Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Is it legal for my servicer to report me late while my income driven plan request is processing?
In general, a loan servicer may be able to report a payment as late if your account is actually delinquent under the rules that apply to your loan and servicing arrangement. A pending request for an income-driven repayme...
How do I handle police asking me to come to the station for a voluntary interview?
If police ask you to come to the station for a “voluntary interview,” the most important thing to understand is that voluntary does not always feel optional in practice, even though you may not be under arrest. In genera...
What are my rights if I signed a waiver without reading it carefully?
In general, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you lose every legal right connected to the situation. In Idaho, as in many states, a signed waiver may be treated as evidence that you agreed to its terms, even i...
Can my car insurance raise my premium after an accident that the police report says was not my fault?
Yes, in some situations your car insurance premium may still go up after an accident even if a police report says you were not at fault. In general, a police report is important evidence, but it is usually not the only t...
What happens if I miss the hearing for my antiharassment protection order?
If you miss the hearing for your anti-harassment protection order in Washington, the court may still go forward without you. In general, that means the judge can hear from the other side and make a decision based on the...
What happens if a private investigator records my conversation from outside my window?
In California, the answer usually depends on what was recorded, where the conversation happened, and whether anyone had a reasonable expectation of privacy. A private investigator standing outside your window does not au...
My neighbor’s fence blocks the only sunlight to my garden. Is there anything I can do?
In Massachusetts, a neighbor’s fence blocking sunlight to a garden is not automatically a legal violation. In general, property owners are allowed to use their land, including putting up fences, unless a local rule, ease...
How do I sue a contractor who caused water damage during repairs?
If a contractor caused water damage during repairs in Minnesota, the situation may involve a contract dispute, negligence claim, or both, depending on the facts. In general, a homeowner or property owner usually needs to...
Do I have to send a cease and desist letter before suing for online defamation in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you usually do not have to send a cease and desist letter before filing a lawsuit for online defamation. In general, a defamation claim does not have a universal legal requirement that you first demand a...
Can I sue a contractor for unfinished kitchen work if we only had text messages and payment receipts?
In general, yes, a contractor dispute can sometimes be pursued even if the agreement was mostly handled by text messages and payment receipts. In Montana, as in many states, the lack of a formal written contract does not...
Do I have to show actual malice if I am a local business owner?
In Rhode Island, the answer is usually: it depends on the kind of claim, the statement at issue, and whether you are treated as a public figure, limited-purpose public figure, or private person for defamation purposes. A...
What happens if the harasser lives in Oregon but keeps contacting me while I live in Washington?
If someone in Oregon keeps contacting you while you live in Washington, the key issue is usually not where the harasser lives, but where the effects of the conduct are felt and what kind of conduct is happening. In gener...
What are my rights if someone copied my prompt and generated similar artwork?
In general, if someone copied your prompt and used it to generate similar artwork, your rights may depend on what was copied, how the prompt was used, and whether the resulting image is legally protected by copyright or...
What happens if I was hit by a driver with a suspended license?
If you were hit by a driver with a suspended license in Colorado, the fact that the other driver was not legally allowed to drive may matter, but it does not automatically decide who is financially responsible for the cr...
How do I prove someone intentionally recorded me without permission under Penal Code 632?
In California, Penal Code 632 is part of the state’s wiretapping and privacy rules. In general, it addresses the intentional recording or eavesdropping on a confidential communication without the consent of all parties....