Sacramento County Crime & Justice Articles

Code violations, even after they're fixed, can cost struggling homeowners their homes. Some have seen fees and fines into the six figures even after repairs. Here are some of the horror stories. But what can be done about it?

The modern gun control movement started in California. Surprisingly, it was the work of Ronald Regan and the Black Panther Party. Here’s what happened.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new CARE Court plan aims to get homeless Californians experiencing mental health problems into treatment and off the street. But can it actually work?

Travel, food, true crime politics—there’s a show for everyone. Here are some top-rated podcasts that focus on some aspect of California culture.

California put hundreds of new laws into effect for 2022. Here are 5 that will change how business operates in the state.

How a controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling created a national, legal sports gambling industry which now sees California as its own 'Holy Grail.'

In 2022, California voters may see as many as four ballot initiatives to make betting on sporting events legal. Here’s how they would change sports gambling, and who's behind each separate measure.

Sheriffs in some California counties and across the USA are engaging a dangerous movement toward right-wing extremism. What does this mean for local law enforcement?

California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, 45, reported to be high on Pres. Joe Biden’s list for a U.S. Supreme Court nomination, is known for her cautious, moderate legal opinions.

Though they are elected officials, county sheriffs have less accountability than any other law enforcement officials. Here's why, and what California is doing about it.

California homicide spiked by 31 percent in 2020. The shocking increase has continued into 2021. Here are several theories that attempt to explain the state’s suddenly rising murder rate.

California has historically been ahead of the rest of the country in expanding the legal right to abortion services. Here’s what state laws say today, and how we got here.

When people of color vanish, only one-fifth of the cases receive media coverage. These activists want to change that.

The Sacramento Civil Grand Jury is charged with keeping a watchful eye over all aspects of local and county government. Here’s how it works, and how to become a grand juror.

Reporter Ryan Sabalow writes about Asatru Folk Assembly, a church that worships Norse gods and preaches an extreme racial ideology.

The district attorney and public defender are the key players in Sacramento County’s criminal justice system. Here’s what you need to know about them.

Sam Quinones, whose last book dealt with the opioid epidemic, talks to the LA Times about his new work on the twin perils of fentanyl and meth.

From overcrowded courthouses to trials of famous murderers, the Sacramento County Superior Court has seen it all. Here’s what you need to know about the system.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and California’s Democratic legislators have enacted a sweeping new package of police reform legislation. Here’s what the new laws will accomplish, and why.

AB 1185, authorizing civilian sheriff's oversight bodies, was one of the few law enforcement reform bills to pass in the wake of the George Floyd protests. What does the law accomplish, and will it make a difference?