What Is the Uniform Commercial Code?

Not all commercial or business-to-business transactions go smoothly. When a transaction involves goods or products, as opposed to services, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) applies and controls the transaction. The UCC specifies the rules that govern disputes for business and commercial transactions involving goods.  Almost every state has adopted a version of the UCC.  Although…

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What is a “Disability” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Tennessee Law?

Certain federal and state laws give rights and protections to individuals with disabilities.  School children with disabilities most often rely upon the federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, but state statutes also give rights and protections to individuals with disabilities.  The IDEA defines the meaning of the term “disability,” as…

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How to Prepare for a Deposition

After a civil lawsuit is filed, the plaintiff and the defendant may require the other side and other witnesses to testify under oath, outside the courtroom, about the dispute or matter, or to testify in a deposition.  Though no judge is present, the answers are recorded and the party or witness testifying takes an oath…

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Written Discovery

While lawyers know the law, they depend on their clients – and the other party in a lawsuit – to learn the specific facts.  Learning about the facts from the other party is accomplished through a process called written discovery. In civil cases (cases where one party sues another party for money damages), written discovery…

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Criminal Convictions and Student Loans

While many colleges and programs provide assistance for earning college degrees or learning trades, colleges and trade schools are not cheap.  Even with scholarships and grants, students face financial difficulties and challenges.  To finance their education, most students apply for and receive loans or financial assistance from state and federal governments; however, students with certain…

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Are Prison Sentences Too Long and Too Harsh?

In America, individuals caught breaking the law are arrested, charged, and then prosecuted.  If they are convicted or if they plead guilty, lawbreakers are subject to fines and incarceration, or spending time in jail or prison. The rationale for sending those convicted of crimes to jail or prison is to deter them and others from…

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Miranda Rights: The Reality

In the United States, citizens and non-citizens alike have rights guaranteed and protected by the United States Constitution. In the criminal justice system, one set of Constitutionally-protected rights is known as “Miranda rights.” Miranda rights were announced by the United States Supreme Court fifty years ago in the case of Ernesto Miranda versus the State…

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