Drug overdoses kill more people than car accidents in 29 states, according to a new report from the Trust for America’s Health. Maryland is one of those states. It stands to reason that with a growing number of overdose deaths would come an increase in the number of people accused of drug crimes. Both increases are something to be alarmed about. [Read more…]
Traffic Stop Ends in Police-Beating Death
A man was recently killed following a traffic stop in Northeast Baltimore. While the police aren’t saying much, witnesses are speaking out against a disturbing scene that played out, alleging Baltimore police and officers from Morgan State University ganged up on the man and beat him until he died. [Read more…]
MD Appeals Court Ruling May Free “Dozens” of Murderers, Rapists
Thirteen convicted murderers have already been freed in the wake of an Appeals Court ruling and it’s likely that many more will also be set free. As many as 200 inmates convicted prior to 1980 have been given the chance to demand new trials. Because these are people convicted of things like murder and rape, not everyone is pleased with the ruling or the subsequent releases. [Read more…]
Baltimore Cop Who Choked And Killed Teen Not-Guilty
A Baltimore police officer was found not guilty of manslaughter (voluntary and involuntary) in the death of 17-year old Christopher Brown this week. Officer James D. Laboard didn’t deny that he killed the youth but the jury determined his actions didn’t break the law. [Read more…]
DC Councilmembers Want Marijuana Decriminalization
D.C. voters have spoken and are prepared to bring a ballot measure that would either decriminalize small amounts of marijuana or legalize it altogether. But, city councilmembers aren’t convinced that having the voters write the policy is the best idea. Marion Berry (D-Ward 8) and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) are just two that are looking at a decriminalization bill that would beat voters to the punch. [Read more…]
Maryland Medical Marijuana Law & Death Penalty Repeal Signed into Law
It was a big week in the world of Maryland criminal law as the Governor took on the death penalty and medical marijuana—two very hot topics. According to the Washington Post, Governor Martin O’Malley held a ceremony that lasted over two hours, signing 266 measures that passed in the last legislative session. But, the death penalty repeal and medical marijuana laws were likely the most popular. [Read more…]
D.C. Residents Support Marijuana Legalization
It’s no longer shocking to see headlines where massive numbers of people speak out in support of marijuana legalization. It’s a growing phenomena and as the people increasingly support freeing up pot, the questions about federal involvement similarly increase.
According to the latest poll from Public Policy Polling, people in the District of Columbia are the latest to add their voices to the steady hum of those calling for legalization. [Read more…]
Maryland Legislature Passes Medical Marijuana
A cloud of marijuana smoke is moving across the country, changing laws and the views of many people on the vilified plant. Maryland lawmakers are the latest of many to pass legislation changing how their state deals with marijuana, potentially making their state next-up for a tightly regulated and controlled medical marijuana program. [Read more…]
Maryland Medical Marijuana Gains Momentum
One of two committees considering medical marijuana legislation in Maryland has voted to send the bill to legislators. The bill already has the “conditional backing” of the governor and is gaining popularity among delegates, according to WBALTV.com. [Read more…]
Man’s Death Ruled “Homicide” While In Police Custody
Twenty-six year old Robert Saylor’s death has been ruled a homicide by a Frederick County Medical Examiner. As with most cases involving death while in police custody, the details on this one are a bit hazy. According to the Huffington Post, all three officers involved are still working their normal assignments. [Read more…]