| Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation in Appellate Courts |
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| In the 1970s settlement conferences were used in the appellate courts in response to the increasing number of appeals that were being filed. Settlement conferences had mixed results. In the 1990s, appellate courts began using mediation conferences to encourage the settlement of civil cases on appeal. The underlying assumption is that all cases do not need full appellate review by the appellate court. More... |
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| Overview of Administrative Law |
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| Administrative law is the body of law that is created by the rules, regulations, and decisions of federal, state, and municipal administrative agencies.
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| Freedom of Information Act |
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| 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.
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| Prepaid Legal Service Plans |
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| Many middle-income individuals in America need the help of a lawyer but are unable to afford one. Prepaid legal service plans offer affordable legal services to middle-income individuals and families. Prepaid plans emphasize preventive law. By allowing a plan member easy access to an attorney, legal problems can be avoided or resolved quickly. This article explains how prepaid legal service plans work. It also outlines the types of legal services available through such plans. More... |
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| Influences Affecting Judicial Decision-Making |
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| The independence of the judiciary is a central principle of a democracy. Judicial independence permits judges to make rulings based on legal principles instead of politics or public opinion. An independent court system allows fair and impartial decisions in legal cases. Political scientists have conducted research and studies to identify what factors influence a judge's decision-making. More... |
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