Crime, Law and Justice

Analysis of early testimony in the Potter trial from a criminal justice professor
The trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter for the killing of Daunte Wright is in its second day of testimony. For analysis of what’s happened so far, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by Kami Chavis, professor of law and director of the Criminal Justice Program at Wake Forest University.
What comes next for police reform in Minnesota?
Opening statements started this week in the trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter. Potter is charged with manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with reporters about the trial and the future of public safety reform in Minnesota
Minnesota crash after police pursuit leaves 2 dead, 3 hurt
Authorities say a crash in Minneapolis that followed a police pursuit of an SUV that was reportedly stolen has left two juveniles dead and three others hospitalized.
Kimberly Potter trial: Wright girlfriend testifies on fatal police stop
Prosecutors on Thursday emphasized the collateral damage done as they pressed their case that the ex-Brooklyn Center officer acted recklessly in firing her service weapon. The judge also denied a defense motion for a mistrial.
Explainer: What will jurors hear about Daunte Wright?
Jurors at the manslaughter trial for the former police officer who said she mistakenly drew her handgun when she fatally shot Daunte Wright will hear testimony about the kind of person he was – within limits.
Minnesota jurors must speak English — some worry that's a proxy for race in jury selection
Attorneys can’t strike potential jurors because of their race, but they can excuse jurors for linguistic reasons in most courts. It happened in both the Derek Chauvin and Kimberly Potter trials.
Some lockdown drills can harm students' mental health. Here's what one expert advises
The shooting at Oxford, Mich., drew attention to the school's lockdown drills and how students were trained to respond to such crises. But certain high-intensity drills can have negative impacts, too.
Long list of challenges for Minneapolis interim police chief
The new interim police chief in Minneapolis is stepping into a leadership role that comes with significant challenges, including a department that is down hundreds of officers, a city experiencing a surge in violent crime and strained community relations over the death of George Floyd. 
Kimberly Potter trial: Emotions high as video of Wright killing plays in court
Opening statements and early witnesses brought intensity and drama to the courtroom Wednesday. Jurors saw police bodycam and dashcam video, including Potter shooting Wright, the chaotic aftermath and his mother’s emotional arrival at the scene.
Shadow of Floyd, Chauvin case hangs over Kimberly Potter's trial
It’s former Officer Kimberly Potter who’s on trial for the killing of Daunte Wright. But the trial in the same courtroom where ex-cop Derek Chauvin was convicted earlier this year of killing George Floyd is casting its shadow over the proceedings.