General Litigation
| Writs of Mandamus |
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| A writ of mandamus is a court order that directs a person (such as a public official) or entity (such as a company or a lower court) to perform a specific act that is related to that person's office. A writ of mandamus is an extraordinary legal remedy, which should only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Where another adequate remedy exists, the courts will generally refuse to issue a writ. More... |
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| Indian Tribal Courts |
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| Congress has plenary or complete authority over Indian affairs. This means that Congress has unlimited discretion to regulate affairs on an Indian reservation. Under federal law, Indian nations are quasi-sovereign; that is, they have power in some areas but not in others. For example, Indian nations can operate tribal governments and manage their own property and resources. However, they cannot conduct foreign relations or prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations. Indian nations have adopted tribal codes, which usually combine traditional law with state law and federal law. More... |
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| Professional Responsibility |
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| After passing the bar examination, an attorney is admitted to the state bar and allowed to practice law in that state. An attorney takes an oath of office. After being admitted to the bar, an attorney's conduct is regulated by the Lawyer's Code of Professional Responsibility. Every state has adopted some form of the Code, which sets minimum standards for an attorney's actions. The Code consists of three parts: Canons, Ethical Considerations, and Disciplinary Rules.
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| Drug Courts |
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| Drug-related crimes are widespread, and specialized courts have been set up to deal with drug cases. Drugs courts recognize the connection between addiction and criminal behavior. Many addicts commit crimes to get money to support their drug habits. Drug courts use a therapeutic justice model, which includes treatment services to address defendants' substance abuse problems. Almost all states currently have drug courts, and some states have set up juvenile drug courts to handle delinquency cases involving juveniles with substance abuse issues. More... |
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| English Common Law |
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| e American judicial system has its origin in English common law. English common law is made up of two distinct court systems--courts of law (which can award money damages) and courts of equity (also called courts of chancery, which have the power to grant equitable remedies). More... |
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