Derek Chauvin's attorney, Eric Nelson, is trying to prove that the 19-year Minneapolis police veteran followed his training and that George Floyd died because of his illegal drug use and underlying health problems.
Read More »Chauvin defense faces decision: Should he take the stand?
Derek Chauvin is charged with second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter. Here’s a look at some of the perils — and possible benefits — in Chauvin taking the stand.
Read More »Divergent visions of public safety
The GOP-led Senate Judiciary and Public Safety committee approved a skinnier budget package than the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform committee passed.
Read More »Lawmakers of color demand more police reform
Following the slaying in Brooklyn Center of another Black man in police custody Sunday, Democratic lawmakers of color are demanding tough new police-accountability laws that, in 2021, the GOP-led Senate has held at bay.
Read More »Defense expert says Chauvin justified in pinning Floyd
Barry Brodd, a former Santa Rosa, California, officer, stoutly defended Chauvin’s actions, even as a prosecutor pounded away at the witness during cross-examination and banged on the lectern.
Read More »Teen artist wins round against Target
A teenage artist from California who alleges that Target Corp. copied his “sketch-style dots” with its use of “scribble dots” in an exclusive line of clothing and other products has won an early round in his copyright infringement suit against the retail giant.
Read More »Expert: Chauvin did not take actions of ‘reasonable officer’
Earlier, the judge in the George Floyd murder case refused a defense request to immediately sequester the jury after the killing of a Black man during a traffic stop Sunday triggered unrest in Brooklyn Center.
Read More »For Chauvin’s attorney, it’s all about raising doubt
Attorney Eric Nelson has gone hard and consistently at his chief message: that Floyd’s consumption of illegal drugs is to blame for his death, rather than something Chauvin did.
Read More »Senate moves to close rape intoxication ‘loophole’
The Senate Judiciary committee on Thursday unanimously adopted a major amendment to its budget omnibus judiciary/public safety bill that, among other things, closes that so-called “intoxication loophole” exposed by the Khalil decision.
Read More »Medical examiner blames police pressure for Floyd’s death
Dr. Andrew Baker, the Hennepin County medical examiner, took the stand at the murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin for pressing his knee on or close to George Floyd’s neck.
Read More »