DC Circuit blocks accused 9/11 plotter’s plea after US balks

A federal court has blocked Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, from entering a plea deal Friday, granting an 11th-hour Biden administration request and ensuring the case continues into the incoming Trump administration.

Jan 10, 2025 10:45 AM CST

Trump sentenced in hush money case, will not face jail or probation

Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty on Friday for his felony conviction in his hush money trial, appearing virtually at what was likely his final court hearing as a criminal defendant before he is sworn in for another term in the White House.

Jan 10, 2025 10:36 AM CST

Prosecutor ‘poisoned the morale’ of DA’s office with fake harassment texts, disbarment order says

A former prosecutor in Colorado should be disbarred for faking four texts that she attributed to a co-worker, including one referring to her as a “sex doll,” according to a Dec. 31 hearing board opinion.

Jan 10, 2025 9:32 AM CST

In 5-4 vote, Supreme Court refuses to delay Trump’s hush money sentencing

A closely divided Supreme Court refused to delay Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case, clearing the way for the president-elect to face judgment in a New York courtroom on Friday and to be formally classified as a felon before he returns to the White House.

Jan 9, 2025 8:45 PM CST

When should life sentences be overturned? Judge shares how he decides

A federal judge’s new book is giving readers a rare inside glimpse at how a judge determines which prisoners deserve to have their sentences overturned.

Jan 8, 2025 9:30 AM CST

Former BigLaw partner, fen-phen lawyer among those granted commutations by Biden

A former Jenkens & Gilchrist partner and an ex-diet-drug lawyer are among nearly 1,500 people granted commutations by President Joe Biden in December.

Jan 8, 2025 8:50 AM CST

Pentagon’s 9/11 plea deals can proceed, appeals court rules

The U.S. government’s controversial plea deals with three men accused of orchestrating the 9/11 terrorist attacks may proceed, a Defense Department appeals court has ruled, after the Biden administration sought to thwart an agreement that would spare the lives of those who have admitted guilt in the deadliest crime perpetrated on American soil.

Jan 2, 2025 3:10 PM CST

Our top LinkedIn posts of 2024

As we close the door on 2024 and step into 2025, we're giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the ABA Journal's LinkedIn page and social media analytics.

Dec 23, 2024 10:54 AM CST

Dive into our favorite long reads of 2024

The end of the year will hopefully bring you some downtime for leisure reading. We’ve curated a list of some of our favorite web and print long reads from 2024.

Dec 23, 2024 9:35 AM CST

Biden commutes 37 of 40 federal death sentences before Trump takes office

President Joe Biden on Monday is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row to life without parole, taking the unprecedented step ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, whose incoming administration is widely expected to restart executions.

Dec 23, 2024 9:25 AM CST

Meet 11 ABA members who inspired us in 2024

In this year’s Members Who Inspire series, the ABA Journal featured 11 outstanding ABA members who brighten the world around them.

Dec 20, 2024 2:12 PM CST

Poll: Which ABA Journal magazine cover from 2024 was your favorite?

We covered a wide array of diverse, in-depth and hard-hitting legal topics at the ABA Journal this year.

Dec 20, 2024 10:35 AM CST

Fani Willis disqualified from Trump election case by Georgia appellate court

A Georgia appellate court overturned a judge’s ruling allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis to remain in charge of the criminal racketeering case against Donald Trump—a decision that could doom the high-profile prosecution.

Dec 19, 2024 9:38 AM CST

Attorney-client privilege should cover electronic messages to federal prisoners, ABA president says

Dec 19, 2024 9:24 AM CST

Judge faces wiretap charge for allegedly recording judicial deliberations; his lawyer says it was ‘self-protection’

A Maryland judge has been indicted for allegedly recording himself and two other judges during confidential deliberations without the others judges' knowledge or consent.

Dec 16, 2024 3:11 PM CST