The longest-serving Republican senator, Alaska's Ted Stevens, is found guilty of lying about receiving gifts.

A weekly guide to the 2008 US presidential election, in words and pictures.

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has attacked his rival John McCain for not knowing how many homes he owns.

The US Supreme Court's ruling against handgun bans could have an impact on the presidential race, reports James Coomarasamy.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that a ban on handguns in Washington DC is unconstitutional, in a landmark judgement that would have wider implications.

A former fund-raiser for Barack Obama, Antoin "Tony" Rezko, is found guilty of fraud by a Chicago court.

The BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani attends one of the growing number of Taser parties in the US.

Family skeletons have been toppling out of closets since the searchable details of more than 200 years of Old Bailey trails went online last month. So how does it feel to idly type a name into a search box and be presented with more than you bargained for?

As previously unarmed officers in London get Taser stun guns, we look at how they work and how safe they are.

US rap star TI is charged with firearms offences before winning two awards at a ceremony in Atlanta.

Pakistan's press in unanimous in condemning the deportation of former PM Nawaz Sharif, hours after his return from a seven-year exile.

Conrad Black faces a lengthy prison sentence and potential bankruptcy after being found guilty on fraud charges.

A US woman faces firearms charges after doctors probing her husband's "headache" find a bullet in his head.

US defence department data shows people with criminal records are being recruited to the armed forces.

Does the upsurge in international hi-tech crime mean the end of the old-fashioned conman?

The BBC's James Coomarasamy visits the Los Angeles suburb that has declared itself a safe haven for illegal immigrants.

Prisoners in Oregon are getting access to game gadgets to help them adjust to life outside jail.

A "bank" of smells taken from crime scenes and criminals is helping Chinese police dogs track down suspects, reports say.

US prisons must not shackle pregnant women in labour, and must protect female prisoners, a rights group says.

Why was the practice of bodysnatching condoned by 18th Century society, despite being publicly abhorred?