Social Science Journal: Psychology and Crime News posted comments on three Social Science Journal articles that addressed: homicide in the southern United States, individual perceptions and how they affect hate crime legislation, and a study on whether capital murderers (murderers who are executed) were “more likely to murder or commit other violent crimes again” if they had not been executed, compared to "other murderers or the average citizen."

Arguing for a Windfall: Orin Kerr at Volokh Conspiracy had this amusing post on the Ninth Circuit's decision to deny a criminal defendant's request for all of the money listed in his presentencing report. The defendant had been convicted for his role in an ecstasy ring, and the presentencing report stated $485,000 had been found on his dresser. The government claimed the $485,000 was a typo, and only $485 had been found on the dresser. The defendant argued the government was estopped from making this argument since he had been sentenced using the larger number.

Justice Department and Wesley Snipes: In a sentencing report released today the Justice Department argued that Wesley Snipes should be sentenced to three years in prison for failing to file income tax returns. The Blog of the LegalTimes post has more details. It's April 15th... think this request for a three year prison penalty might have been strategically planned by the Justice Department...