Stereotypes Could Send An Innocent Texas Woman to the Execution Chamber
A psychologist explains how myths and biases can prompt false allegations—and irreversible mistakes, especially in cases involving trauma victims like Melissa Lucio.
Criminal Justice
Invisible Scars
For women inside prison, the fight for survival is less physical than psychological.
‘The People’s Lawyer’
Civil rights lawyer Lee Merritt, who represented George Floyd’s family, on running for Texas attorney general and ending “comply or die” policing.
‘Code of Silence’ Reveals How Courts Systems Protect Federal Judges Accused of Misconduct
A new book illustrates how complaints are often suppressed—even in the case of a Galveston judge who sexually assaulted employees in his chambers.
In Texas, Corrupt Politicians Face Little Accountability
The Texas Rangers are tasked with investigating corruption and crimes by public officials. Those officials are rarely held accountable.
How Flawed Death Investigations Can Leave Texas COVID-19 Deaths Uncounted
According to a new study, undercounts of COVID-19 deaths appear worst in rural and suburban areas served by elected justices of the peace.
SIGN UP FOR TEXAS OBSERVER EMAILS
Uninvestigated, Uncounted: How Justices of the Peace Miss Important Clues in Death Investigations
In Texas, justices of the peace with little training can miss important clues in death investigations, and make mistakes tracking suicides, homicides, and COVID-19 deaths.
Clogged Toilets, Snow Inside: How the Winter Storm Exacerbated Problems in Texas Lock-Ups
After the near-total collapse of the state’s electric grid, many jails and prisons lacked heat and running water.
Why Didn’t San Antonio Police Immediately Apply First Aid To Darrell Zemault Sr. After Shooting Him?
Bystander videos show that officers waited a full minute before administering care.