Injunctions
At times, a person or company files a lawsuit and asks the Judge to order the person or company sued not to do a certain act or to do a certain act. Courts are authorized generally to grant injunctions. Injunctions are binding court orders dictating and telling individuals to continue, stop, or refrain from performing…
Read MoreDonald Trump and Kris Kobach: Immigration Law and Enforcement
In November 2016, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. His four-year term as President begins in January 2017. When campaigning for the Presidency, Mr. Trump repeatedly pledged to build a wall between Mexico and the U.S. and to make Mexico pay for it; furthermore, he took a hard line on immigration, which,…
Read MoreMarijuana, Immigration and the Risk of Deportation
In the last few years, 25 different states have changed their laws about marijuana. Some have completely legalized it, and others have made exceptions for the use of marijuana for medical use only. In Tennessee, however, the laws have not changed: it is illegal to possess, sell, buy or distribute marijuana in the state. Even…
Read MoreCriminal 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…
Read More“Felons, Not Families:” The Truth about Deportation
In 2014, President Obama tried to ease fears of immigrants by promising to focus on the removal of criminals from the U.S., and not families who have built their lives across the country: “Felons, not families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mom who’s working hard to provide for her kids.” Two years later,…
Read MoreDifferences between the Rehabilitation Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 ensure that individuals with disabilities do not face discrimination in the workplace, at school, in public, and more. Although the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act both apply to education and people with disabilities, they are not identical;…
Read MoreWhat is the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act?
There are several statutes designed to benefit children with disabilities. One such statute is the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act (HCPA) of 1986. A significant win for civil rights and disability advocates, the HCPA builds on the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975. The EAHCA mandates that public schools receiving financial support from…
Read MoreCases Awaiting Final Decisions during the New Supreme Court Term
The United States Supreme Court, the highest court in America, makes the ultimate decisions regarding all legal and constitutional disputes, both criminal and civil, in the country. On the first Monday in October 2016, the Supreme Court started a new term. During the new term, the high court will hear and decide several cases, including…
Read MoreImmigrants Charged with Drug Crimes Can Face Removal
When a citizen is accused of a drug crime, he or she can seek the help of an attorney to fight the charges. If the person is found not guilty, he or she can move forward. If that person is found guilty, he or she may have to serve time in jail or prison. For…
Read MoreDiscovery in Civil Cases
In Tennessee, when the amount of money disputed or owed is more than $25,000, a case typically is filed in Circuit Court. In Circuit Court, the parties can request – and force – their opponents to participate in discovery. Discovery in civil cases means sending out and answering interrogatories (requiring the other side to answer…
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