Judicial dress varies by country and level of the judicial system, but long robes are common. Red and black are popular colors, while pink and purple are worn in some branches of the English judicial system. The 1780 Judges’ Decree in England and Wales influenced many judicial styles around the world. Some countries have modified […]
An amicus curiae, or “friend of the court”, is someone who is not a party to a case but can provide relevant information in the form of a written legal brief. Individuals and organizations can act as amicus curiae, as long as they cannot win or lose anything based on the outcome of the case. […]
Research shows that a male lawyer’s perceived masculinity is correlated with their likelihood of winning a case in the US Supreme Court. Lawyers who speak in softer tones are more likely to win. The court was established in 1789 and Taft served as both President and Chief Justice. The United States Supreme Court prides itself […]
Civil court records contain information about cases that do not involve criminal activity. They can be obtained from the clerk’s office, but a fee may be charged. Civil court cases include divorce, child support and custody, property damage, and personal injury. Records are usually sealed for minors. The retention period varies by country. Contact the […]
Immigration courts decide on the presence of foreign nationals in a country, including who can stay, their status, and who should be removed. Each country has its own requirements for entry, work permits, residency, and citizenship. Immigration courts also hear cases involving petitions to extend stay or change status. If an application is denied, the […]
Moot court is an extracurricular activity in law school where students argue fictitious cases to train for careers in law. Students research legal issues and present their arguments in a mock court before a panel of judges. Moot courts are different from mock trials and are considered important in the law school experience. Moot court […]
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court hears both probate and family law cases, including property, guardianship, divorce, custody, and paternity. It manages deceased estates and appoints guardians or conservators for minors or incapacitated adults. The court also handles divorce, child custody, and paternity cases. Paternity cases determine legal fatherhood and establish visitation rights and child […]
Moot contests are simulated court cases used by law schools worldwide to teach students about appellate law. Students argue opposing sides of a case before a jury, with competitions held annually and against other schools. The structure is based on an appellate case, with each country having its own format. Moot contests have become popular […]
Moot contests simulate an appellate court case and are used by law schools worldwide as experiential learning activities. Students argue opposing sides of a case before a jury, and competitions are held annually. Moot courts are specific to each country’s court system and have become popular among college students. Moot contests are experiential learning activities […]
State courts handle cases under state law and have broader powers than federal courts. They enforce state rules and laws, establish case law, and are necessary when the federal government cannot rule on an issue. Cases arising under state law must go to state court, with exceptions for diversity jurisdiction. A state court is a […]
Stenographer software simplifies court proceedings by creating court transcripts and managing court activities. The software converts shorthand notes into legible sentences and manages calendars, statements, billing, and payroll. It also allows external parties to access specific aspects of court proceedings. Stenographer software makes the often complex world of the courtroom more manageable by providing two […]
Addiction court intervenes in cases of child abuse or neglect, making decisions about custody and foster care. Social workers assess the family, recommending services or removal if necessary. The goal is to rehabilitate families, but in extreme cases, the court may permanently remove the child. Cases of child abuse, neglect or neglect are heard in […]
Addiction court intervenes in cases of child abuse or neglect, determining whether a parent maintains custody or a child is placed in foster care. Social workers assess the home environment and recommend appropriate services. The goal is to rehabilitate the family unit, but in extreme cases, the court may permanently remove the child from the […]
Criminal courts handle serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and rape. Cases typically involve a pretrial hearing or grand jury indictment trial, indictment, jury trial, and conviction. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor to convince a jury of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A criminal court is a court that hears crime cases. […]
Small claims court is a process of resolving disputes without lawyers, usually involving monetary issues under $5,000. The plaintiff represents themselves and evidence is presented to a judge who makes a quick decision. Filing a complaint requires a fee and evidence must be submitted. Verdicts cannot be appealed by the plaintiff. A small claims case […]
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is an appellate court in the United States that hears cases from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the US Virgin Islands. It has been in operation since 1891 and has 14 judges. Lawyers present oral arguments and supporting information to support their cases, and the court can refer the […]
Family Court Services (FCS) assists families in divorce, adoption, or custody proceedings through mediation, family studies, and educational programs. FCS mediation is ordered when a fair deal cannot be reached, and family studies are conducted to ensure children’s basic needs are met. Adoption studies may also be carried out. FCS provides information on navigating the […]
To become a court clerk, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, but a degree in a legal or business field can improve job prospects. Court clerks handle administrative tasks such as transcribing minutes and preparing court documents. Advanced degrees may be preferred, and skills in organization, word processing, and accounting are necessary. Fluency […]
The probate court distributes a deceased person’s assets in accordance with their will or decides on distribution for those who die without one. It also handles disputes, validates wills, selects a personal representative, pays debts and taxes, and distributes remaining assets to beneficiaries. However, probate is not always necessary for small estates or those with […]
Disrespecting a court or its authority can result in a charge of contempt of court, which can be direct or indirect. Punishments range from fines to short prison sentences. Civil or criminal contempt charges may be imposed depending on the seriousness of the crime. Many organizations and systems around the world require etiquette and decorum, […]
