False Confessions Continue to Put Innocent People in Prison

Dorothy Varallo-Speckeen thought she was volunteering to help solve a child-abuse case when she walked into the police interrogation room in 2013. She learned quickly, however, that she was Detective Marcella O’Brien’s prime suspect. O’Brien believed that Varallo-Speckeen was guilty of breaking the legs of the 15-month-old girl she was babysitting, though Varallo-Speckeen swore that …

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The United States vs. Muhammad Ali

On June 28, 1971, the United States Supreme Court reversed Muhammad Ali’s federal criminal conviction for refusing to enter the military. Most Americans are aware that world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali refused to enter the U.S. Armed Forces and that his conviction for refusing to do so eventually was overturned. However, what is less known …

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New Iowa Laws Tougher on Texting While Driving and Driving Impaired

On Monday, April 17, Governor Branstad signed bills into law banning texting while driving and allowing for tougher action against driving while impaired. Previously, texting while driving was considered a secondary offense in Iowa, which meant police could not stop someone unless they believed another violation had occurred. Under the new law, police will be …

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Controversy Sparks Over Police Departments with Personal DNA Databases

Police departments across the country are causing controversy by creating their own local DNA databases. The police departments state that having personal databases helps them solve crimes faster and prevent future crimes. Those opposed to these local DNA databases believe that it is just a way around the regulations that govern state and national databases. …

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