Crime
Why the assault weapons debate is a culture debate
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear two assault weapons cases caps a multi-decade dispute over restricting assault weapons that extends far beyond legal arguments.
How journalists and communities work together to confront low levels of trust
Although it’s important that journalists practice diligence and deference, communities need to be willing to engage, forgive and voice concern.
Texas prosecutors are calling a teenage shooting spree ‘terrorism’ – the case could reshape American criminal law
When does a shooting become terrorism? A Texas case could help define the answer.
The US murder rate fell to historic lows in 2025 – here’s why
Most people credit policing or the lack of it, but the real story tracks three trends that rose and fell together.
Can kids go to prison? A legal expert explains how young people can be tried and sentenced as adults
There’s a separate justice system for people under 18 because their brains are still developing. Treating them as adults can turn them into repeat offenders.
US violent crime is at its lowest in more than a century – but the funding that helped reduce it is disappearing
A historic drop in violent crime, including the murder rate, is at risk after the cancellation of federal funding for programs that helped make the decline possible.