Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Is it defamation if someone says “I think” before making a false factual accusation online in Indiana?
In general, adding the words “I think” does not automatically protect a person from a defamation claim in Indiana. If an online statement still communicates a false factual accusation, a court may look at the whole conte...
What happens if officers questioned me in jail about a different case without Miranda warnings?
If officers questioned you in jail about a different case without giving Miranda warnings, the main issue is usually whether the conversation counted as a custodial interrogation and whether your statements may be used i...
What are my rights if I was bitten by a dog at a public park?
If you were bitten by a dog at a public park in Washington, you may have legal rights under state law and possibly under other legal theories depending on the facts. In general, a dog bite can lead to an insurance claim,...
Can I Make an Insurance Claim Against the Vehicle Owner After a Crash?
In Illinois, you may sometimes make an insurance claim against the vehicle owner after a crash, but the answer depends on several facts. One of the first questions is whether the owner was driving, gave permission to som...
What are my rights if my ex recorded our private conversation and sent it to my new partner?
In Washington, your rights may depend on how the conversation was recorded, what kind of conversation it was, and whether you had a reasonable expectation of privacy. In general, Washington is a two-party consent state f...
Is it legal to record a customer service call if the company’s automated message says calls may be recorded?
In Illinois, the answer is usually not as simple as “yes” or “no.” An automated message that says calls may be recorded does not automatically mean that you may record the call yourself. It often means the company is tel...
Can a company record my support call if I stayed on the line after hearing the recording notice?
In Massachusetts, the answer may depend on what notice you received, what the recording said, and whether the call was being recorded in a way allowed by law. If a company clearly told you the call might be recorded and...
Is it legal for an apartment complex to ban a dog after it bites another tenant?
In Arizona, an apartment complex may be able to restrict or remove a dog after a bite, but it usually depends on the lease, the property’s pet policy, the severity of the incident, and whether the dog is covered by any d...
How do I handle a personal injury claim when the business refuses to give me incident report paperwork?
In Georgia, if a business refuses to give you an incident report after an injury, that can be frustrating, but it does not necessarily stop a personal injury claim. In general, the report is only one piece of evidence. Y...
What are my rights if a fake account is impersonating me and posting racist comments?
If a fake account is impersonating you and posting racist comments, you may have several possible legal and practical options, depending on the facts. In general, impersonation and hateful posts can affect your reputatio...
How do I report harassment in Washington when the police say it is a civil issue?
In Washington, the fact that police say harassment is a “civil issue” does not necessarily mean you have no options. It usually means the officer believes the conduct may not fit the type of criminal offense police can i...
Do I have to hire a lawyer for an RCW harassment protection order hearing in Washington?
In Washington, you usually do not have to hire a lawyer for an RCW harassment protection order hearing. These hearings are often handled in civil court, and many people represent themselves. That said, having a lawyer ca...
Dog sitter lost my dog during a weekend trip. What can I realistically recover?
If a dog sitter lost your dog during a weekend trip, you may be able to recover some of your financial losses, but the amount and type of recovery usually depend on the facts, the contract, and California law. In general...
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the property owner’s insurance company?
In Pennsylvania, you may be asked to give a recorded statement to the property owner’s insurance company after an accident or injury on someone else’s property. Whether you must agree depends on your role, your insurance...
What happens if police read Miranda rights in Spanish but I only understand English?
If police read Miranda warnings in a language you do not understand, the issue is usually whether you actually received and understood the warnings well enough to make a knowing, voluntary, and intelligent decision about...