Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Can I Break My Lease Because the Elevator Has Been Broken for Weeks?
In Maryland, a broken elevator may be a serious housing problem, but it does not automatically let a tenant break a lease. In general, the legal question is whether the problem is severe enough to make the rental unit or...
My HOA Approved My Fence Then Fined Me After It Was Built — Can They Do That?
In Florida, an HOA may be able to fine a homeowner after approving a fence if the association believes the fence still violates a rule, covenant, architectural guideline, or approval condition. An earlier approval does n...
What are my rights if an app recorded audio during a support call without clear notice?
In California, a call recording without clear notice can raise privacy and consent concerns, but the legal answer usually depends on the facts. The most important questions are whether the call was actually recorded, whe...
How do I sue a contractor who left my kitchen unfinished after taking full payment?
If a contractor took full payment and left a kitchen unfinished, there may be several possible legal claims, depending on the contract, the work performed, and the facts of the dispute. In Massachusetts, people often loo...
What happens if I was hurt by a dog while pet sitting for the owner?
If you were hurt by a dog while pet sitting for the owner, the legal question is usually who may be responsible for the injury and what insurance, if any, may apply. In Delaware, as in many states, the answer often depen...
How do I handle medical liens after receiving a personal injury settlement?
After a personal injury settlement, medical liens can affect how much money you actually keep. In general, a lien is a claim that a provider, insurer, or other party may assert against part of your settlement to recover...
Is it legal for a business to claim I assumed the risk because the floor was obviously wet?
In Nevada, a business may try to argue that a customer assumed the risk if the danger was open and obvious, including a wet floor that seemed easy to notice. But that does not automatically end the issue. Whether the arg...
Do I have to pay a parking garage ticket if the exit gate was broken and no attendant was there?
In general, you may still owe money for parking if you used a garage, but a broken exit gate and no attendant can raise questions about whether the garage can fairly enforce the charge. In Utah, the answer usually depend...
Do I have to include my spouse’s income for income based student loan payments?
In general, whether you must include a spouse’s income for income-based student loan payments depends on the repayment plan, how the loan servicer counts household income, and whether you file taxes jointly or separately...
Can I qualify for forgiveness if I work at a nonprofit nursing home?
In general, maybe—but it depends on what kind of forgiveness program you mean and how the employer is classified under the program’s rules. A nonprofit nursing home may sound like the kind of job that should count, but m...
What are my rights if my landlord gave me an eviction notice after I reported code violations?
If you are in Maryland and your landlord gave you an eviction notice after you reported code violations, you may have protections against retaliatory eviction. In general, landlords cannot legally punish tenants just for...
What happens if I was charged with DUI but my blood test came back under the legal limit in Colorado?
In Colorado, a blood test result under the legal limit does not automatically mean a DUI case goes away. Prosecutors may still try to prove that alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances impaired your driving, even...
What happens if a police officer gave me a ticket after the crash but I think the other driver caused it?
In Connecticut, getting a ticket after a crash does not necessarily mean you were the one who caused the collision. A police officer may issue a ticket based on what the officer observed at the scene, witness statements,...
What happens if the respondent violates an antiharassment protection order the same day it is served?
In Washington, if a respondent violates an antiharassment protection order the same day it is served, the violation may still be treated as a serious court issue. The fact that the order was served only that day does not...
What are my rights if a neighbor used a device to listen to my conversation inside my apartment?
If a neighbor used a device to listen to a private conversation inside your apartment, you may have legal rights under California law. In general, people have a strong expectation of privacy in their homes, and secretly...