Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
What are my rights if I got hurt at a friend’s apartment because the stairs had no handrail?
If you were hurt in Illinois at a friend’s apartment because the stairs had no handrail, you may have a potential premises liability claim depending on the facts. In general, Illinois law may hold a property owner, landl...
What are my rights if a brokerage account was reported as abandoned even though I still receive statements?
If a brokerage account was reported as abandoned even though you still receive statements, that may raise questions about whether the account was actually inactive or whether the brokerage followed the proper abandonment...
How do I know whether a public sidewalk conversation is private enough for Penal Code 632?
In California, the answer usually depends on whether the conversation was carried on in a way that a reasonable person would expect it to be confidential. A public sidewalk is a public place, so that setting often makes...
What happens if I was partly at fault because I was looking at my phone when I fell?
If you were looking at your phone when you fell, that fact may affect a claim for injuries, but it does not automatically end the claim. In Colorado, fault is often compared between the injured person and other responsib...
What happens if I settled my property damage claim but later found more damage?
If you already settled a property damage claim and later discover additional damage, the settlement may still control the situation. In general, a settlement is meant to resolve the claim based on the facts known at the...
What are my rights if I got a notice to vacate after domestic violence incidents involving my ex?
If you are in Washington and you received a notice to vacate after domestic violence incidents involving your ex, your rights may depend on several things, including who is on the lease, who lives in the home, whether th...
Is it legal for a competitor to post fake Yelp reviews claiming my salon injured customers?
In general, no. If a competitor is posting fake online reviews that claim your salon injured customers, that can raise serious legal issues in Nevada and under federal law. False statements about a business may be treate...
What happens if I accidentally overpaid my rent by $600 and the landlord won’t refund it?
If you accidentally overpaid your rent by $600 in Wisconsin and the landlord will not refund it, the issue is usually treated as a payment dispute between a tenant and a landlord. In general, if a tenant pays more than w...
What happens if someone violates a restraining order issued by an Alabama court?
If someone violates a restraining order issued by an Alabama court, the person who sought the order may be able to ask the court to enforce it. In general, a violation can lead to serious court consequences, and the resp...
How do I prove which dog bit me if two dogs were loose at the same time?
If two dogs were loose at the same time, proving which dog bit you can be difficult, but it is often possible to build a factual record from witnesses, photos, medical records, animal control reports, and other evidence....
Do I have to prove the exact time a spill appeared before I slipped?
In general, no. In a Rhode Island slip-and-fall claim, people usually do not have to prove the exact minute a spill appeared before the fall. What often matters more is whether the property owner or occupier knew, or rea...
What happens if I damaged property during a fight but did not mean to break anything?
In Minnesota, damaging property during a fight can still create legal problems even if you did not mean to break anything. In general, lack of intent may matter a lot, but it does not automatically prevent civil claims o...
Is It Legal for a Store to Refuse Cash Payments?
In general, a store in Virginia may be able to refuse cash payments, but the answer often depends on the type of business, the store’s policies, and any laws that apply to the specific transaction. For many everyday reta...
Can my landlord evict me because my rent was late while I was waiting on disability benefits?
In New Jersey, a landlord may try to evict a tenant for unpaid rent, even if the tenant was waiting on disability benefits. In general, being behind on rent can give a landlord a basis to start an eviction case, because...
Is it a felony if someone damages a public safety vehicle in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, damaging a public safety vehicle can sometimes be charged as a felony, but it depends on the facts and the specific law involved. A public safety vehicle may include police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances...