Law And Courts

‘It’s not going to be The Dukes of Hazzard.' Police welcome flexibility on pursuits, critics fear more crashes

This summer police in Washington will have more leeway to pursue fleeing drivers. Supporters of the initiative say it will help stem crime and reckless driving. Opponents say the rollback is dangerous and goes against expert advice.

Law & Courts

Rules on firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks, and gun dealers advance in Washington Legislature

As the Washington Legislature heads into its final week, four bills that address firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks and gun dealers have passed both chambers and appear headed to the governor’s desk.

Law & Courts

Public defender shortage slows the wheels of justice in Washington state courts

Prestige TV or Hollywood legal dramas might inform the image: loose tie, crinkled suits, bags under the eyes… public defenders are stressed out, overworked and undercompensated. But something pop culture tends to overlook is how stretching these attorneys so thin affects everyday people caught up in the justice system.

Race & Identity

Is it 'lewd' to show your nipple or wear a jockstrap at a gay bar?

Over the weekend city and state enforcement teams inspected four Seattle gay bars. Three of those bars - The Cuff Complex, Neighbors, and The Seattle Eagle - were found to be in violation of “lewd conduct” laws. In a city where nude beaches and jockstrap kickball are acceptable, why is it lewd to work at a bar with your nipple showing?

Crime

Condenado residente del área de Seattle por robar más de $70 mil dólares en una estafa relacionada con tarjetas de residencia

El nuevo año ha traído una pequeña muestra de justicia para tres parejas de inmigrantes indocumentados. En total, fueron estafados por más de 70 mil dólares por un hombre que les aseguró ayudarles a obtener residencia legal en Estados Unidos. El acusado obtuvo el dinero, nunca lo entregó y ahora está cumpliendo su condena en una prisión estatal.