Law reform encompasses movements to renew, introduce or deny laws for justice or the economy. Governments establish committees to measure effects of laws and recommend action. Tort, drug and financial regulation are examples. Tort reform aims to reduce liability insurance premiums for doctors by imposing legal limits on damages awarded to victims. Drug reform advocates […]
Sumptuary laws limit personal spending to control extravagance and luxury, strengthen social structures, and conserve resources. Ancient Greece, China, Rome, and Japan had such laws. They can divide people by class, profession, and religion. Sumptuary laws began to go out of style in the 1700s but still exist in some regions. Some argue that bans […]
Disability Law Centers are non-profit advocacy agencies that enforce and strengthen the rights of individuals with disabilities. They provide legal assistance in areas such as discrimination, abuse and neglect, and denial of basic services. They also offer services in special education, access to community services, health care, and disability benefits. Disability Law Centers investigate allegations […]
Arbitration is a court-appointed decision-making process to resolve disputes. It can be voluntary or mandatory, soft or binding, and can result in an arbitral award. International arbitration law can help enforce awards across different jurisdictions, with the New York Convention being the most widely accepted. Arbitration is when a decision-making court is appointed to help […]
A three strikes law mandates a long prison sentence for habitual offenders after committing three felonies, with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Proponents argue it acts as a deterrent, while opponents criticize its inflexibility and absurd circumstances. A three strikes law is a law that mandates a long prison sentence for habitual offenders. […]
Sequestration is used in legal contexts to set people or property apart, such as freezing assets or isolating jurors. Seizure orders can extend to items not used as evidence, but must be properly documented and can be appealed if unduly seized. Sequestration, a term meaning “to set apart”, is used in several contexts in the […]
Barratry is illegal in criminal and civil law, where lawyers bring lawsuits for personal gain. It can also occur in maritime law, where the crew or master of a vessel causes financial damage to the owner. Barratry can take many forms, including repeatedly filing harassment suits or actively soliciting clients. In maritime law, it can […]
Adoption law regulates the adoption process, making the child a permanent member of the family. Early forms of adoption varied, but the first modern adoption law was passed in Massachusetts in 1851. Modern adoption law ensures the process works in the best interests of the child and involves changing the child’s legal status. Adoption law […]
Biblical law refers to the legal application of passages found in the Bible or any legal system based on those passages. Its specific meaning varies among religions and individuals, with some basing it on the Ten Commandments or Mosaic Law, while others use Jesus’ teachings. It can also refer to nonlegal definitions, such as scientific […]
The Privacy Act is a US law from 1974 that allows individuals to control their government records, correct errors, and know how they are being used. It differs from the Freedom of Information Act, which aims to make government-held information accessible. The Privacy Act also protects citizens from unauthorized disclosure and limits requests that may […]
Unauthorized Practice Law (UPL) occurs when non-lawyers offer legal advice, prepare legal documents or represent clients in court. Penalties are faced if convicted. UPL laws protect consumers from fraudulent activity and restrict non-lawyers and unqualified lawyers. Legal assistants, paralegals, notaries and accountants also have their activities restricted. Different areas have different restrictions, so professionals with […]
Discovery is the process of obtaining information from the opposing party before a trial. Rules of civil procedure control this process, which allows parties to obtain evidence and information. Failure to comply can result in penalties such as fines or forfeiture of rights. Methods include depositions and interrogations, but abuse can result in punishment. Discovery […]
The US lawmaking process involves input from various branches of government and citizens. Anyone can devise legislation, but only members of Congress can introduce it. The bill is sent to committee for examination and recommendations before voting and debate. If passed by both houses, it goes to the president for signature or veto. The process […]
Law in action applies legal principles to real-world situations, examining the impact of laws on society. It is taught at the University of Wisconsin Law School and some other law schools through clinical experiences. The approach aims to produce skilled lawyers who understand the practical implications of laws. Law in action is a legal theory […]
The International Law Commission (ILC) is a UN entity that aims to unify and codify international law through regular meetings, adoption of rules, and publication of reports. Its mission is to promote the “progressive development” of laws and encourage countries to agree on complementary regulations. The ILC was created in the late 1940s after the […]
Commercial insurance law governs the insurance business and covers various types of insurance. Insurance companies must pay claims as long as policy terms are met. Disputes arise when companies refuse to pay, and courts use commercial insurance law to resolve them. Bad faith dealings are regulated by government agencies, and lawyers assist insurance companies in […]
Intellectual property law protects inventions and creative works through patents, copyrights, and trademarks. International agreements, such as those established by WIPO and WTO, aim to protect intellectual property across borders. Multinational agreements, like the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, establish specific laws for all signatory nations to follow. Intellectual property law refers […]
Patent law regulates intellectual property rights for inventions. A patent protects an invention from being used or sold by others without permission for a set time. A patent attorney can help ensure enforceability. In the US, an invention must be new, useful, and not obvious to be granted a patent. Patent law covers applying for, […]
Proof of credit is a document filed in court by a creditor owed money by a person filing for bankruptcy. Creditors must present proof of credit, and debtors must verify its accuracy. The debtor’s responsibility is to make a list of everyone owed money, and creditors are expected to meet deadlines and have accurate paperwork. […]
Trials, also known as retrials or rehearings, are granted in special circumstances. They involve rehearsing a previous case before a judge and jury, with both parties presenting evidence and arguments. A trial may be permitted if there was misconduct or important evidence that was not available. Trials are expensive, so all parties try to ensure […]
