Criminal Justice

A New Jersey woman has been convicted of vehicular homicide in the death of a pedestrian that prosecutors said occurred as the driver was texting.

Drug recognition experts testify about whether a driver was under the influence. But critics call it “junk science.”

People from Adams and Philadelphia counties are hoping their shared views on the criminal justice system can make a difference.

Pittsburgh-based James Hough was selected to be the first artist-in-residence in the Philadelphia’s DA’s office and believed to be the first in any DA’s office in the country.

Among other things, the measures would impose longer sentences for assaulting guards, and punish prisoners for a broader range of crimes.

They’ll now get at least 42½ hours per week out of their cell, and will be allowed to eat and attend religious services with other inmates.

Judge Jeffrey L. Finley sentenced Sean Kratz to life in prison plus 18 to 36 years after Bucks County prosecutors took the death penalty off the table.

About 30 people gathered at a backyard Saturday to keep the 5-year-old who vanished from a city park in the community’s thoughts.

Affected would be those convicted of nonviolent drug and property offenses. Current inmates could petition for early release under the new policy.

A developer’s son called Erwin Church a racial slur and punched him a year ago, but charges were dismissed. Church is filing a civil suit.

The federal government has guidelines for how imprisoned transgender inmates should be treated. But a recent Philadelphia case shows those rules aren’t always followed.

The jury deliberated for more than six hours, returning to the Doylestown courtroom after nearly three hours with a series of questions for the judge.

Speaking in Philadelphia, Judy Shepard acknowledged progress and worried about complacency as violent hate crimes hit a 16 year high.

The Philadelphia Bail Fund found 90% of folks they helped still showed up for court.

There is no database that logs if people who were once convicted of a felony register to vote or even if they do vote.