Legal System
The Legal System Channel features information related to how society deals with crime, criminals and law enforcement. Learn more about how governments operate their legal systems.
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How Did 'Stand Your Ground' Laws Originate?
Stand Your Ground laws are controversial and exist in nearly half the states in the United States. But what exactly are they?
What Should You Do If There's an Active Shooter in the Office?
An active shooter situation at work may not be common, but you should really know how you'd handle it before it happens.
Do Psychics Ever Really Break the Case?
Psychics often try to help police solve crimes, but how many times are they really successful?
How Breaking a Nondisclosure Agreement Works
Nondisclosure agreements used to be stuffy legal documents reserved for safeguarding company secrets. Now they've been in the news as part of sexual harassment coverups. What are NDAs exactly and when can you break them legally?
What Is MS-13 and Why Is It So Scary?
President Donald Trump says if the U.S. just deports members of the MS-13 gang, the country will be much safer. But is it really that simple?
Inside the CIA's Treasure Trove of bin Laden Files
From public letters to anime porn, the 470,000 public files offer a window into the last years of al-Qaida mastermind Osama bin Laden.
How Attorney-Client Privilege Works
In the United States, attorney-client privilege works to keep communications between an attorney and his or her client secret. But there are always exceptions to the rule.
Murder Memorabilia: Killers' Items You Can Own
Where do we draw the line between interesting and appalling?
How the Second Amendment Works
For the first 100 years, this amendment got little attention. But since the 20th century, Americans have been vigorously debating what exactly the "right to bear arms" means.
Three Serial Killers of Gay Men Still on the Loose
Gay men have been the target of many serial killers. The cases often go unsolved because men fear they'll be outed as gay if they talk. Do you hold the lead to solve one of these crimes?
Are Elderly Criminals Punished Differently Than Younger Offenders?
The conviction of 80-year-old Bill Cosby on aggravated indecent assault charges raises the question of how sentencing works in the case of an elderly defendant.
The Twisted Tale of a Racist Law Still on the Books
The Mann Act was passed in 1910 and even though it's been used legitimately, it's also been abused to nab men of color like Jack Johnson and Chuck Berry.
Defining 'Suspicious Behavior' Without Bias Is Harder Than You Think
High-profile cases over the past few years have shown the benefits — and pitfalls — of asking the public to report any suspicious activities they notice to the police. When does that tip over into racial or ethnic bias?
The Backstory on Backpage.com, the Adult Classifieds Site That Got Shut Down
Does this mean that a website actually is responsible for the content created by that site's users?
How Drug Courts Work
Drug courts have changed the lives of the thousands of people who've "graduated" through the program. But how exactly do the judges, rehab facilities and counselors facilitate these courts, and do they deter repeat offenders?
Friends Don’t Let (Online-Ordained) Friends Officiate at Their Weddings
Online ordination may be quick and easy and presiding at a friend's wedding may be fun and meaningful. But these marriages haven't always held up in court.
Slavery is Alive and Booming Worldwide
If you thought slavery ended with the ratification of the 13th amendment, think again. Slavery is flourishing across the globe.
How Well Has Strict Gun Control Worked in Australia?
Australia hasn't had a mass shooting in 22 years; the U.S. has had dozens during that same time.
Why Do Mass Shootings Keep Happening in U.S. Schools?
Is there something about American suburban high school culture that makes it fertile ground for school shootings? One researcher says 'yes.'
Does the U.S. Require Citizens to Carry ID?
The United States doesn't have a national ID, but it's slowly moving toward one with the REAL ID law. But what happens if a citizen doesn't have identification?
Was the Wrong Person Convicted in the Atlanta Child Murders?
Wayne Williams is serving a life sentence for killing dozens of black kids in Atlanta between 1979 and 1981. But some say he didn't do it and evidence of his innocence was covered up.
Does Checking In Mean You Check Your Privacy at the Door?
Hotels/motels must balance guests' privacy with the safety of other guests and employees.
5 Unexpected Ways to Lose Your Driver's License
Drowning in debt? Your driving privileges could disappear.
Beyond Arsenic: 6 Weird Poisons Used Throughout History
Arsenic? Been there, done that! These six other poisons should delight you murder nerds and obscurists out there.
How the Logan Act Does and Doesn't Work
The Logan Act prohibits American citizens from going behind the back of the U.S. government to deal with foreign powers. So why hasn't anybody ever been convicted?
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