Articles
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Criminal Justice
Self-defense can land domestic-abuse victims in jail
Women in abusive relationships often fall into illegal activity due in part to that relationship, which increases their likelihood of landing in an Oklahoma prison, a range of experts told state lawmakers this week.Ray Carter | September 14, 2022
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Criminal Justice
Work touted as crucial need to reform ex-convicts
If officials want the recidivism rate to decline for ex-convicts, Oklahoma must increase opportunities for incarcerated individuals to get job training and encourage more businesses to become “second chance” employers who will hire people with a record, lawmakers were told at a legislative study this week.Ray Carter | August 23, 2022
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Criminal Justice
What Rep. Anthony Moore taught my colleagues about coercive plea bargaining
The court system can be used as a weapon.Ryan Haynie | July 14, 2022
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Criminal Justice
O’Connor demands action on terrorists attacking pro-lifers
Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor has joined 18 of his state counterparts to urge federal law enforcement officials to take action against the rising tide of domestic-terrorist attacks on pro-life organizations and also vowed to devote state resources to those prosecution efforts.Ray Carter | June 22, 2022
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Criminal Justice, Law & Principles
Oklahoma Democrats call for gun control
Following a Tulsa shooting that took the lives of four individuals (not counting the shooter), members of the state House Democratic caucus are calling for new gun-control measures to be passed as part of a pending special legislative session.Ray Carter | June 2, 2022
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Criminal Justice
Vetoed bill might have facilitated gun seizures
When Gov. Kevin Stitt recently vetoed House Bill 3501, proponents of the bill claimed it would have simply allowed state police to address individuals convicted by tribal courts of drunk driving and similar offenses.Ray Carter | May 13, 2022
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Criminal Justice, Law & Principles
McGirt repercussions lead to Stitt veto
Saying he will not support legislation that weakens Oklahoma’s state sovereignty, Gov. Kevin Stitt has vetoed a bill that would have required state law enforcement officials to enforce rulings handed down by tribal courts.Ray Carter | May 12, 2022
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Criminal Justice, Law & Principles
Expungement reform signed into law
Legislation that simplifies the process of expunging the criminal record of certain individuals has been signed into law.Ray Carter | May 5, 2022
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Criminal Justice, Law & Principles
Oklahoma law enforcement issue goes before U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Oklahoma’s bid to assert jurisdiction over non-Indian criminals who prey upon Indians living on lands declared part of reservations by a prior U.S. Supreme Court ruling.Ray Carter | April 28, 2022
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Criminal Justice
Sentencing reform clears Oklahoma Senate
Legislation updating Oklahoma’s sentencing code has won easy passage in the Oklahoma Senate.Ray Carter | March 24, 2022