A judge breaks down the consequences Morgan Wallen may face
There's always that line you just cannot afford to cross. One mess up, and a fun time can turn into a crime that could literally kill someone. More
April 8, 2024
From the Bench
Judge Ashley: What you need to know about jury instructions in Arizona
Jurors in Arizona can take notes and ask questions. They raise their hand and pass up a slip of paper with their question written on it. More
March 29, 2024
Should Adam Montgomery be made to face a jury of his peers?
Adam Montgomery has been noticeably absent at his own murder trial. Ashley Willcott wonders if he should have to face a jury of his peers. More
February 14, 2024
From the Bench: ‘We need a clear record, clear rulings by the judge’
Court TV anchor Judge Ashley Willcott weighs in on the School Shooter Mom Trial, offering her unique perspective as a former judge. More
February 1, 2024
From the Bench: A judge’s perspective on prior bad acts
Court TV anchor Judge Ashley Willcott explains why prior bad acts were admissible in Alex Murdaugh's case but not in Thomas Randolph's. More
August 18, 2023
A judge’s perspective on the Sleepover Kidnapping Murder Trial
Judge Ashley Willcott's perspective on the Iowa case where Henry Dinkins is charged with kidnapping and murdering a 10-year-old girl. More
August 15, 2023
From the Bench: A judge’s perspective on the NFL Player Rape Trial
Judge Ashley Willcott shares her perspective on the case against Josh Sills, the NFL player on trial for rape and kidnapping charges. More
August 4, 2023
From the Bench: Judge caught using social media during murder trial
An Oklahoma judge listening to a criminal trial was caught on video looking at Facebook, texting, and scrolling. More
July 24, 2023
From the Bench: What to Know About the Kohberger Case
Court TV's Judge Ashley Willcott gives her unique perspective on the case against Bryan Kohberger in light of this week's motions hearing. More
June 29, 2023
From the Bench: A judge’s reaction to the insanity defense — 3 Things You Need To Know | OpEd
Judge Ashley Willcott explains the insanity defense and how it's being used in the case of a stepmom accused of killing her 11-year-old stepson. More
April 14, 2023
Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Case: It’s all about the money. And to make a point? – OP-ED
Judge Ashley Willcott explains that in a civil case, it all comes down to the proof of damages. More
March 20, 2023
Here’s why witnesses can watch the trial before they testify
Judge Ashley Willcott explains why witnesses in Alex Murdaugh's double-murder trial are allowed to sit in the gallery before they testify. More
February 23, 2023
From the Bench: Is there an actor exception for involuntary manslaughter? -OPINION
Is there an actor-exception for involuntary manslaughter? Umm, no. More
February 3, 2023
From the Bench: Small town, big jury pool: Can you find an impartial jury? – OPINION
In a small, rural town, how exactly do you find an impartial jury for one of the highest profile murder cases in the country? More
January 27, 2023
From the Bench: Why is Young Thug going to trial over Rap Lyrics? – Opinion
By: Judge Ashley Willcott FULTON COUNTY, GA. (Court TV) – Popular Grammy-winning rapper and singer Jeffery Lamar Williams, known as Young Thug, along with eleven other defendants, are facing multiple state RICO charges in Atlanta. Young Thug, 31, began rapping as a teenager and has become tremendously successful — performing around the world and […] More
January 13, 2023
From the Bench: Idaho v. Bryan Kohberger: What is jurisdiction and why extradition? – OPINION
Judge Ashley Willcott explains jurisdiction and extradition in relation to the case against Bryan Kohberger in the Idaho Student Murders. More
January 6, 2023
From the Bench: Why a gag order in Delphi Murders case? – OPINION
Judge Ashley Willcott gives her take on gag orders and how it could impact those involved in the Delphi Murders case. More
December 29, 2022
Why choose a bench trial instead of a jury trial? – Opinion
In the Midwife Delivery Death Trial, Angela Hock has opted for a bench trial, so the judge, not a jury will decide the outcome. But why? More
December 15, 2022
Thankful for justice – Opinion
Here are a few of the many compelling Court TV live trials we watched in wonder this year. Education is prevention. More
November 30, 2022
Trial advocacy skills – How important are they? – Opinion
Judge Ashley Willcott outlines the basic tenets of successful trial advocacy, and how they can make or break a case. More
November 9, 2022
Darrell Brooks – What’s with all the legalese? – Opinion
What was with all the legalese spouted by the defendant throughout the Deadly Parade Crash Trial? The Darrell Brooks Trial Glossary breaks it all down. More
October 27, 2022
Is Sovereign Citizenship a Defense? – Opinion
Darrell E. Brooks, representing himself, often argues his "sovereign citizen" request in his trial involving 76 charges, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly driving an SUV through the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade. More
October 21, 2022
Is it fair for defendants to represent themselves? – Opinion
Brooks states on the record that he does not understand the charges against him, and that he does not understand how the state can be the plaintiff in the case. More
September 30, 2022
Adnan Syed and Michael Carneal – Opinion
In this latest installment of 'From the Bench,' Judge Ashley Willcott looks at two convictions in the cases of Adnan Syed and Michael Carneal. More
September 23, 2022
Nikolas Cruz – Will he be sentenced to death? – Opinion
A jury will decide whether Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz gets life in prison or the death penalty. What do YOU think? More
September 14, 2022
Court TV joins the fight to end childhood illiteracy – YOU can help
Join Judge Ashley Willcott and other Scripps employees to fight childhood illiteracy by donating to the "If You Give a Child a Book" campaign. With your support, this year's campaign will help us reach an incredible milestone – distributing our one-millionth book! More
August 8, 2022
Should the Russian courts grant Brittney Griner Leniency? – Opinion
KHIMKI, RUSSIA. (Court TV) – WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner plays in Russia during her off-season. When traveling from the United States to the Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow, Russia, in February of this year, Griner was arrested for allegedly transporting vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage. More
July 27, 2022
Parkland School Massacre – Guilt vs. Penalty Phase – Opinion
By: Judge Ashley Willcott BROWARD COUNTY, Fla (Court TV) – The Parkland School Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine's Day in 2018 is forever branded on the hearts of most. More
July 20, 2022
TN. v. Hayden Berkebile: Can Suicide be coerced? – Opinion
By: Judge Ashley Willcott KNOXVILLE, TN. (Court TV) – Hayden Berkebile was convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the suicide of the younger Grace Anne Sparks. Enough younger that she was either 11 or 13 years old when they first began communicating on a chat website called Omegle. The defendant is 7 years older and […] More
June 21, 2022
Jury of Ryan Duke – Ways to reach a verdict – Opinion
By: Judge Ashley WillcottOCILLA, GEORGIA (Court TV) – The murder trial of Ryan Duke takes place in a small Georgia town and reads like a Pat Conroy novel detailing family secrets, tragic loss, and genuine southern characters brought to life. The trial includes alleged confessions, marital affairs, student romances, and two former best friends from different sides of the proverbial railroad track, both implicated in the murder and cover up of former beauty queen Tara Grinstead. More
June 9, 2022