A creditor has won a judgment against you, and now money is being taken from your bank account or your paycheck to satisfy an old debt. If you've found yourself in this situation, you may consider it a financial emergency.


Formal discovery is the process by which litigants in civil cases share information and gather evidence they plan to present at trial. Unlike what you may have seen on television or in the movies, civil trials rarely involve "surprise" evidence or witnesses for which the other side was not prepared.


If you have an unpaid debt, such as an uncollected court judgment against you, then the creditor can bring several court actions to recover the money.


When a creditor obtains a garnishment against you, it is a court order to deduct part of your income from your paycheck and pay it to a creditor instead of to you.


Oppose a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict

When the opposing party in a lawsuit files a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV), he or she is asking the judge to disregard the jury's verdict and rule in their favor.


If you owe a person money, that person can bring a lawsuit and get a court judgment against you. Should you refuse to pay the judgment, the judgment creditor can garnish your wages.


Generally, a party in a lawsuit files a motion in limine to exclude evidence from a trial because the evidence isn’t relevant or because its prejudicial effect substantially outweighs its probative value.


Under federal and state rules, a party may be joined to your lawsuit in certain situations. For example, you may have been injured during surgery and subsequently sue the surgeon.


Make a Counterclaim to a Creditor Lawsuit

When you borrow money and don't pay it back, the creditor may sue you. If the judge rules in the creditor's favor, the creditor can enforce the judgment and garnish your wages to get the money you owe.


Negotiating a settlement is a great way to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a lawsuit. Not only do lawsuits take a lot of time to resolve, but there is no guarantee that you will win once it is all over.


In the American legal system, "joinder" refers to the process by which new parties or claims are added to an existing lawsuit because they are related in some way.


First things first. You  cannot  get punitive damages from anyone without suing them. A lawsuit is a necessary condition for getting punitive damages, because punitive damages exist to punish a particularly egregious tortfeasor, and that determination can  only  be made in court.


The process for getting court records in Wisconsin varies depending on how much information you know about the case, which court it was in, and how long ago it was heard.


As part of the fact-finding phase of your lawsuit, you can request that the other side admit to certain facts or admit that certain documents are genuine.


An “indispensable” party is one that must be added to the lawsuit otherwise the lawsuit can’t continue. In order to identify an indispensable party, you should read the rules of civil procedure for your court.


Lawsuits often involve two people: the person bringing the lawsuit (the “plaintiff”) and the person being sued (the “defendant”). However, sometimes a lawsuit affects the rights of other people.


Court documents are the public record of the American legal system. Whether your interest is in historical research, curiosity, or needing documents for your own legal dispute, you can usually find what you need with a few basic bits of information.


There are several ways to get evidence thrown out of court. Evidence is any type of proof legally presented at trial which is offered in order to convince the judge or jury of alleged material facts in the case.


In some circumstances, you might be served with a lawsuit requesting you to pay damages you do not think you are responsible for. If this happens, you might have to file a third party claim in order to get another defendant involved (one who should ultimately be responsible for some or all of the damages).


Prove Your Ex Lied on the Financial Affidavit for Child Support

It is illegal to lie on a financial affidavit for child support. However, proving that your ex lied could be difficult. In particular, you will need evidence that proves your ex is lying; a mere suspicion is not enough.


When someone files a lawsuit against you, you have a limited amount of time to respond. You can respond to the substance of the complaint by denying the allegations.


In most situations, you must appeal to a higher court if you are unhappy with how your lawsuit turned out. However, in some limited circumstances, you might be able to have the judgment against you set aside.


Request an Updated Financial Affidavit from Your Ex

People involved in family law disputes often have to fill out financial affidavits, especially when child support or alimony is being considered. The affidavit lists each person’s sources of income, monthly expenses, and debts.


Write a Character Affidavit for Child Custody

If you have a friend or relative involved in a contested custody case, s/he may ask you for a character affidavit. You would provide sworn testimony under penalty of perjury about things you have witnessed regarding his/her moral and ethical character.


A “plaintiff” is someone who brings a lawsuit in court. Often, plaintiffs need to swear to the truth of any information they submit to the court. They can accomplish this by completing an affidavit, which they sign under penalty of perjury.


A wage garnishment is an order from a court or government agency that is sent to your employer requesting that they withhold a certain amount of money from your paycheck in order to pay back someone you owe (a creditor).


Find a Legal Printer for US Supreme Court Documents

If you're ready to take your case all the way to the Supreme Court, the first thing you'll notice is the complexity of the seemingly archaic formatting rules for documents filed with the Supreme Court.


Prove a No‐Contact Order Has Been Broken

A judge typically issues a no-contact order when someone is convicted of domestic violence. The order also may be associated with divorce or other civil cases that allege abuse or domestic violence.


Immigrating to the United States is a lengthy and involved process. Part of that process frequently includes obtaining a sponsor who will swear to financially support you if you are unable to support yourself while in the United States.


If you had a credit card and got behind on payments – maybe you had an illness or lost your job – the creditor may have sued you for the bad debt. Provided a judge rules you owe the creditor money, the creditor has the right to use garnishment to collect that money.


An injunction is a court-ordered command to do something or, more often, to not do something. Typically, people bring lawsuits seeking money compensation; however, sometimes money compensation is inadequate to truly protect you.


Prevent Garnishment from a Collection Agency

If you get behind on your payments to a creditor, your debt may be sold to a collection agency. Collection agencies pursue aggressive strategies to get money from you, up to and including suing you for the debt and having your wages garnished.


If you owe someone money, that person might garnish your wages in order to collect payment. When your wages are garnished, your employer withholds a portion of your disposable income and sends it either to the court or to the creditor.


You don’t have to put up with abuse. If you’ve been harmed or harassed, then you can seek legal protection by getting a temporary restraining order.


Obtain a Restraining Order In the United States

A restraining order, also called a protective order, can protect you if someone is threatening, harassing, or physically harming you. There are several different types of restraining orders in the United States, issued by different courts with different scopes and durations.


Get a Restraining Order in Washington State

If you are being abused or harassed, then you can seek a restraining order from a court. The restraining order (also called a “protection order”) will limit the ability of the abuser or harasser to contact you or come near you.


If you live in Los Angeles and someone is stalking you or threatening your safety, you can go to court and ask a judge to issue a restraining order against that person.


You make a motion in limine before a trial starts. In your motion, you can argue that the judge should exclude certain information, usually because the information has no real relevance but will be unduly prejudicial to you.


If you live in Missouri and are being stalked or abused, you can get a judge to issue a restraining order that forbids that person from contacting you or coming near your home, school, or place of work.


If someone has abused you or threatened your safety in Oregon, you can get a restraining order to help protect you and your children.  [1]   The order requires the restrained person to stay away from you, your home, and your place of work.


Although laws and legal procedures can be complex and cumbersome, it isn't impossible to file a lawsuit on your own without a lawyer. In fact, some small claims courts – state courts designed for monetary claims generally of only a few thousand dollars – don't even allow attorneys to practice.


Sometimes if you have a dispute with a company or another person, the only way to resolve it is to take them to court. Although you should try to use a lawsuit only as a last resort after you've exhausted all other options and still haven't gotten what you believe you deserve, once you decide to file the state of Massachusetts has many resources if you want to file a suit yourself.


There are many types of lawsuits you can bring. For example, you might file suit for a divorce or to seek child custody. More often, however, you will want to file suit because someone has wronged you in some way: they broke a contract or injured you in an accident.


If you have a dispute with a business or another person in Arizona and you want to file a lawsuit, you have several different types of court at your disposal.


A lawsuit is a means of compelling someone who has harmed you, in violation of the law, to compensate you monetarily for damages you have suffered. Because taking an issue to the courts can cost both parties a great deal of time and money, filing a lawsuit should only be considered if you have a legitimate dispute that cannot be solved by other means.


When you file a motion for joinder of claims, you are asking the court to add a new claim to be considered in an existing lawsuit – either because it arose out of the same dispute or transaction, or because it involves the same parties.


After the plaintiff starts a lawsuit by filing a complaint, you can respond by filing an “answer” or a “demurrer.” In a demurrer, you argue that the plaintiff has not stated a legitimate legal claim and ask that the judge dismiss the complaint.


File a Claim Against a Construction Contractor's Bond

Most states require construction contractors to be licensed and bonded. The bond is similar to an insurance contract – if the contractor fails to perform in any way under the contract, you can file a claim against the bond to get the money you're owed.


If you have a dispute with another person or a business in Texas, you may find it necessary to sue in court to get the result you desire. Civil courts handle cases involving money damages, or cases in which you need a judge to order the other party to do something, such as delivering property to you.


Sometimes, you may want to file a lawsuit against someone because of a disagreement you had with them or an injury they caused. If you want to recover money from someone, you should file a lawsuit against them in civil court.


When someone else injures you or damages your property, you may decide you want to file a lawsuit. Civil lawsuits can cover a multitude of damages, including those occurring from accidents or from breach of contract.


File a Court Proceeding to Compel Arbitration As the Complainant

Many people are familiar with responding to a lawsuit with a motion to compel arbitration. However, you can also file a petition to compel even when no lawsuit is pending.


If you are underage, you are not permitted to have any alcohol on your person in the United States. When a police officer catches you drinking or under the influence, they likely will write you a citation for "minor in possession."


When you're served with a lawsuit, your first response probably is to try to figure out a way to get rid of it. If you can find a way to have the lawsuit dismissed, it will save you a lot of time and money.


Defend Yourself in an Alienation of Affection Lawsuit

When a marriage turns sour, one of the spouses might be looking to blame someone else. In a few states, this spouse can file an “alienation of affection” lawsuit against a third party.


A contract is a legal agreement made between at least two people. There are two kinds: express and implied. With an express contract, the contract’s terms are explicitly stated and agreed to by the parties.


Defend Against Construction Contract Violation Claims

A construction contract contains the agreement between the contractor and the client. Either may violate the contract. For example, the contractor may simply stop working.


In Florida, a restraining order is called an “injunction for protection.” It is issued by a civil court and commands the person named in the restraining order to refrain from doing something, usually contacting you or your children or coming within a specified distance of you (say 500 feet).


Whether they are a spurned lover, a nasty neighbor, or a creepy co-worker, if someone is stalking you, harassing you, or threatening the safety and security of you or your family, you may want to get a restraining order against them.


Get a Protective Order In the United States

If you believe that you or a spouse or family member is the victim of domestic violence, harassment, bullying, or some other behavior that makes you fear for your safety or that family member’s safety, you may wish to seek a protective order from a court.


If you file a lawsuit, you may want to withdraw that lawsuit, either because you have come to a settlement with the defendant or because you want to delay the litigation.


Defend Yourself in a False Allegation Lawsuit

You don't have to be a reporter or influential executive to have someone sue you in state or federal court for making false allegations against them.


Wage garnishment is a legal method of debt collection. You can request a court order instructing the debtor's employer to withhold some of the debtor's earnings to pay for a court judgment, child support, or other debt.


A court order is a written or spoken decision made by a judge. A court order will instruct a party (either an individual or a business) to either do something or not do something.


Wage garnishment is a legal method of debt collection available in certain circumstances. For example, an employer may withhold the earnings of an employee under a court order because the employee failed to pay child support.


If you win a lawsuit against someone, you have the right to collect the judgment amount from that person. However, the court won't go after the defendant for you – it's your responsibility to collect your judgment.


A divorce decree is a final judgment of the court, granting a couple’s divorce. Oftentimes the decree contains all of the terms of the divorce, such as how the marital debt and assets are to be divided, who will maintain custody of the children, and how much alimony, or spousal maintenance, will be paid, and when the non-custodial parent will get visitation, or parenting time, with the children.


Protective orders go by different names in different states. The most common name is a "restraining order." Protective orders are intended to protect victims from abuse by restraining the abuser from doing something, usually from coming within a certain distance of the victim.


The consequences of having a restraining order issued against you can be severe. Judges can mandate that the party ordered to stay away (the respondent) must pay support to the other party, relinquish the use of a shared dwelling or vehicle, turn over any guns and ammunition they may have, or pay restitution to the party requesting the order (the petitioner).


Wage garnishment is a legal method of debt collection available in certain circumstances. For instance, an employer may withhold the earnings of an employee under a court order due to an employee’s failure to pay child support or failure to pay a court judgment.


A restraining order may be dropped only by permission of the court. It is not dissolved solely because you and the abuser have chosen to live together again.


A protective order is also called a “restraining order.” When someone feels threatened by you, they can go to court and get a protective order. This person is called the Petitioner.


Wage garnishment is a procedure by which your employer withholds a portion of your earnings to pay some debt or obligation. Wages can be garnished to pay child support, alimony, back taxes, or a judgment in a lawsuit.


A restraining order is issued by a judge. It prohibits an individual from coming near the person protected by the order. A restraining order can limit the restrained party from contacting or communicating with the protected person.


Defend Against Breach of Purchase and Sale Agreement Claims

When you buy or sell real property you will execute a purchase and sale agreement. The agreement is a contract that lays outs the details of the deal and the conditions upon which the deal is being made.


As the general contractor on a construction project, you might want to require that first-tier subcontractors be bonded. Typically, these subcontractors can get performance bonds and payment bonds.


If you have suffered a personal injury or property damages for which you think a government entity is liable, the process is a little more complicated than if you simply wanted to sue an individual.


If you have lost a case in civil court, you can challenge the court's decision through an appeal.  [1]   Basically, you are asking a higher court to review the case and determine if the judge applied the law correctly.


Anyone whose civil rights have been violated has the right to file a lawsuit, and that's where civil rights attorneys come in. Typically passionate about a particular group or cause, civil rights attorneys fight to protect people against discrimination and infringement of their rights embodied in federal civil rights acts and in the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.


Arbitration is one method many people choose to avoid the crowded U.S. court system when resolving their disputes. Arbitration is a lot like a court trial, but disputes are resolved by arbitrators rather than juries.


When an employee complains about discrimination or harassment due to a protected status such as race, age, gender or disability, the employer or other employees may become angry and retaliate, or take negative action, against the employee who complained.


If you have been served with a summons and legal complaint, you are being sued.   [1]   This means you are a defendant in a civil case that has been filed by a person or business entity called the ‘plaintiff.’


If you have just finished a civil trial to which you were a party, just because you received an unfavorable judgment does not mean that you don't have options.


It is critical that you answer Request for Admissions promptly and adequately. As soon as you receive the Request, you should read it and begin drafting your answers.


If you represent yourself in a legal matter, you will need to know how to address a judge appropriately. A judge has control in the courtroom and, in many civil cases, will make many decisions in your case.


Being served with a summons and complaint by a sheriff's deputy can be a frightening experience. Even if you had a general expectation that someone was planning to sue you, actually getting the papers can still be a shock.


If you are served with a summons and complaint, it means an individual or company is suing you in civil court. The summons notifies you that you are being sued, while the complaint provides details regarding who is suing you and why.


If a large group of people have the same or similar injuries – whether physical or monetary – caused by the same product or service, they may have the ability to come together as a group and sue the responsible company in a class action lawsuit.


Approximately one-third of all practicing attorneys in the United States are women, and women make up more than half of modern law school graduating classes.


Join a Harmful Drug Class Action Lawsuit

Often new drugs are released without a full understanding of their potential side effects, and people become seriously ill as a result. Through class action lawsuits, a large group of people with the same or similar injuries come together to sue the drug company for compensation for the harm they've suffered.


In civil law, a class action lawsuit allows many potential plaintiffs who suffered similar injuries from a single defendant to join the same suit rather than filing multiple lawsuits.


Class action lawsuits are filed by attorneys on behalf of a group of people that have been injured by the policies or actions of a company. These types of lawsuits could concern illegal salary and hiring procedures, harmful medications, or dangerous products.


Join a Defective Medical Device Class Action Lawsuit

If you are injured by a defective medical device, then you might want to sue the manufacturer for compensation. You might also have the option of joining an existing class action.


If you receive a summons for jury duty, you typically must appear in court. If you disobey this order, you may be subject to stiff fines or even jail time.


A class action lawsuit is brought by a group of plaintiffs who have suffered similar injuries caused by the defendant.  [1]   For example, if a defendant’s product injured thousands of people around the country, then a group of plaintiffs (called the “representative” or “named” plaintiffs) can move to certify the lawsuit as a class action.


Most people let out a pretty solid groan when they see they’ve been called for jury duty. However, for most people, jury duty will only mean a day of service (sometimes not even a full day).


Drop an Order of Protection Against Someone Before Their Court Date

A protection order is granted by a judge in certain cases (e.g., domestic violence, assaults, criminal trespassing) and requires the defendant to stay away from you (the victim).


If you owe child support or lost a lawsuit, then your wages may be garnished. In order to dispute the garnishment, you need to first figure out how much of your weekly wages are automatically exempted by law.


Apply For an Attachment of Earnings Order

When a person owes you money, it's important to understand all options available to you to receive repayment. For instance, knowing how to apply for an attachment of earnings order is one of those options.


Defend Yourself in a Class Action Lawsuit

If you are sued in a class action, then it is critical that you react quickly by hiring a lawyer. A class action is a lawsuit a group of plaintiffs brings to sue for similar injuries.


If you lose a court case, you might want to consider appealing the decision ("judgment"). In an appeal, you're basically asking a higher authority (an “appellate” court) to review the case, and to decide that the decision was a mistake.


If you receive a judgment by a court ordering someone to pay you money, the court will not collect the judgment for you. You must collect it yourself.


If you or your children are going through abuse or getting threats, you can get a restraining order against your abuser. The threats can be from a domestic partner, family member, or stranger.


You might want to voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit for a variety of reasons. For example, you might have settled the dispute, or you might want to sue in a different court.


An intervenor is a third party who voluntarily joins a pending lawsuit. This person may be joining the plaintiff or the defendant, or may have their own claims against either party.


If you live in Australia and someone is threatening the personal safety of you or your immediate family, you can apply for an intervention order – also known as a restraining order or order of protection.


When you think of a civil lawsuit, you probably imagine scenes from a tense courtroom drama with clever and confrontational attorneys and at least one shocking revelation or emotional outburst on the stand.


A subpoena is a legal document that orders the recipient (whether a person or an organization) to provide sworn testimony at a predetermined time and place pertaining to a legal investigation or proceeding.


If someone files a lawsuit against you, you have a limited period of time to respond – usually within a couple of weeks.  [1]   If you think they filed in the wrong court, or don't have any legitimate reason to sue you, consider filing a motion to dismiss.


When a plaintiff sues you for money or the return of property, you can defend yourself in civil court. You have another legal remedy if the plaintiff is actually at fault.


Jury duty is a civic obligation of every citizen. If you are told to report for jury duty, you will need to fill out a questionnaire and mail it in.


Jury service is mandatory, and anyone called to jury duty who is not excused prior to the date on their summons may face stiff fines or even time in jail for contempt.


Get Ready for Jury Duty in Portland, Oregon

Congrats! You've been randomly selected from a pool of registered voters residing in Multnomah County and now it's your turn to fulfill your civic duty for at least two days.


While in many countries it is a citizen's duty to serve occasionally on a jury, there are some ways to avoid such duty if it would prove a true hardship.


Serving as a trial juror at any level of trial court is a fascinating experience, but to reach that level you need to prepare yourself at several different levels.


Depending on who you ask, jury duty is either an extremely important part of participating in democracy or an extremely big waste of time. Jurors are placed in a very formal setting with judges, witnesses, and attorneys.


Federal district courts select citizens for federal jury service from lists of registered voters and driver’s license holders.  [1]   If you are summoned for jury service, you still may not be asked to serve.


In the United States, Jury duty is a civic responsibility that should be taken very seriously by all citizens of the United States. However, there is also a common scam going around most people need to be aware of; the Jury Duty Phone Scam.


Many thousands of people in the UK don't qualify for legal aid and can't afford to pay privately. They are left with no choice but to represent themselves.


Legal battles don't have to be expensive. As more people turn to the legal system for help solving their problems, more resources are available to help you represent yourself in court.


Serving on a jury is an important responsibility, and a valuable civil right. It can also be an educational, entertaining, and meaningful experience.


File for Divorce in Texas Without a Lawyer

Texas law does not require divorcing parties to hire an attorney, and while it may be wise to consult with one prior to divorcing, you are free to file for and complete a divorce without one.


Unless you are involved in a small claims dispute or going against another person who is unrepresented, defending yourself in court is a very difficult and risky decision.


In some circumstances, you may be able to divorce your spouse without hiring and paying for an attorney. This process is commonly referred to as a pro se, or “on your own behalf”, divorce.


People want to represent themselves in court for a variety of reasons. For example, they may be involved in a civil trial but cannot afford a lawyer.


Write a Demand Letter Instead of Hiring an Attorney

A demand letter is a formal letter written to demand a particular action by another party. They are usually written to demand money from a person or business, or to your landlord asking for your security deposit back.


When it comes to trying to deal with legal matters while living on a budget, it can be both daunting and very worrying. Luckily, there are a number of options that you can explore in order to keep your legal costs to a minimum.


Obtaining a divorce can be expensive, time consuming, and emotionally draining. If your divorce is expected to be mutually agreeable, civil, and uncontested, it might be advantageous to go through the divorce process without an attorney (pro se).


Small claims court is a division of a district court with limited jurisdiction. Also known as the “people’s court,” small claims court is a good place to demand payment on a debt such as unpaid rent or repairs on a car that were never made.


Proceedings in all U.S. courts, including all documents filed with the court in any given case, are a matter of public record. This means any member of the public has the right to view almost any record at any time.


In most states, juvenile court records are treated as confidential, which means they can't be viewed by the general public. However, just because they are confidential doesn't necessarily mean they are sealed.


If you have a small legal dispute, like a claim for back rent or breach of a contract, small claims court can help you to get compensation without the complex hassle involved in a larger case.


Generally, the documents filed in a court case are available for public inspection.  [1]   To find a court document, you need to find the courthouse in which the lawsuit was filed.


Many courts provide access to their records electronically, allowing you to access certain records via the internet from the comfort of your own home or office.


Request a Trial by Jury for a Small Claims Suit

Many states allow you to choose a jury trial in small claims court. The process for requesting the jury will differ depending on the court, so make sure to check with the court clerk for the rules you must follow.


The Indiana state court system has a small claims court in each county. These courts have simplified rules and a shortened, less formal procedure that allows citizens to represent themselves in cases involving smaller amounts of money.


Small claims courts in Texas provide a forum for you to have a justice of the peace decide your case using simplified rules in a less formal setting than formal courts.


These instructions will focus on the actual procedure of filing a small claims suit in Michigan, and will inform you in detail all of the various forms needed for process, what to do with them, and how to collect.


If you want to sue someone in Illinois for less than $10,000 in monetary damages, you may be able to file your lawsuit in small claims court. These courts of limited jurisdiction have simple procedures and less formality, allowing people to handle their cases without the expense of an attorney in most situations.


File in Small Claims Court in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania provides small claims courts for residents who wish to have a judge rule on a claim for a relatively small dollar amount without the time and expense of a full-blown court proceeding.


If you have a small dispute with someone that you just can't seem to resolve on your own, you might consider filing a small claims lawsuit. Small claims in Maryland are filed in District Court, and the state provides plenty of resources for people filing small claims as well as standardized forms you can fill out.


In Georgia, small claims cases are heard in Magistrate Court. You do not need a lawyer to sue in small claims court, and the judge (not a jury) will decide your dispute.


File a Small Claims Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

If you have a lawsuit worth $12,000 or less in Pennsylvania, then you can sue in small claims court. The precise procedure for filing the lawsuit will differ depending on whether you are suing in Philadelphia or not.


If someone owes you money, you can file a lawsuit to collect. If the person who owes you money is in Florida and the amount is $5,000 or less, you can file in small claims court.


Small claims is a special court that resolves disputes quickly and inexpensively. It also has its own rules, which are simple and informal. In San Diego, California, you must first obtain the appropriate paperwork to file for your case either from a small claims court location or from the San Diego courts website.


If someone owes you a relatively small amount of money, you can file a complaint to collect the debt in small claims court. This is usually quicker, cheaper, and more direct than filing your claim in a higher level trial court.


In Ohio, each county or municipal court has a small claims division where relatively minor disputes can be resolved quickly and inexpensively. Although you can be represented by an attorney, the simplified procedures and relatively informal nature of the court means most people can handle a small claims case on their own.


File a Small Claims Lawsuit in Wisconsin

Small claims court provides a forum where litigants can resolve their disputes more quickly and inexpensively than would otherwise be possible in regular court proceedings.


Collect on a Customer's Past Due Credit Account

Most of your customers pay their accounts on time and in full. For those who don't, however, you need to act fast if you want to collect the money owed.


In small claims courts, individuals can file lawsuits quickly and inexpensively. You can file suits against individuals, corporations, partnerships and other entities.


When you take legal action through a small claims court against an individual or organization in the US, you must file a petition with the court. The party on the opposing side of the case, called the "respondent," must be told about the case before it can move forward.


Question Witnesses when Representing Yourself

If you are representing yourself in court, then you need to prepare to ask witnesses questions. You can prepare by drafting a list of questions and then doing a practice run with your witness.


Depositions are interviews of a witness or party to a case conducted by the other party or that party's attorney. Depending on the issues involved in the case, depositions can be a key part of the discovery process and can potentially turn a case around.


Depositions take place before trial. During a deposition, a lawyer asks a witness questions, and the witness answers under oath. The purpose of a deposition is to uncover what the witness knows and to get their testimony on the record in case they cannot attend trial.


Prepare As a Witness in an Adultery Case

Whether you are a party in a divorce case or a third-party witness, preparation is crucial before you testify at trial. If you are one of the divorcing spouses, you also can expect to be deposed by your spouse's attorney.


In movies and TV shows, cross-examination is always the most dramatic part of a trial. The lawyer is aggressive, and the witness either folds under the intense questioning or erupts in anger.


Dispute a Lot Line Survey As a Defendant

Property disputes often arise when adjoining landowners disagree over where a particular lot line starts and ends. For example, you and your next door neighbor might disagree about whose property a creek runs through when that creek sits between your homes.


During a trial, your cross examination of the opposing counsel's witness is an opportunity to make him or her appear unreliable. Successful cross examinations capture the attention of the jury and judge and expose the holes in the other side’s case.


In most lawsuits, witnesses are not allowed to offer an opinion. Instead, they can only testify as to what they saw or heard. Expert witnesses are different.


As a witness in court, you play a very important part of the legal process. In a criminal case, what you say and how you say it can keep an innocent person from going to jail or ensure that a guilty person is not set free to commit new crimes.


When you are sued, you are served a summons and a copy of the complaint. You then have a limited amount of time to respond. If you neglect to respond in time, the plaintiff can go into court and get a “default judgment” against you.


Seek Relief from Default Before Judgment

If you are sued, then you will receive a copy of the complaint and a summons, which should tell you the deadline for responding. However, if you fail to respond, then the person who sued you can request that the court clerk enter a “default” against you.


As the defendant in a federal lawsuit, you may want to get your case dismissed for a variety of reasons. For example, the plaintiff might not have notified you of the lawsuit using the proper methods, or the plaintiff’s complaint could be defective because they didn’t properly state a cause of action.


When someone sues you, they file a petition with the court and send you a copy along with a summons. Once you receive this notice of the lawsuit, you should think about how to respond.


Expert witnesses are key witnesses in many types of lawsuits. For example, an expert typically testifies in a medical malpractice lawsuit or in a lawsuit claiming a product was defective.


The loss of a loved one is never an easy situation. Your grief can take a long time to ease, and you may be worried about how to provide for yourself and your family.


How is emotional distress defined in the eyes of the law? In most cases, you can only sue for emotional damages if the incident in question physically harmed you.


Sue for Violations of Personality Rights

If someone uses your name or likeness without your permission, then you may be able to sue for violation of your personality rights, especially if the person exploits your name or likeness for commercial benefit.


Protect Yourself Against Attractive Nuisance Liability Claims

Because of their curiosity, children can sometimes get into trouble. They may trespass onto someone’s property when playing and fall into a well, approach a dangerous animal, or start using someone’s machinery.


If someone damages your reputation by way of slander or libel, you may have grounds to sue for defamation. " Slander" is the crime of making a false, spoken statement damaging a person’s reputation. "


When you or someone in your family has been injured in an accident, grappling with the financial effects may be the last thing you want to face, but you have no choice.


If you were injured in a car accident or in a slip-and-fall incident, then you may be able to receive compensation by bringing a lawsuit. The key in these kinds of cases is to prove that someone harmed you by not exercising due care.


Libel occurs when a person or entity communicates a false and defamatory statement that damages the reputation of another person or entity. Unlike slander, which is spoken, libel is written and published so that it can be seen by others.


Protect Your Business Against Defamation on the Internet

The Internet has made unprecedented information available at people’s fingertips. You might be using the Internet to advertise your business right now.


If you are personally injured by a business, then you can sue for the injury provided that you are not an employee. You can sue if you slip and fall in a store or if a store’s product harms you in some way.


Are you considering filing a personal injury lawsuit against another party? Are you wondering how much money you might be awarded? Don't forget to factor in attorneys fees into the equation.


You've been harmed or suffered some injury for which you believe someone else is responsible, but the law doesn't provide a remedy for every type of harm or injustice you might suffer.


Take Legal Action for Player to Player Violence

Depending on the sport you play, you probably consent to some physical contact with other players. For example, if you play football, then you should expect to get tackled.


Take Legal Action for Player to Official Violence

Violence against sporting officials is unfortunately common. Over the past several years, officials have been attacked by fans, coaches, and athletes.


Take Legal Action for Player to Fan Violence

If a player attacks you while you are watching a sporting event, then you should think about pressing criminal charges. You can also bring a civil lawsuit and receive compensation for your injuries.


Take Legal Action for a Player Contract Breach

When a player violates his or her contract, then you should consider taking legal action. First, however, you need to discipline the player according to the disciplinary process set out in the contract.


Take Legal Action for Player to Coach Violence

While the competitive nature of stress undoubtedly means that tensions are high, you may have been in a situation where a player got out of hand. If you are a coach of a sports team and were injured by a player, you may be able to sue him or her for the damages you suffered, including your medical bills and other losses.


If you want to sue for sports injuries, whether you or your child was injured while playing a sport, you should know going into it that the odds are stacked against you.


If you run a sports team, then you should think about getting athletic liability insurance. Each year, almost a billion dollars is spent in the U.S. on sports-related medical costs.


If you have a long-term sporting facility contract, then you might want to end it for various reasons. For example, the tenant might not have paid you rent, or the tenant might have used the facility for an unauthorized purpose.


Sue for Gender Discrimination in Athletics

Gender discrimination in athletics is prohibited in educational institutions receiving federal funds under Title IX. This law covers almost all high schools and universities, both public and private, and makes it illegal to offer fewer athletic opportunities or financial opportunities to one gender than another.


Professional sports teams sometimes sell licenses to seats in their stadiums. These personal seat licenses (PSLs) give the purchaser the right to buy season tickets.


Whether you plan to appear before a judge for a custody hearing or a felony, what you wear to court can possibly influence how the judge and jury view you.


Whether you're an up-and-coming athlete or want to build your own community sports league, you may find you need a sports law attorney. Attorneys who practice sports law actually have knowledge and experience in several different areas of law as applied to the sports industry, so the particular attorney you hire will depend on your needs.


Not every coaching relationship can last forever. Sometimes, either the coach or the school wants to end the coaching relationship. If both want to end the contract, then they can end the coaching agreement mutually.


Divorce is an emotional experience, and preparing to go to court only adds to the stress. However, divorce court is nothing to be afraid of. Lower your stress levels by reading all of the documents filed in your case and observing a hearing in divorce court.


After you get a judgment in a lawsuit, the losing party might ask the judge to set aside the judgment. Your court’s Rules of Civil Procedure will explain the limited situations in which a judge can do so.


Under Rule 24 of the federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may join a lawsuit by intervention. There are two forms of intervention: intervention “as of right” and “permissive” intervention.


The United States court system is made up of a multitude of different types of courts, each with their own procedures for scheduling a hearing of your claim before one of their judges.


A demurrer, often called a motion to dismiss, is a motion filed by the other party claiming that your complaint does not establish a valid cause of action.


Court hearings can be intimidating, especially if you're representing yourself. However, there are steps you can take beforehand to prepare for your hearing and decrease your anxiety.


When the opposing party in a lawsuit files a motion for a new trial, he or she is asking the court to re-examine the lawsuit and grant a new trial. If you are served with a motion for a new trial, you need to respond to the motion by writing a memorandum in opposition to the motion for a new trial.


Legal rules limit what kinds of questions a lawyer may ask a witness during trial. If the lawyer asks an inappropriate question, you need to object.


Navigate the Initial Conference of Formal Discovery

If you're involved in a lawsuit in federal court, the rules of procedure dictate the parties hold an initial conference before formal discovery begins.


In the United States, there is a strong preference that there be no surprises at trial. To that end, most lawsuits have an extensive fact-finding phase called “discovery.”


The United States has a dual court system. Each state has its own courts that apply the laws of that state. The other part of the system is federal court.


When you are sued, you always have the option of turning around and counter-suing. This is called bringing a “counterclaim.” In some situations, you are required to bring a counterclaim, especially when it arises from the same incident as the lawsuit filed against you.


Defend Yourself in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If you accidentally or intentionally kill someone, then the victim’s surviving relatives could bring a lawsuit for “wrongful death.” They can sue you for compensation for any lost wages and lost companionship.


You can be sued for defamation if you publish a false statement about someone which causes them injury. To be held liable, you must have been either negligent or reckless with respect to the statement’s accuracy.


Interrogatories – written questions to the other party in a lawsuit to be answered in writing under oath – typically are one of the first parts of the discovery process in civil litigation.


Intervention in legal cases is most common in child custody litigation. If you want to intervene in a legal case – whether with the plaintiff, with the defendant, or on your own with independent claims against either party – you must first file a motion and ask the judge's permission.


Defend Yourself in an Invasion of Privacy Lawsuit

If someone sues you for invasion of privacy, this generally means they believe you have intruded on them in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.


Defend Yourself in a Personality Right Lawsuit

You can be sued for violating someone’s personality rights if you use their name or likeness without their consent, usually for commercial purposes.


Defend Against Public Disclosure of Private Fact Claims

If you receive notice that you are being sued for publicly disclosing private facts about someone, don’t panic. You have several defenses available, such as arguing that the plaintiff consented to the publication or that the publication was newsworthy.


You have a legal right to be left alone.  [1]   When someone violates your right to privacy, you have a legal claim. To make that claim, you need to gather evidence of the invasion and notify the defendant to cease and desist his or her behavior.


“False light” is an invasion of privacy tort. Its purpose is to protect people’s feelings from false impressions created by published information.  [1]   For example, if you write a newspaper article about people who do not pay their taxes and use a picture of your neighbor, then you create the false impression that your neighbor is a tax cheat.


Defend Against Liability Claims As a Publisher

As a publisher, you face potential legal liability for anything you publish, even if you didn’t write it. For example, you might publish an article that contains plagiarized material or a false statement that damages someone’s reputation.


Defend Against Liability Claims As an Author

Authors face several kinds of liability when they publish. Someone could sue you for making a false statement that injures their reputation. This is known as defamation.


Claim Public Disclosure of Private Facts

When someone publicly discloses sensitive information about your private life, you may have a legal claim you can sue on. This tort is called the “public disclosure of private facts.”


Personal injury claims typically arise as a result of an accident. Maybe someone rear-ended your car in traffic and you were injured as a result, or maybe you were getting coffee when you slipped and fell – these are examples of personal injury claims.


A standard player contract (SPK) typically is negotiated as part of the collective bargaining agreement between a professional sports league and its players' association.


When someone intrudes into your private affairs and causes you mental anguish or suffering, you may be able to sue them for intrusion of solitude. Also called invasion of solitude or invasion of privacy, each state has different requirements you must prove if you want to succeed in your lawsuit and be awarded damages.


Defend Yourself in an Athletic Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

Coaches, athletic staff, or student-athletes can file private lawsuits in federal court alleging violations of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in athletics.


Defend Yourself in a Sports Injury Lawsuit

As litigious as many people can be, you shouldn't be surprised if someone sues you for a sports injury – particularly if you work for a school or organization that sponsors athletic contests.


If you run a school or amateur athletic program, then you will need to hire officials to work your games. In order to make the relationship formal, you should use an athletic official contract.


Defend Yourself Against Player to Coach Violence Claims

Sports can create a lot of stress and tension – tension you may have taken out on a coach who offered well-meaning advice or criticism on how to avoid a mistake in play.


Defend Yourself Against Player to Official Violence Claims

If you made physical contact with an official, then you may be sued if the official was injured. In order to defend yourself, you need to read the legal complaint the official files in court and figure out what evidence the official has.


Before renting a sporting facility, you should draft a sporting facility contract. The contract will describe the terms of the lease, such as the duration and the amount of money to be paid.


Know if You Should Sign a Covenant Not to Sue

You most likely will be presented with a covenant not to sue in one of two situations: when offered severance after being laid off from a job or when offered a settlement to a lawsuit.


Since the first homeless court was established in San Diego, California, numerous cities and counties have followed suit. The idea behind homeless courts is to provide resources to lift up members of the homeless population by allowing them to work off fines with community service and other work with approved agencies.


A legal pleading is a document drafted and filed with the court. It is a document that can trigger a complaint against another person in civil court, or it is the answer to a complaint that has been filed against you.


Defend Against Breach of Player Contract Claims

Sometimes, a team will fire a player and wait for the player to sue them. However, in some situations, a team might actually bring a breach of contract claim against one of its players.


An “injunction” is a legal command to do something or, more frequently, to not do something.  [1]   When you receive an injunction, you should first review it carefully.


Avoid Gender Discrimination in Athletics

Title IX prohibits gender discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance – which means it applies to nearly every elementary school, high school, and university, both public and private.


Court hearings are held to determine a variety of issues: whether to suppress evidence in a criminal trial, whether to require that a party turn over certain information in a civil trial, or whether to grant child support in family court.


File a Motion in Court Without an Attorney

A motion is a request for a court to do something in a case that is currently open in that court. Therefore, a motion can be filed only in a case that is open and still in progress.


If you are a litigant in a lawsuit (meaning you are a party to the lawsuit), then you need to attend your court hearings. Most lawsuits have multiple pre-trial hearings which cover a variety of issues.


Whether you have a court case in New York City, or want to attend someone else's hearing or other court appearance, you can find your court date online without having to go to the courthouse in person.


A “motion to compel” is a written motion in which you ask the court to force the other side in a lawsuit to do something. Most often, motions to compel are used in “discovery” disputes when one party doesn’t want to answer questions or sit for a deposition.


If you disagree with a decision the judge has made in your case, you have several options you can pursue to get the decision reviewed. A motion for reconsideration asks the judge (usually the same one) to reconsider his decision in light of other facts, circumstances, or law that wasn't brought up in the original hearing on the matter.


If you want to change a court date such as the date of your trial, you must have the judge's permission. You ask a judge to do something by filing a motion – in this case, a motion to continue or motion for a continuance.


You can avoid the time and expense of a trial by filing and winning a motion for summary judgment. However, you can’t file a motion for summary judgment in every case.


Generally, if you want a judge to do something in a case, you must ask him or her by filing a written motion and explaining what you want done and why.


Whiplash is the most common form of injury that follows an automobile accident. A whiplash injury refers to severe muscle strains in the neck and shoulder region.


You may want to sue your attorney for malpractice if the attorney made significant errors while representing you, sent you a bad check, failed to contact you, or settled your case without your permission.


Avoid Legal Issues when Writing About Real People

Lawsuits for defamation or invasion of privacy are two of the landmines you need to avoid when writing about real people. To protect yourself, you should gain a general understanding of the law and the common-sense steps you can take to avoid inviting a lawsuit.


File a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict

A motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) asks the court to ignore the jury verdict and rule in your favor. It is always filed after the jury has entered their verdict against you.


In both civil and criminal trials, if you disagree with the outcome of your case you have several options available to contest the trial court's ruling.


If you need to file a lawsuit in Virginia, the first thing you must figure out is which court has jurisdiction to hear your claim. The state of Virginia has 120 courts organized into 31 judicial circuits and 32 similar judicial districts.


After you file a lawsuit, the person you sued (the “defendant”) has a certain amount of time to respond. If he or she doesn’t respond, then you can sometimes file a motion for a default judgment.


When you injure someone intentionally or negligently, a court can order you to pay compensation. The most effective way to limit your liability is to adequately warn people of any dangers on your property.


Personal injury lawsuits include car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip-and-fall cases where someone is injured through the carelessness of another.


You may have heard someone say "don't make a federal case about it," by which they meant to stop making a simple thing unnecessarily complex. While filing a federal lawsuit by yourself can be difficult and complicated, it isn't impossible.


After you start a lawsuit by filing a complaint in court, you must give the defendant notice of the lawsuit. This notice is called “service of process.”


"Joinder" is the process by which additional parties or claims are added to a lawsuit. If you want to add a new plaintiff or defendant to the lawsuit, you must file a motion for joinder of the parties.


The New York City Civil Court hears cases with a value of up to $25,000. Cases against the City of New York or the Transit Authority must be filed in the county where the issue occurred.


There are several reasons why a plaintiff may decide to voluntarily drop a lawsuit. The most common reasons to drop a lawsuit are when the parties have settled or when the plaintiff has run out of energy or resources to continue the suit.


Whether you are representing yourself or have an attorney, you need to look as professional as possible when you go to court. Now is the time to put aside your shorts, torn jeans, and see-through shirts.


If you've suffered a harm for which a business or another individual is liable, you may decide you want to file a lawsuit. In Illinois, most civil lawsuits begin in circuit court, which is the state trial court of general jurisdiction.


When you have a date to appear in court, you might receive a Notice of Hearing from the court itself. However, you might have misplaced the notice. If so, you will need to check the court date.


An appellate brief is an argument presented to a higher court, whose purpose is to argue that it uphold or reject a trial court ruling. It is also a common assignment in law school to analyze and outline cases for discussion, as you will in court.


Judges are typically immune from a lawsuit. You cannot sue judges for actions they took in their official capacity. For example, a judge who decides a case against you cannot be sued.


The purpose of a civil trial is to resolve disputes over issues of fact. Before trial, the other side may file a motion for summary judgment. This motion claims that there are no facts in dispute, so the case comes down to a question of law for the judge to decide.


The citizens of a municipality have the right to recall a mayor who abuses the office or the voters' trust. Regulations and procedures can vary slightly based on location, so you'll need to research the exact process for your specific municipality.


If you receive a judgment by a court ordering someone to pay you money, the court will not collect the judgment for you. You must collect it yourself.


You may want to sue if your doctor was negligent in providing medical care. People are often reluctant to sue a doctor for medical negligence because they aren't aware that they can, or they don't want to sue for damages.


If you believe a judge has violated the judicial code of conduct, you can file a complaint – with the judicial district for federal judges, or with your state's board or commission for judicial conduct for state or local judges – and have the situation investigated or reviewed.


Avoid Being Served Court Papers or Notices

If you don't want to be served for whatever reason, this article may be able to help you. This article only applies in the United States.


Malpractice cases arise when one party is injured through the negligence of another party. These cases can take many forms, but most often come up in legal and medical settings.


Defend Yourself in a Legal Malpractice Lawsuit

Every lawyer understands that malpractice claims may arise when a former client is disgruntled with your service, whether it is warranted or not. You should be very careful to to do everything possible to provide impeccable services in order to avoid malpractice liability.


Prepare for Medical Malpractice Deposition

If you are a physician who has been named as a defendant in a medical malpractice case, there is a very good chance that you will need to appear for a deposition at some time before the trial.


Summary judgment is the process by which litigants can end cases before going to trial. If you can show that the important facts in the case are undisputed and that those facts are in your favor, the judge can decide the case on the basis of a Motion for Summary Judgment.


Lawsuits are expensive and can take a long time to resolve. Even if you have a strong case, you might have to wait years before you reach a settlement or win a court judgment.


When a professional like a doctor or lawyer injures you, you can sue for malpractice. Generally, you will claim that the defendant was careless or even incompetent.


You can address most judges at the start of a letter as "Dear Judge" (or "Dear Justice" if they serve in a U.S. state or federal Supreme Court, or in certain courts of other countries).


During a lawsuit, each side can request information and documents from each other. This process, called “discovery,” usually does not involve the judge.


When you have to appear in court, it is important to follow several rules of courtroom etiquette. You should always speak politely to everyone and remain calm and collected.


Sue SMS (Text Message) Spammers in the UK

A spam text is a message sent to a mobile phone marketing a particular product or service that the recipient hasn’t agreed to receive. It is against the law in the UK for anyone to electronically send you marketing message unless you have previously given them permission.


A data breach occurs when confidential information (e.g., financial information, personal health information, personal identification information, trade secrets, or intellectual property) is released, intentionally or unintentionally, into an unprotected environment.


A broadcasting contract grants the right to broadcast an event or show. Television and radio stations often sign broadcasting contracts to broadcast high school or college sporting events.


Prepare for a First Meeting with Your Lawyer

The first time you meet with your lawyer will probably be for a consultation. The purpose of the consultation is to summarize your situation for the attorney and to find out about his or her qualifications and fees.


Preparing for private detective training takes time and patience. It is recommended to get some experience from a reputable detective agency to begin with.


If you're a small business owner, you know a website is nearly a necessity in today's world. However, when you go to register the domain name you've chosen for your business, you find out someone else has already taken it.


If you are an attorney, you may want to consider working as a contract attorney. A contract attorney does legal jobs on a contract basis. These jobs by definition are temporary and do not have a guaranteed term.


Prepare for a Police Patrol As a Policeman

There are several things to carry at a patrol such as small items you carry with your garment and other stuff which are carried in a briefcase or small suitcase.


Make a Career in Criminal Justice Without a Degree

Are you interested in protecting the public and helping ensure justice is served? If the answer is yes, then a career in criminal justice may be just right for you.


New York state has thousands of lawyers, which means you should easily find a qualified attorney who can handle your legal dispute. However, you need to know where to look.


Notary Publics use a notary stamp when performing their official duties. These duties may include attesting to the identity of individuals signing official documents and the validity of their signatures.


A Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence allows you to keep animals considered dangerous or threatening to the general population in your home or on your property.


Law is a large and diverse field, with many kinds of jobs available. In addition to working as a lawyer, people find employment as paralegals, legal assistants, librarians, secretaries, and document clerks.


Ever wonder how detectives find people’s fingerprints at a crime scene? It’s actually not as hard as you may think. With some simple supplies and techniques, you can have fun with dusting for fingerprints around your own home.


Online shopping can be convenient, not to mention your expanded ability to find a better deal on the product you want than you could get from a brick-and-mortar store.


Obtain a License from the Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates, licenses, and manages the electromagnetic spectrum for both commercial and non-commercial users.


Bail bondsmen arrange for payment of bail for and sometimes the arraignment of a defendant. Although being a bail bondsman might have its exciting moments, it’s all about helping defendants resolve their legal issues.


Protect Your Online Accounts After You Die

When you pass away, you leave your property behind to be sorted out and handled by your family and friends. In today's digital age, you not only leave tangible property but also your digital footprint.


In the United States, there are over 200 accredited law schools.  [1]   To find a good law school, you should first think about what you are looking for in a law school.


If you've created an independent television show, or even a podcast, and want to build a larger audience, you may want to enter into a broadcast agreement with an established broadcast company to distribute your creation more widely.


Defend Against ADA Claims on Web Site Accessibility

Almost any company can get sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for not making their website accessible to people with disabilities.


Defend Yourself in a False Advertising Lawsuit

No matter how small your business is, you aren't immune to federal and state advertising laws. These laws, which focus on truth in advertising and deceptive advertising practices, are designed to protect consumers against deceptive claims.


File an ADA Claim for Web Site Accessibility Issues

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that places of public accommodation be accessible to people with disabilities. Although there is a lot of controversy on this issue, a website might qualify as a “place of public accommodation.”


Defend Yourself in an Online Data Breach Lawsuit

A data breach occurs when confidential information is released into an unprotected environment. These breaches can occur for multiple reasons including hacking, employee misconduct, lapses in business practices, or employee negligence.


Amending the U.S. Constitution is a difficult and time-consuming process – in fact, it was designed to be that way. Since the states ratified the document in 1788, only 27 out of 11,000 proposed amendments have been adopted.


It is not easy to sue a state government. Generally, a state is immune from lawsuits. This is called “sovereign immunity,” and it prevents you from being able to bring a lawsuit even when a state injures you.


Sue the Government for Unreasonable Search or Seizure

The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. While this right typically is enforced by excluding the evidence from being used in any criminal trial against you, you also may have the right to sue for monetary damages under the federal law called Section 1983.


Take Actions to Protect Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights are basic to your existence. Fundamental rights like right to receive education, right to life, right to freedom are protected by constitutions around the world.


The British legal system provides for private citizens to challenge the lawfulness of actions by public authorities such as the local government by seeking judicial review of those actions.


The fair hearing process protects the rights of applicants and recipients of public benefits such as temporary disability, food and medical assistance.


Has a government official treated you differently than other citizens? Have you been denied a license or government service for no believable reason?


Typically, you can't sue the federal government. However, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a limited right for private citizens to file a lawsuit in federal court against a federal government agency for negligence or personal injury claims.


If you have a legal claim against a local government agency – for example, because you slipped and fell inside a local government agency, or because you were involved in an accident with a local government truck – you may have the right to sue for monetary damages.


File a Complaint With the Attorney General

Each state designates an agency to handle consumer complaints of fraud, deception, or unfair business practices. Typically, the state’s attorney general investigates those complaints.


Find Sources of Liability in Tort Against Public Officials (Australia)

If you are a student learning torts, or a lawyer advising clients on the possibility of suing public servants in tort, there are some key considerations to take into account.


Not everyone knows the full extent of the many rights they possess as a citizen of the United States. The Constitution and its subsequent amendments offer a great deal of protection to citizens from unjust interference by the government and law enforcement.


In Texas, the practice of law is defined as preparation of legal documents, giving legal advice, and appearing in court on behalf of a client.   [1]   In order to practice law in Texas, you must be a licensed attorney admitted to the state bar.


Whether there are two partners or two hundred, your first legal job at a law firm will be as an associate attorney. Depending on the firm's area of practice, you may start out in research, assisting a senior attorney, or be given your own caseload.


The right to petition the U.S. government is set forth in the First Amendment and this right allows Americans to formally stand together and demand change on a particular issue.


Become an Intellectual Property Attorney

An intellectual property lawyer can specialize in patents, trademarks, copyrights, or all of the above. Patent attorneys work with inventors to file and license patents, and also litigate patent infringement suits.


As an immigration lawyer, you specialize in resolving immigration issues such as citizenship denials cases, obtaining visas, and appealing citizenship denials.


Employment lawyers specialize in representing employers and employees in a wide array of employment-related matters. There are a variety of state and federal laws which govern different aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including anti-discrimination, sexual harassment, and wage and hour issues.


As an estate attorney, also called an estate planning or probate lawyer, you're responsible for assisting your clients in settling their financial affairs before they die.


Becoming a lawyer in California is one of the most difficult, and most rewarding, career choices you can make. California is notoriously one of the most difficult bars to obtain membership in, and the steps necessary to do so include earning multiple college degrees, taking entrance examinations, and submitting yourself to an in-depth background check.


The state of California requires certified public accountants meet the requirements for licensure to work in the state. The requirements ensure the accountant has the knowledge and skills to provide services and advice to clients on matters such as taxes and financial reports.


A process server in Arizona is someone who is certified by the State to deliver legal papers to those involved in some type of lawsuit. As a process server, you physically hand (a.k.a.,


The United States Marshal Service (USMS) is the nation's oldest law enforcement agency. Marshals are central to the federal justice system and are involved in nearly every federal law enforcement initiative.


If you’re looking to make some extra money or perhaps change careers, you might consider becoming a process server. This job, which is also called service of process, requires delivering legal and court documents including summons and subpoenas.


Although some careers unfold by chance, lawyers who help clients with adoptions and general family law matters often have a strong desire to help others, especially as they weather either stressful or painful decisions.


NYPD has the biggest police department in the United States and with that a lot of opportunities await those qualified for the job. These opportunities include becoming specialists in Aviation, Highway Patrol, Emergency Services, Crime Scene Analysts, Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement and more.


A personal injury lawyer specializes in representing plaintiffs with a physical or psychological injury caused by the acts of a business or of another person.


Fight an Unemployment Insurance Overpayment Claim in California

California unemployment insurance provides compensation for workers who are unemployed due to no fault of their own. Even after you qualify for unemployment insurance benefits by meeting the threshold eligibility requirements, in some limited instances you may be overpaid benefits.


Distinguish Constitutional and Nonconstitutional Law

American law comes from many sources, including regulatory agencies, state and federal legislatures, and courts. All these various types of law can be considered either constitutional or non-constitutional law.


To become a patent lawyer in the U.S., one must register to practice law with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To register to practice law with the USPTO, a person must meet general requirements, such as possessing the requisite scientific and technical training, as well as a strong moral character.


Change a Law Through the Democratic Process

To change a law, start by doing some research, finding the right level of government to approach, and looking into pending legislation. You might be able to write a draft of the law yourself, or you might need the support of your state or national legislator.


Article V of the United States Constitution provides authority and instructions for amending the Constitution. Amendments can be proposed by Congress or by constitutional convention.


The European Ombudsman was created under the Treat on European Union (Maastricht, 1992). This role serves the purpose of being the third party facilitator between EU citizens and EU authorities.


A Notary, or Notary Public, is an official appointed by the state to perform certain fraud deterring acts, such as witnessing the signing of important documents to ensure the identity of those signing, as well as their mental capacity to do so   [1]  .


A notary is someone who is commissioned by the state to witness the signing of signatures on legal documents, as well as perform other essential legal functions of the state.


Notary Publics are authorized by the state government to act as official and impartial witnesses to verify identity and ensure that marriage certificates, deeds, wills, and other legal documents are signed according to law.


As a music attorney, sometimes referred to as an entertainment lawyer, you're responsible for handling an assortment of legal issues for clients working in the music industry.


Become a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer

Many lawyers never see a courtroom. Instead, they help business clients make deals. Mergers and acquisitions attorneys work with businesses to secure financing and draft contracts for the purchase of other businesses.


“Magistrate” is a difficult position to define, because it takes on different meanings in different locations. The position of magistrate exists primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and other countries whose legal system derives from English law back to the 12th or 13th century.


There are five levels of Medicare appeals for Medicare Parts A and B (original Medicare). Begin with an initial request to your plan for a redetermination.


Appeal a Denial for an Application of Benefits

There are many different benefits you can apply for. For example, you might apply for government benefit programs such as Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment insurance.


Legal secretaries assist attorneys with a variety of duties, from administrative tasks to the preparation of legal documents. There are many settings in which a legal secretary can work, including law offices and government agencies.


A legal process server is responsible for delivering legal documents including subpoenas, summons, and court orders to a defendant or other individual involved in a case.


Become a Licensed New York State Security Guard

Becoming a security guard is a great way to help protect people and property. Job opportunities are excellent, and you only need a high school diploma or the equivalent to become one.


Working as a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) can be an exciting and interesting career. In this role, you will use your thorough medical training to provide expertise as a consultant on legal cases.


Divorce lawyers practice in the district and family courts assisting clients with divorce, custody, child support, and all other facets of family and domestic law.


Legal researchers assist attorneys during the pre-trial process by reviewing, interpreting, and identifying relevant law and case precedent to help answer a specific question or to help resolve an issue in dispute.


A person charged with a crime that could lead to imprisonment for at least six months has a Constitutional right to an attorney, regardless of whether they are innocent or not.


Process servers deliver legal documents to individuals involved in a court proceeding. In California, the server must be 18 years old and cannot be a party to the case (i.e. Plaintiff, Defendant, Petitioner, or Respondent) and the server must deliver the documents in person or by another legal method allowable under the laws of the state, county, or local government.


Business law is a broad field defined by any and all issues surrounding a business or corporation. To be a business lawyer you must first obtain a law degree (J.D.) and pass the bar exam in the state where you plan on practicing.


Being a child advocate lawyer can be both challenging and rewarding. It is a high-stress career, and you will likely be exposed to some bad experiences.


Being a bail bondsman can be a profitable, yet risky, business. Not all states allow arrested persons to post commercial bail. However, these companies are very popular in the states that do allow the businesses.


A career as a bankruptcy attorney is a good choice for those who like a predictable area of law. As a bankruptcy lawyer, you will help individuals and businesses reorganize their debts and wipe out some of them in bankruptcy.


International lawyers focus on laws presiding over the relations between countries. Areas of specialization for international lawyers include treaties, maritime, drug control, human rights and trade law. “


Lawyers have a responsibility to guide their clients through the legal system with both skill and tact. A good lawyer can make all the difference in a client’s case.


A probation officer, sometimes referred to as a PO, is an officer of the court. To be a probation officer entails supervising, implementing and enforcing court-ordered probation given to a convicted offender.


Whether you dream of being a professional spy or simply want to pass the time pretending to be a spy, learning how to watch other people and decipher a string of events definitely has its uses.


Private investigators, or PIs, are private citizens with various types of training and experience. Investigators gather evidence in civil and criminal cases for lawyers, insurance companies and suspicious spouses, among others.


It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to become a lawyer, and the process takes several years. Furthermore, the job market for attorneys has been extremely tight over the past several years.


We can't all be police officers, right? Well how about a night detective? Seems like a good idea- daytime Private Investigators (PIs) are constantly concerned with being spotted.


Good defense attorneys are in high demand. Although you can’t perform miracles, you can find weaknesses in the state’s evidence and aggressively advocate on your client’s behalf.


Do you want to become a lawyer? This is often one of the most difficult professions to enter due to the high competition and time required obtaining degrees, but it can be one of the most rewarding (and high-paying!)


The road to becoming a judge is a lengthy one, but the end is rewarding. If you want to learn how to become a judge, read this wikiHow!


Bounty hunters, professionally known as fugitive recovery or bond enforcement agents,  track down  fugitives who didn't show up in court in exchange for a percentage (usually 75%) of the  bail  amount.


Doing leg lifts with an exercise ball gives your leg and abdominal muscles a better workout because your body works to keep balanced in response to the instability of the exercise ball; those muscles you use to balance keep getting stronger.


Jump squats are a high-intensity plyometric exercise that are excellent for building explosive power, conditioning the muscles and joints of the lower body and increasing the height of your vertical jump.


This article will show you how to do basic-advanced qigong that will develop internal strength and increase martial power. Though easy to perform these exercises are immensely effective.


Do Pullover Presses in 90/90 Neutral Back

This low-intensity exercise recruits your shoulder and upper back muscles through the use of your arms.


The jump lunge – also known as an alternating split jump lunge or a scissors lunge – is a great exercise for strengthening your lower body and improving coordination.


Most weight-lifters focus on their biceps when working their arms; however, there are other important muscles when it comes to building up your arms.


Indoor cycling – often called “spinning” – offers an effective, low-impact, and social exercise option. Not only will you get a great cardio workout, stationary bikes allow you to get a strength workout as well.


Athletic coaches and military drill instructors love bear crawls, and it's easy to see why. With the bear crawl, you build core strength, improve your shoulder mobility, and increase your hip stability – all with one simple exercise that doesn't require any weights or fancy equipment.


This medium-intensity exercise activates your hip, pelvis, and upper back muscles while also somewhat engaging your thighs and glutes.


Do a Running Front Tuck Without a Spotter

This well explained article will teach you how to do a running front tuck in no time, but without a spotter. You will need a soft surface like a cheese mat, a mattress, grass, probably, or a trampoline for better.


Especially if you're a runner, tight hips may be causing you hip pain that makes it difficult if not impossible for you to finish your run. The 90/90 hip stretch was developed to combat precisely this problem.


Enjoy Holiday Parties on a Pre‐Pregnancy Diet

The holiday season can be filled with several parties full of good food, but if you’re on a pre-pregnancy diet, you may be watching what you eat. You can survive the holiday season and enjoy all of your parties, even on a diet.


There is a skill in dance and gymnastics called The Traveling Russian. It's basically like a middle split leap. If you're new to learning this skill, the following explanation will be of help.


Do a Bridge Exercise With an Exercise Ball

This low-intensity exercise strengthens your backside and abdominal muscles by stretching out your legs and extending your torso.


The first holidays as a single parent can be stressful and confusing for you, your former partner, and especially your kids. Although being single may mean having to create new traditions or even spend time by yourself, there are still things you can do to have a great holiday season.


Holidays can be a stressful time. Many people feel pressured to make things “perfect” or to celebrate in the ways that other people do. To ensure you will enjoy the last few weeks of the year, celebrate in a way that will make you feel content.


If you're  home alone for the holiday , reach out to others nearby and afar to share the festive spirit. On the other hand, if you're visiting your family home for a holiday, try to focus on nurturing connections.


Going for a hayride is a wonderful harvest-time, fall season tradition that kids and adults alike can really enjoy. This is especially enjoyable for kids who live in urban environments, allowing them to get a fun taste of life on the farm.


Ever wondered the best way to eat Stromboli (AKA Boli)? Ever wonder how to best celebrate International Boli Day (IBD)?


Dressing up in traditional clothes can be a fun way to prepare for Oktoberfest. While it is by no means a requirement for attendance, it does add to the festive mood of the occasion.


A holiday party can be a fun excuse to dress up. You have many options when it comes to choosing the ideal holiday outfit. Pick more formal clothing for the occasion, like dresses and suits.


Crepe-paper streamers are inexpensive party decorations that give big visual impact. With nothing but a roll of streamers, scissors, and tape, you can turn almost any get-together into a festive gathering.


Eating rich meals for one or two days of the year won’t hurt you, but problems will arise if you're tempted to over-indulgence over several days, or even weeks.


The Spring Equinox, which marks a specific time of the year when days and nights have equal lengths, is celebrated all over the world. People from many cultures with different spiritual and religious beliefs celebrate this period by fasting to cleanse their minds and bodies.


Is it spring break? Summer holidays? Half term? Whatever the occasion, the kids most likely be aching to go out, and you will be getting really tired of their moaning.


Create Holiday Traditions As a Newly Married Couple

It's easy to celebrate holiday traditions without giving them much thought. But if you're a newlywed, you'll need to decide which traditions of yours to celebrate and which of your spouse's traditions to enjoy.


Choose Kid Friendly Cinco De Mayo Recipes

Cinco De Mayo  is celebrated every May 5th, designated for the Mexicans to celebrate their ancestry and allow the world to appreciate the culture of Mexico.


Decorate Your Home for Any Holiday Using a Video Projector on a Homemade Outdoor Stand

An inexpensive home theater type projector can be used to project holiday-themed slide shows or motion video on the outside of your home. Changing videos allows celebration of any holiday with the type of message you want to convey.


Dealing with unexpected expenses is a common difficulty during the holiday season. Approach the problem by stretching out your budget - give homemade presents, be frugal about gift wrapping accessories and cards, and buy group gifts when possible.


Cope with Loneliness During the Holidays

The holiday season can be one of joy, stress, and indeed loneliness. Whether it's a reminder of loss, a break-up, or being away from family, loneliness can set in during the holidays.


Winnie the Pooh Day was created to celebrate the  birthday  of the creator, A.A. Milne. Realistically, Winnie the Pooh (and all his friends) were created from stuffed animals that Milne's son, Christopher Robin Milne, had as a child.


Choose a Holiday Gift for Your Employees

Employee incentives and gifts, especially around the holidays, are a token of goodwill that can do wonders to improve employee morale and enthusiasm.


Sometimes it's hard to know if you are too old to do something, or if other people think the same thing. Don't worry! This article will teach you how to decide what's age appropriate, and how to rock your own style.


Keep Teens from Drinking at a Party Where Alcohol is Served

Are you hosting a mixed age gather and want to serve alcohol? Here is a guide to ensure that younger guests, especially teens do not have access to alcoholic beverages.


As you matured, you probably left behind the playful attitude you had during childhood. In many ways, this is advantageous—you need to make decisions and use logical reasoning to survive and thrive as an adult.


Keep Your Kids Busy over Summer Vacation

It's summer vacation, the kids' break from school! Just, how do you keep them busy, and keep them from getting bored!? Well, here are a few ideas to get your kids staying busy and having fun all summer long!!!


Keep the Peace Between Kids Who Share a Room

Fights between siblings who share a room are inevitable. Oftentimes, these conflicts are over infringements on personal space. However, there are strategies that you can use that may help in reducing conflicts between your children.


Impressing a girl in secondary school is a whole lot different than impressing one in primary school. This article can help you impress them, and maybe even get you a date to the next school dance.


Have Fun Outside when None of Your Friends Are Home

You wake up the sun is shining and the birds are singing! You can't wait to go outside! You get dressed and you call all your friends, but none of them can come outside.


Confidence is that elusive factor that everyone admires and everyone wants. At some point in your life you have questioned your own level of confidence and wished it was higher.


Some people think that kids don't have anything important to contribute, but if you're a kid, you know that this simply isn't true. Kids have many great ideas that are often ignored by older people because of age.


Everyone wants to  succeed  in their life, don't they? Even as a teenager, you can achieve success in your life; it really isn't that hard. Follow the steps below, and successful teenage years will follow suit!


Have Fun on a Long Car Trip (for Grade School Kids)

When going on vacation with your family, staying entertained helps to pass the many dull hours stuck on the road. You'll need some games to play, some diversions and some fun things to do.


Being a teen is hard! Sometimes you just need a fresh start. This will help you get to that calm, organized, and healthy state.


Being a tween with too much time on your hands can be boring and tough. Following the steps below can help that.


Sometimes life can get hectic, and when it does, being organized can make everything so much easier. Following these tips can set you on the right track to a more organized lifestyle!


Are you moving to a new middle school? It can be hard, leaving your friends, and because of this you might have left your confidence behind. Check out the steps below for help on getting noticed and making new friends in middle school


Aerospace engineering is study of the design, construction, testing, maintenance and research of aircraft and spacecraft. It is one of the most challenging fields of engineering and requires special academic qualifications and training.


Are you considering emancipation? Emancipation is a legal process that grants teenagers independence from their parents or guardians. The age at which you can become emancipated varies among jurisdictions, but it is 16 in most states.


Being a kid can be one of the most fun parts of your life. But once your childhood is gone, you can't go back. If you want to have fun, amazing memories of being a kid, make sure you do everything this list says.


Helping people less fortunate than you and making the world better are essential components to a happy life. It's true! You'll be surprised how great it feels to focus on the needs of others.


Being a tour guide can be a great career option for people who love to travel, enjoy being in front of a crowd, and are masters of multitasking. If that’s you, then start looking for job opportunities online and in your area.


In order to prevent misunderstandings, it is important that we be able to assess and evaluate the information we receive, that we reason correctly and make good judgments.


Environmental scientists perform a variety of studies, including evaluating the air, water and soil for signs of pollution and developing ways to correct environmental problems.


Adoption counselors work with parents who are considering and completing adoption. They are sometimes referred to as adoption consultants, adoption social workers or adoption advocates.


Social workers are highly educated professionals that help children and adults deal with difficult situations. Social workers may be employed by institutions, governmental agencies, hospitals and private practices.


Celebrity Personal Assistants earn a lot of money and have an incredible lifestyle that most people can only dream about. In return for screening fan mail, answering phones, and planning parties, celebrity personal assistants are allowed to enter an exclusive world and live like a star.


Police dispatchers need to be calm under pressure, able to manage both emergency and non-emergency phone calls, and have a desire to help the public.


There’s nothing worse than being bored at work and watching the clock slowly tick away the seconds. To combat this boredom productively, volunteer for extra tasks around the office or take the initiative with a project.


Once you have absorbed all the orientation material on the very first day of your job, it’s time to hit the road with a concrete plan of action. You shouldn't undermine the significance of the first few days of your job, since this is the best time to create a solid first impression.


Workplaces can be extremely competitive! It can be tempting to rely on gimmicks like flashy clothes or jokes to stand out at work, but this can backfire if you’re looking for a promotion.


Be Productive at Work when You're Depressed

When you're feeling down because of depression, you may not want to do much of anything; however, you still need to hold down your job, right? The key to working when you are depressed is to be kind to yourself while treating your depression.


Many people spend over half of their waking days in the workplace. Though you may look at work as something that you need to get through in order to enjoy the rest of your life, if you make a goal of improving your happiness at work, then your entire life will reap the benefits of your positive perspective.


Working the same job every day may make it difficult feel motivated ever morning, but this is perfectly normal from time to time. Motivation is something that many people struggle with at some point in their careers.


Ever heard of stoicism and wanted to know more, better still to understand and maybe become one.


Sometimes it can be difficult to stay motivated and effective at work, even if you want to be. You can get out of a work slump if you change your mindset and how you tackle your job.


Scripture explains that Christians must "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). It can be difficult to know what a walk of faith requires, though.


Understand the Concept "It's All in Your Hands"

Having different obstacles and expecting same results promises to make our life that much interesting, but trying same things and expecting different results is stupidity.


Machiavellianism is a political theory and one of the dark triad of personality traits, in psychology, based on the teachings of Niccolo Machiavelli.


Understand People who Believe in God (for Atheists)

Regardless of whether or not you believe in God, talking about religion often leads to conflict. People have very different beliefs and oftentimes, they are not very good at expressing them respectfully.


A way of understanding where we are in the world today is by finding out how we got where we are, history, and where we may be going in the future. What we understand as the "present", is an ever-changing condition.


Living with someone you care about after a heart attack can feel challenging but it's important to do what you can to make things easier and to ensure that things run smoothly.


Understand and Admire Cultural Differences

Differences do set us apart, but we often forget that we are all human, and our culture is much more representative of our differing environment than truly different people.


Deal With Excessive Sweating (Hyperhydrosis) on Holiday

Excessive sweating can be an embarrassing problem. Some people have a genetic predisposition towards excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, while others experience excessive sweating when traveling to hot or arid regions.


Lockjaw is the informal term used when you cannot open or close your mouth fully or have painful muscle spasms of the jaw. True lockjaw (trismus) is an early symptom of tetanus.


Churches, temples and such can be wonderful places to learn teachings of your faith, for worship and prayer, and to meet and fellowship with others who share the beliefs of your faith.


Deal with a Scoliosis Back Brace as a Teen

Did you ever just want to rip off your back brace and dump it in the trash? Having scoliosis and wearing a back brace can be difficult, especially if you are a teen and always want to look your best.


Osgood Schlatter disease (OSD) is an inflammation of the knee and shinbone area. It is most frequently seen in young athletes. With proper treatment, OSD can be managed and will usually disappear by a person’s late teens.


Your doctor may have told you that you are obese and that you need to make lifestyle changes to bring your weight into a healthier range. Whether it's to live longer, to change your appearance, or to move around easier, you're ready to make those changes but might not be sure how to go about them.


A wellness plan is a plan of action geared towards achieving personal wellness. Personal wellness implies a state of multidimensional health and satisfaction.


Many people are surprised that bacteria in our bodies outnumber our own cells by about 10 to 1!  [1]   A significant number of these bacteria are part of an ecological community necessary for health in all humans—the microbiome.


Counting the offering in church should be an organized and systematic process. Still, it should be simple.


"Lockjaw" refers to spasms of the masseter muscles (your jaw muscles) as a result of a tetanus infection. Tetanus is a serious disease and, in all cases, requires professional medical attention.


Every church and every denomination are different. But, there are some quick tricks which will help you feel more comfortable and "fit in" during a Christian church service.


Design the Map Page for a Simple Church Web Site

People need to find your church if they are going to attend services. Here is how to design your Map page.