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Cruden ranks the Gulf oil spill as one of the most significant environmental disasters of our time. It "deserves ... all of our energy to make sure nothing like this ever happens again," he says.

New Justice Department Environment Chief Takes Helm Of Gulf Spill Case

John Cruden returns to the department as litigation over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill intensifies. He'll also defend Obama climate change rules and try to protect wildlife while in the post.

NPR's series looks at the human toll of mandatory minimum prison sentences. The White House and the Justice Department have taken the unprecedented step of asking for candidates who might win early release from prison through presidential pardons or commutations in the final years of the Obama presidency.

From Judges To Inmates, Finding The Human Casualties Of Mandatory Sentencing

Amid the backdrop of debate inside Washington and across the country, an NPR series will focus on the human toll of the tough mandatory minimum prison terms for drug crimes.

"They expect a certain amount of leniency or mercy from me, because I'm a woman, and if you've ever met my mother you should know that's not even in the cards," Lynch said in 2012. "She's much tougher than I am."

Tough Attorney General Pick Loretta Lynch Vies For Senate Confirmation

Lynch grew up in a state where her parents fought for the right to vote. She could become the first black woman, and the first mom, to lead the Justice Department.

The Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Act allocates grant money to states, which are supposed to protect young offenders and make sure they're not housed with adult criminals. Whistleblowers say they've spent years flagging problems with the programs.

Whistleblowers Say DOJ Grants Failed To Protect Kids Behind Bars

A Senate panel is investigating the use of federal grant money to states that incarcerated children alongside adult criminals. Whistleblowers have spent years flagging problems with the program.

April Fools' Day might be the world's longest-running joke. No one knows how it began

The true history of April Fools' has been a mystery for ages. The theories around its origin story have involved everything from Roman gods and fake popes to the Gregorian calendar and gullible fish.

Using Tor, or The Onion Router, enables users to hide their online activities. Advocates say the network protects the privacy of activists. But prosecutors say it's used extensively by criminals — and is making it harder for law enforcement to do its job.

Prosecutors Say Tools For Hiding Online Hinder Cybercrime Crackdowns

Advocates say tools that cloak online identities are needed to protect activists. Prosecutors say they hinder efforts to police all kinds of crime, from child pornography to illegal gun sales.

Deputy Attorney General Reflects On Controversies, Successes

James Cole says his decision to approve subpoenas for reporters' phone records, amid national security leaks, "was a very, very tough call. At the end of the day, I'd probably have to do it again."

David Padilla with his grandchildren. Seventeen years ago, a judge found Padilla guilty of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Sentenced For Life, Inmate Still Holds Hope For Release

David Padilla is one of thousands of people sentenced under tough drug laws who are spending life in prison. Now the Clemency Project 2014 promises pardons or early release for some offenders.

Attorney General Eric Holder visited Ferguson, Mo., in August, where he met with elected and police officials and community members.

Federal Ferguson Investigation Will Remain Independent, Holder Insists

The federal probe is examining whether Darren Wilson intentionally violated Michael Brown's civil rights. Justice Department veterans say proving he violated federal criminal law will be difficult.

Stephanie George (right) with her daughter, Kendra, and son Courtney. They were 5 and 8 when she went to prison on a drug charge. Last December, President Obama commuted her sentence.

After 17 Years Behind Bars, Coming Home To A Different Life

Stephanie George got a life sentence for drug crimes at age 26, a punishment that troubled the judge who sent her away. Now, after 17 years and a White House commutation, George tries to rebuild.

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