VA Execution Tonight?: Kent Jackson, 26, is set to be executed tonight in Virginia for the brutal beating, rape, and stabbing death of his 79-year-old neighbor. The case is particularly unique because Jackson was sentenced to death just five years ago, and most states take more than a decade to actually carry out a death sentence.

'Touch DNA' Tests Increase Probability of Arrest, Prosecution: Police investigators can now use a few invisible skin cells or "touch DNA" to extract a DNA profile. Because it is virtually impossible not to leave trace skin cells after touching something, the ability to use "touch DNA" could vastly improve the chances of identifying a suspect in murder cases. The method has gained notoriety because it was used to clear the Ramsey family of involvement in JonBenet's death, according to Catherine Tsai's article for the AP.

9/11 Suspects Urged to Accept Counsel: The military tribunal is in the process of hearing the government's case against the alleged perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks, but suspicions abound that Khalid Sheik Mohammed has bullied his fellow defendants into acting as their own attorneys. According to Josh Meyer's article for the LA Times, the military judge overseeing the proceedings has strongly advised two of the defendants not to represent themselves because of inexperience and lack of access to confidential documents.

Prison Contraband goes to the Dogs: We've all heard of drug dogs, but according to Dan Morses' report for the WA Post, the newest trick in Fido's bag is sniffing out cell phones. Cell phones have become the most important item of contraband in prison because they allow inmates to maintain contact with illicit organizations on the outside, in addition to coordinating activities within the prison.

FISA Update Enacted: The heavily debated Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act has passed the Senate and been signed by President Bush. It includes immunity for telecommunications companies that participate in wiretapping under government direction. The debate largely focused on striking a balance between national security and civil liberties. Update: Orin Kerr has this long post at VC summarizing the act and criticizing the press coverage of it.