Why You Should Request a Due Process Hearing for Your Child’s IEP

Parents of children with special needs or disabilities know that their children assistance to learn and reach their potential in the school setting.  Some school districts however do not or will not offer the services that these children need.  Federal and state law serves to protect these children but too often parents do not know…

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What Is the Chain of Custody of Evidence?

In criminal cases, when the government seizes any evidence, the government must show that it properly stored the evidence. Properly storing evidence means that there was no opportunity to tamper with the evidence. Chain of custody refers to the methods the prosecution uses to preserve the evidence. In particular, the chain of custody refers to…

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A School’s Duty to Prevent and Respond to Cyberbullying

In ordinary times, students face challenges in school. In addition to the academic pressures, students face academic and social pressures. They grow, mature, and interact with each other. While many of these development issues are constructive, other issues can be destructive. Students deal with peer pressure and want to fit in. The Internet and social…

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Grand Juries: How They Work

In American law, there are two types of juries: grand juries and petit juries. A petit jury decides guilt or innocence after a criminal trial (or the money damages in a civil trial). For some criminal matters, however, there is a grand jury. Generally, but not always, a person is arrested, is arraigned, has a…

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Contracts: The Reality

Quite often, after issues arise, individuals pointedly complain that the terms of a contract that they signed and entered are unfair and one-sided. After explaining how and why they trusted the business or individual who wrote the contract and asked or persuaded them to sign it, they believe that they should not be forced to…

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How a Lawyer Can Help You Craft an Operating Agreement for Your Small Business

There are a few standard types of business arrangements for commercial companies and nonprofits. Each of these have unique issues and guidelines for conducting their daily operations. The main types of business structures are: A sole proprietorship A partnership A limited liability company A corporation There are financial, tax, operational, and practical issues that govern…

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Sovereign Citizens and the Courts

A “sovereign citizen” holds the belief that he or she is not a citizen of the United States or of any state. Though it seems now that the “sovereign citizen” argument is heard more frequently in the courts, the courts have traditionally rejected it (and continue to do so). Their arguments are passionately made, and…

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What Are the Penalties for Assault?

Tennessee state law defines two types of assault: simple and aggravated. Individuals accused of assault crimes may face misdemeanors or felony charges based on the severity of the offense and the particular acts and circumstances allegedly done. Penalties associated with these crimes can range, including significant fines and prison time. Simple assault in Tennessee According…

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Protective Steps Businesses Should Consider during Reopening

As they reopen after the mandated COVID-19 lockdowns, businesses should consider what precautions to take to reduce the risk of lawsuits filed against them. Generally, customers and visitors to retail stores, professional businesses, and even non-profit businesses can file a claim against the property owners for negligence or for those injuries caused by careless or…

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