The U.S. Supreme Court in June 1992 established the “Daubert Rule” in its landmark decision Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals. The Rule created the evidentiary premise that scientific testimony, including the testimony of “medical experts,” is admissible so long as…
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
Criminal Jurisdiction:
A Criminal Law Blog from a Defense Perspective
2023
Category: Bail / Bail Laws | Criminal Justice Reform
Most people involved in the nation’s criminal justice recognize the need for bail reform. However, most Americans, citing the fear of violent crime across the country, are adamantly opposed to any “bail reform” This opposition crosses political lines.
The Illinois…
2023
There have been a significant number of news stories about government officials choosing to ignore legislative subpoenas and whether they will face criminal charges as a result. Federal subpoenas, whether issued by Congress ort a federal court is serious business.…
2023
Category: Arrest Warrants | Federal Criminal Law
Federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and DEA are authorized to investigate criminal activity on behalf of the U.S. government. They gather evidence against a person they believe has committed a crime and then take the evidence…
2023
Category: Federal Fraud | PPP Fraud
The last few years have been difficult for many people because of the COVID pandemic, but business owners have encountered unique challenges. That’s why Congress signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act into law in March 2020.
…
2023
Crime occurs all year in Texas, especially over the holidays. There are many reasons for this, from celebrating a little too much to being with family with whom you may not get along.
No matter the reason, what all…
2023
Category: Appeals | Constitutional Law | Criminal Law
The legal question before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (“CCA”) in a November 2, 2022 decision, State v. Hardin, was straightforward and constitutionally significant:
“Does a driver commit a traffic offense if the car’s right-rear tire briefly but safely…
2023
Category: Appeals | Criminal Law | Death Penalty
This past November, we posted a blog about the death penalty conviction of Ariel Escobar, who was sitting on Texas’ death row at the time, awaiting execution.
Escobar was convicted for the May 31, 2009, rape and murder of 17-year-old…
2022
Category: Criminal Justice Reform | Police Misconduct
American policing is infected with a cynicism towards the very people it is supposed to protect. State and federal law enforcement see the dark, ugly and dangerous side of humanity on a daily basis. They are also trained from a…
2022
Category: Federal Criminal Law | Police Misconduct | terrorism
By the turn of the 21 century, the FBI believed it had put the dark legacy of J. Edgar Hoover behind it—a legacy that included the illegal surveillance of anti-war groups, civil rights organizations, and the Black Panther Party. But…