Newsletters

Domestic Violence, Firearms, and the Courts

Domestic violence against women is increasingly common in the United States. The United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, estimates that at least one million violent crimes are committed against former spouses or intimate partners each year. The vast majority of these victims are women. Prior domestic violence and the abuser's access to a firearm greatly increase the likelihood that a female intimate partner will become a homicide victim.

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

After successfully completing law school, a law school graduate is required to pass a state bar examination before he or she will be admitted to the practice of law in the state. After admission to the state bar, 40 states require lawyers to continue their legal education during the period of time they actively practice law. The primary goal is to increase a lawyer's professional competence. Mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) courses are required in order for a lawyer to continue practicing law in that state.

General Civil Litigation

Criminal litigation involves the government's prosecution of a person because of an alleged commission of a crime. Criminal behavior is punished by imposing a fine and/or imprisonment on the offender. All criminal proceedings are initiated by a government entity. General civil litigation, on the other hand, involves disputes between private parties. A civil lawsuit is initiated by one person against another person, business, or government entity. There can be multiple plaintiffs (person suing) and/or multiple defendan

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that was passed in 1966. It ensures government openness and accountability. The FOIA gives a person access to federal agency records. However, agencies are allowed (but not required) to withhold records that fall within nine categories.

Impaired Driving -- Fatigue, Cell Phone Use, And Telematics

Impaired driving refers to anything that distracts a driver and interferes with his/her capable performance of the task of driving. Driving can be impaired by drug use, alcohol use, driver fatigue, cell phone use, and anything else that distracts the driver, such as eating food or putting on makeup. The use of computers and navigation devices in cars called telematics can also distract a driver. This article explores driver fatigue, cell phone use, and telematics.