Contracts often include arbitration clauses. Arbitration is a method of alternative dispute resolution. The arbitration process is less formal than a trial, and the dispute is resolved much more quickly than traditional litigation. Arbitration clauses require a dispute to be submitted to arbitration instead of filing a lawsuit. The arbitrator's decision is final and binding on the parties. Some legal commentators claim that mandatory arbitration clauses undermine consumer rights. This article discusses the impact of mandatory arbitration clauses on consumers.
Domestic violence has been a growing problem in the United States. In the 1990's, specialized courts were set up in some states to deal exclusively with domestic violence matters. Domestic violence courts are problem-solving courts, which seek to not only punish criminal behavior but also to resolve the underlying issues that brought the parties into the criminal justice system.
Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide a case. A federal court has subject matter jurisdiction in two broad categories of cases. The federal court has federal question jurisdiction, which is the authority to hear legal disputes involving the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and treaties. The federal court also has diversity jurisdiction, which means lawsuits between two states or between citizens of two different states in a case in which at least $75,000 of damages is sought.
The United States Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice. U.S. Marshals are appointed by the President of the United States or the Attorney General of the United States. The mission of the U.S. Marshals is to protect the federal courts and to ensure the efficient operation of the judicial system.
A guardian is a person appointed by the court to act on behalf of a person who is considered legally incompetent. A person is presumed to be competent. However, someone can file a petition for guardianship with the court detailing why the person needs a guardian. If the court finds that the person is incapable of making health, personal, or financial decisions due to illness or disability, the court will appoint a guardian. The incompetent person is called a ward.
