U.S. Law
Get the rundown on a wide spectrum of laws that touch on everything from immigration and equal rights, to how to win a small claims or criminal case.
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The Truth About Eminent Domain
Eminent domain actually dates back to the founding of our country. For the most part, "public use" has been defined as building roads, schools, bridges, and public structures. In the 1950s, definitions of eminent domain expanded. Courts began to approve the transfer of private property to public use in the name of "slum clearance." In short, economic redevelopment became a justification for eminent domain.
· 3 min read
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Attractive Nuisances: How to Avoid Liability for Dangerously Tempting Objects
On hot summer days, there are few things more enticing to children than a vacant swimming pool. And this could spell disaster if you haven't taken reasonable precautions to keep the neighborhood youngsters out of your yard. In fact, you could be looking at a very serious lawsuit if one of them takes an illicit swim while you're away and becomes injured. The reason? Swimming pools fall under a special class of objects known as attractive nuisances.
· 3 min read
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Why Does Sentencing for a Guilty Verdict Take Place in a Separate Proceeding?
When the jury found Scott Peterson guilty of murdering his pregnant wife and their unborn son, the media immediately speculated about his sentence. Why? Because, in criminal cases, the punishment is determined at a separate sentencing.
· 2 min read
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When Can the Police Search the Trunk of a Car?
The fourth amendment, as it is generally understood, protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. But, what happens if you get pulled over by a police officer when driving and he asks that you pop the trunk?
· 3 min read
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Diplomatic Immunity: How Does It Work?
The tabloids have a field day with wayward ambassadors who claim immunity when they get nabbed for reckless driving. These stories hit the headlines and reinforce the public misperception that diplomatic immunity is a "get-out-of-jail-free" card for breaking the law overseas.
· 2 min read
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Can a Journalist Be Forced to Reveal Confidential Sources?
Can a journalist be forced to reveal confidential sources? The answer appears to be no...as long as that journalist is willing to go to jail.
· 3 min read
