Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
I bought a puppy from a breeder and the vet found major health issues. What rights do I have?
If you bought a puppy from a breeder in New York and a veterinarian later found major health problems, you may have several possible consumer and contract-related rights depending on the facts. In general, the key questi...
How do I handle a credit card company reopening a dispute after I thought the chargeback was final?
If a credit card company reopens a dispute after you believed the chargeback was final, the first step is usually to read every notice carefully and confirm what changed. In general, a payment dispute can be reopened if...
What are my rights if my parked car was damaged by a snowplow?
If your parked car was damaged by a snowplow in Idaho, you may have rights to seek compensation, but the available options usually depend on who operated the snowplow, where the damage happened, and what kind of insuranc...
Is it legal for police to restart questioning the next day after I invoked my right to silence?
In general, police may sometimes try to question a person again after the person has invoked the right to remain silent, but there are important limits. The main issue is whether the earlier request was honored and wheth...
Can I record a repair technician inside my home if I tell them my camera records audio?
In California, recording a repair technician inside your home can raise privacy and consent issues, especially if the recording includes audio. Whether it is allowed often depends on what is being recorded, whether the t...
How do I dispute fault when the insurance company says the accident was 50/50?
In Nebraska, a 50/50 fault finding usually means the insurance company is treating each driver as equally responsible for the crash. If you believe that does not match what happened, you can usually dispute it by gatheri...
Do I have to tell a repair shop I am recording before discussing a $1,400 bill dispute?
In Florida, whether you must tell the repair shop that you are recording usually depends on how the recording is being made and what kind of communication it is. As a general matter, Florida is commonly described as a st...
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...
What happens if a homeowner’s insurance company denies my claim after I fell on a broken porch step?
If a homeowner’s insurance company denies your claim after you fell on a broken porch step, that usually means the insurer is not agreeing to pay under the policy at that time. The denial may be based on the insurer’s vi...
Can a collection agency report the same debt twice under different company names?
In general, a collection agency should not be able to make a debt look like two separate debts just by using different company names. If the same account is being reported more than once, that may be a sign of duplicate...
What are my rights if I was burned by hot coffee because the lid was not attached correctly?
If you were burned by hot coffee because the lid was not attached correctly, you may have a potential claim under Maryland personal injury or product liability principles, depending on what caused the injury and who may...
Can I sue for defamation if someone falsely says online that I have an STD?
In Missouri, a false online statement that you have an STD may sometimes support a defamation claim, but the details matter a lot. In general, a defamation claim requires a false statement of fact, publication to a third...
Do I have to get consent from every person on a conference call before recording it?
In California, the answer is often yes: if you want to record a conference call, it is usually safest to assume you need consent from everyone involved before you hit record. California is generally treated as a “two-par...
Can I get forgiveness if I worked at a tribal government office for six years?
Maybe, but it depends on what kind of forgiveness you mean and which program applies. “Forgiveness” is not one single legal benefit. People often use the term to mean student loan forgiveness, debt settlement, tax relief...
What are my rights if a city bus hit my car while merging into traffic?
If a city bus hit your car while merging into traffic, you may have the right to seek compensation for vehicle damage, rental costs, towing, and in some cases personal injuries, depending on the facts. In Kansas, claims...