Most of us have been there, receiving a notice in the mail for a dreaded day or jury duty. If you’re like most people, then the wheels start turning instantly. How can you get out of the commitment? What if you have an important meeting that day? What if you end up on something close […]
Category: Judicial System
What to Do and Not Do in a Traffic Court Hearing
Just about all of us have been pulled over on a traffic stop and issued one or more tickets. Some people have worse driving habits than others, so they probably have more traffic convictions on their driving record than other drivers. Given the fines, court costs, points against your license and drastically increased insurance premiums […]
Finding a Lawyer When You’re Broke
If you are suddenly thrown into a legal situation, finding a reputable lawyer can be overwhelming. However, if you have no money, finding a solution to your problem seems hopeless. Attorney fees are expensive. Many private practices charge over $100 an hour, not including the multitude of other expenses your case will rack up. Just […]
How to Get a Lawyer When You Can’t Afford One
Under the Sixth Amendment, each defendant facing criminal charges has a right to legal counsel, whether they can afford an attorney or not. The public defender system operates according to the financial need of each criminal defendant, based on their income. Defendants in civil cases are not entitled to free legal representation, in most cases. […]
Who Has To Serve On A Jury?
Jurors are selected at random. Each court district has its own plan for a “random” selection of jurors. Usually names of prospective jurors are selected from voter registration or city directory lists. Either way, the procedure is designed to ensure the random selection of a fair cross section of people residing in that particular district. […]
Your Rights And Obligations As A Juror: Overview
Ordinary citizens are likely to take part in the processes of government in one of two ways during their lifetime: either as a voter or when summoned to serve as a juror in a trial court. The right to a trial by jury is an important safeguard for all Americans. It is guaranteed by the […]
The Classifications of the Legal System
Law may be classified in several ways: by system (common and civil law), by source (constitutional, statutory, and case law), by the parties involved (public and private law), by substance (civil and criminal law), and by function (substantive and procedural law). Each of these classifications is discussed in the sections that follow. Common Law and […]