China legally requires adult children to visit their aging parents, with the option for parents to sue if they feel neglected. Other countries may require adult children to pay for their parents’ expenses, but enforcement is rare. The World Health Organization estimates elder abuse affects 10% of older adults in some countries. Some countries, like […]
International law is a set of rules and practices that govern the interactions between countries, organizations, and people. It is divided into public and private categories, covering issues such as human rights, maritime law, and intellectual property rights. Countries are bound by international law when they agree to be bound by it, and violations can […]
Hauser’s law states that US federal revenue as a percentage of GDP has been around 19% since World War II, regardless of changes in the top marginal personal income tax rate. This is because high taxes discourage economic activity. The law matches economic data and is related to the Laffer curve. Critics argue that swings […]
The Williams Act was passed in 1968 to address unannounced corporate takeovers, requiring disclosure of information for cash tender offers and prohibiting false statements. It also mandates registration of offers with the SEC and filing of purchases over 5% of a company. The act aims to increase transparency and prevent loopholes. The Williams Act, passed […]
The National Prohibition Act, or Volstead Act, prohibited alcohol from 1920 to 1933. The temperance movement promoted the negative effects of alcohol, but smuggling and corruption led to the repeal of the act. The prohibition movement continued after repeal, but modern organizations promote responsible drinking. The National Prohibition Act, also known as the Volstead Act, […]
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC honors police and law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, including those killed by Billy the Kid and Lee Harvey Oswald. Designed by Davis Buckley Architects, new names are added every May during National Police Week. The Memorial is open 24/7 and free […]
The Tax Exemption Act of 1997 made over 800 amendments to the US Internal Revenue Code, creating educational credits and deductions, reducing taxes on small businesses, and increasing eligibility for retirement accounts. It also included measures to help citizens and small businesses, such as property tax reductions and increased deductions for health insurance premiums. The […]
The Budget Act standardizes the process by which the US government establishes the national budget. The President establishes a budget request proposal, which is modified by the House and Senate Budget Committees. The budget law is amended periodically, and the budget reconciliation process cannot be stonewalled. The Budget Act is any number of pieces of […]
Blue laws, derived from Christian perspectives, aimed to enforce moral codes and stipulate Sunday as a day of rest. Puritan colonies had blue laws in place, but they have been seen as a blow to those who worship on different days. Some blue laws remain, such as retail stores being closed on Sundays in Bergen […]
The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures, including illegal arrest. It applies to both federal and state law enforcement agencies and requires probable cause or a warrant for a search. There are exclusions, such as visible open containers of alcohol, and it only applies to government entities. Violations can result in cases […]
The Second Amendment grants citizens the right to bear arms for a well-regulated militia. English history shows access to guns was an obligation, but in the 17th century, owning arms required property. American immigrants valued the right to bear arms due to dangers and hunting skills. The amendment also addresses the need for a well-ordered […]
The National Industrial Recovery Act was passed in 1933 as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. It aimed to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment by regulating industry and business, prohibiting child labor, setting a minimum wage, and funding public works projects. Antitrust laws were suspended, allowing for business cooperation and the elimination of unfair […]
The Brown Act is a California law that requires local legislative bodies to hold open meetings with public participation. It does not apply to state government bodies, but they are protected by the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. Closed sessions are allowed for certain topics, but action must be made public later. The law requires notice […]
The Hepburn Act, passed in 1906, regulated the railroad industry and limited the power of monopolistic oil companies. It expanded the power of the Interstate Commerce Commission and set maximum rates for railway services. The law was part of the Progressive Era’s efforts to limit industrial monopolies. The Hepburn Act is a piece of legislation […]
Law school admissions require a strong undergraduate record, good performance on standardized tests, and well-written personal essays. Law school rankings affect admissions requirements, but prior legal training is not necessary. Undergraduate transcripts are scrutinized, and a variety of courses are preferred. Standardized tests like the LSAT assess analytical and qualitative skills. Personal essays reveal character […]
Choosing the best public law school involves considering factors such as cost, location, reputation, and curriculum. Tuition at public law schools is lower for in-state students, and location can affect housing costs and job opportunities. Reputation and curriculum should also be researched. Law schools can be private or public, just like elementary, secondary, and post-secondary […]
The Hatch-Waxman Act encourages competition between brand-name and generic drug companies by creating a faster approval process for generic drugs. It also extends patent protection for branded drugs. The act has been successful in bringing more affordable generic drugs to market. The Hatch-Waxman Act, formally called the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act […]
Local law enforcement officers undergo extensive training to ensure the safety of citizens and property. They include patrol officers, first responders, security guards, detectives, and event supervisors. They use weapons and radios to monitor dangerous situations, detain offenders, and provide assistance to crime victims. Detectives specialize in solving difficult cases and presenting evidence in court […]
The Dawes Act of 1887 allowed the US government to divide Native American communal land into individual parcels, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs having control over the process. It was intended to help assimilate Native Americans into society but is now seen as mostly harmful. The law disrupted traditional ways of life and distributed […]
The Identity Theft Act is a US law passed in 1998 to protect individuals and businesses from identity theft. It makes it illegal to commit fraud using personal information and provides for sentences and fines. Other countries have also enacted laws to combat identity theft. The Identity Theft Act is a legislative mandate passed in […]
