New Mexico

University of New Mexico students present heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali as legal champion

Ten years after he died, many still call Muhammad Ali the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. But for students at the University of New Mexico, it’s his championing in the courtroom that made him a knockout.

Apr 2, 2026 2:15 PM CDT

Verdicts against Meta, YouTube reshape legal protections for Big Tech

A Los Angeles jury delivered a rare verdict against Silicon Valley giants Wednesday—the second finding in two days—boosting hopes of safety advocates that courts will deliver a long-sought reckoning over social media’s harms to children.

Mar 25, 2026 2:36 PM CDT

As new licensure pathways crop up, how are they doing?

New pathways to licensure are having a moment. In the past two years, several jurisdictions have approved methods of licensure that put less emphasis on tests or memorization and more weight on practical skills learned on the job while earning a paycheck. A few others are formally considering similar moves. But for those up and running, how’s it going?

Mar 12, 2026 12:08 PM CDT

New Mexico, Connecticut consider new pathways to licensure

New Mexico and Connecticut are the latest states to consider alternative pathways to bar licensure, a move that would potentially expand access to legal services statewide.

Mar 3, 2026 12:39 PM CST

Top judicial officials form workgroup studying law school accreditation

As the path forward for law school accreditation is reconsidered in several states, a group of chief justices and court administrators launched a workgroup this week to dig deep into accreditation, including the role of the council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.

Feb 19, 2026 11:26 AM CST

YouTubers abuse FOIA for arrest footage of young women to gain clicks and website income

YouTube channels featuring young women being arrested for DUIs and while in other compromising situations are generating billions of online views after being obtained by people abusing the Freedom of Information Act.

Feb 10, 2026 12:04 PM CST

Law license portability granted to military members and attorney spouses by DOJ

Members of the military and their spouses who are licensed attorneys in one state can now practice anywhere in the country, according to a December update issued by the U.S. Department of Justice to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Jan 8, 2026 8:25 AM CST

Police officer admits accepting bribes from defense attorney in DUI cases in widespread scandal

A New Mexico police officer, once honored by the nonprofit organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is the latest to be convicted in a corruption scandal in which defense attorneys bribed police officers to ensure that their clients got off on DUI charges, according to Reason.

Jan 6, 2026 11:44 AM CST

About 40 court-appointed defense lawyers in 1 state refuse new cases; shutdown also affects local DC courts

The government shutdown affecting court-appointed lawyers in federal cases is now being felt in Washington, D.C., where money is running out for private attorneys representing indigent defendants in local courts.

Nov 6, 2025 9:39 AM CST

Magistrate resigns after alleged Venezuelan gang member is arrested while living in his casita

A magistrate judge in New Mexico has resigned after an immigrant with alleged ties to a Venezuelan gang was arrested at his home.

Apr 22, 2025 12:15 PM CDT

Allegations that murder defendant was ‘a drug ho’ who practiced witchcraft leads to tossed conviction

The New Mexico Supreme Court has overturned a woman’s 2022 murder conviction and barred a retrial because of “severe and pervasive prosecutorial misconduct, exacerbated by a lackluster defense.”

Feb 25, 2025 9:15 AM CST

Are gendered Oscars constitutional? University of New Mexico students are asking the question

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is considering a petition from undergraduate students in a University of New Mexico constitutional law course that questions the 96-year-old policy of separating actor awards by gender, stating it is legally flawed.

Feb 18, 2025 2:16 PM CST

Feds seek forfeiture of law office over lawyer’s alleged role in ‘DWI Enterprise’

Updated: The federal government is seeking forfeiture of an Albuquerque, New Mexico, law office allegedly used by a lawyer to launder money in a “DWI Enterprise.”

Feb 11, 2025 11:42 AM CST

10 temporary federal judgeships would become permanent under Senate bill approved on voice vote

The U.S. Senate on Saturday approved by voice vote a bipartisan bill that would make permanent 10 temporary federal district court judgeships.

Apr 23, 2024 9:36 AM CDT

‘Rust’ armorer found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in shooting

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the “Rust” armorer accused of failing to ensure gun safety on the set of the low-budget Western movie in 2021, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and not guilty of evidence tampering in Santa Fe, N.M., on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. It was the first trial verdict related to the fatal shooting.

Mar 7, 2024 9:45 AM CST