The Latest Breaking News from Mark Osler

Alarm over ‘extreme’ sentences for anti-ICE protesters convicted of terrorism

First amendment groups call 50-to-100-year prison terms chilling as legal experts say sentences unusually long

The Guardian - US · Jun 26

Five years after a Navajo elder vanished, the man who robbed her was released from prison

Five years to the day Navajo elder Ella Mae Begay disappeared, the man who acknowledged beating her and leaving her on the side of the road is free from prison

The Independent UK · Jun 18

Minnesota launches investigation that could bring charges against federal immigration officers

A Minnesota county attorney may pursue charges against federal officers for alleged misconduct during an immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis area

The Independent UK · Mar 3

Biden Faces Mounting Pressure To Clear Federal Death Row and Issue More Commutations After Pardoning His Son

Civil rights groups, law enforcement officials, and religious leaders say Biden needs to use his pardon power to fulfill his campaign promises, not just help his son.

Reason · Dec 10, 2024

No Path to Redemption for Devout Death Row Inmates

Texas offers religious education to the condemned but rarely values religious growth when considering clemency requests.

Texas Observer · Oct 20, 2023

A Post-Clemency Prosecution Shines a Light on a Broken System

Donald Trump commuted Philip Esformes' sentence, but the Justice Department is bent on sending him back to prison.

Reason · Jul 5, 2023

‘One of the Most Mentally Ill’ Inmates in Texas Is About to Be Executed

Andre Thomas is scheduled to be executed in April.

Texas Observer · Feb 16, 2023

Q&A: Creating different punishments for crack and powder cocaine never made sense and was unscientific, experts say

While we wait for the United States Senate to pass the Equal Act, effectively and finally eliminating the sentencing disparity between two forms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Gen. Merrick Garland outlined additional policies for federal prosecutors to pursue equalizing charges, pleas, and sentencing in those drug cases.

Tribune News Service · Jan 12, 2023

Biden's marijuana pardons limited, but spark legalization talk on Hill - Roll Call

President Joe Biden’s pardon for thousands of people convicted of possessing marijuana may have a limited impact on its own but pushes debate.

Roll Call · Oct 6, 2022

2 cops face sentencing for violating George Floyd's rights

The last two former Minneapolis police officers who have yet to be sentenced for violating George Floyd’s civil rights are scheduled to learn their penalties Wednesday

The Independent UK · Jul 27, 2022