In a rare decision against the gun industry, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge Monday to a state law allowing suits against firearms manufacturers and distributors for failing to take reasonable actions to keep their products out of the hands of criminals.

Public confidence in the U.S. judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has eroded significantly in recent years, raising concerns about the long-term health of the rule of law. Yet the researchers also say people who have served as jurors within the past five years viewed state courts as more legitimate, reported higher overall trust in courts and rated judges more positively on traits such as trustworthiness, fairness and competence.

(Subscription required) The plan would fund victim services and assume another prison closure.

(Subscription required) San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Michael S. Frye spent decades prosecuting serious crimes. Now he says one of the most rewarding parts of judging is watching drug court participants rebuild their lives.