Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
What happens if someone says they are recording after the conversation already started?
In California, whether a recording can be made after a conversation already started often depends on the facts, the setting, and whether the law requires consent before recording. In general, if a person announces that t...
What are my rights if a salon burned my scalp during a chemical treatment and will only refund the service fee?
If a salon burned your scalp during a chemical treatment in South Carolina, you may have more than just a right to a refund of the service fee. In general, a refund for the treatment itself does not always address other...
How do I handle student loans if I became permanently disabled and cannot work?
If you became permanently disabled and can no longer work, there may be relief options for your student loans, but the right path depends on what kind of loans you have, who services them, and whether the loans are feder...
What are my rights if a car wash damaged my side mirror and the sign says they are not responsible?
If a car wash damaged your side mirror in Montana, a sign saying the business is “not responsible” does not always end the issue. In general, a business cannot always avoid responsibility just by posting a notice, especi...
Is it legal to record a customer service call in California if the company says the call may be recorded?
In California, the fact that a company says a call may be recorded does not automatically mean you are free to record the call yourself. California generally has strict rules about recording confidential communications,...
What happens if a business records calls for training but never gives customers notice?
In California, recording customer calls without notice can create serious legal risk. In general, California is a two-party consent state for confidential communications, which means a business usually cannot record a ca...
What happens if my parked car was hit in my apartment lot and the complex has camera footage?
If your parked car was hit in an apartment lot in New Hampshire and the complex has camera footage, that footage may help show what happened, who was involved, and whether the other driver can be identified. In general,...
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...
What happens if I stayed silent but did not say I was invoking my rights?
In general, staying silent during police questioning does not always mean the same thing as clearly invoking your right to remain silent. Under U.S. law, the effect of silence can depend on the context, what the police a...
Can I sue someone who recorded my private conversation and sent it to my coworkers?
In California, you may have legal options if someone recorded a private conversation and shared it with your coworkers, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. In general, whether a claim is available can turn on th...
Is it legal for a former friend to keep posting my address online after I blocked them?
In Washington, repeatedly posting someone’s home address online after being blocked may raise legal concerns, but whether it is unlawful depends on the facts. In general, the law may treat this kind of conduct differentl...
How do I handle harassment from a former dating partner if there was no domestic relationship?
If a former dating partner is harassing you, the fact that there was no domestic relationship does not necessarily mean you have no legal options. In Washington, the available options often depend on what the person is d...
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...
Do I have to get everyone’s consent before recording a Zoom call with a contractor?
In California, the answer is often yes if the Zoom call is a confidential communication. California is a two-party consent state for certain recorded conversations, which means all parties may need to agree before the ca...
I Scratched a Parked Car and Left a Note—How Do I Protect Myself From a Scam?
If you scratched a parked car and left a note, the most important thing is usually to stay organized and avoid admitting more than you know. In Virginia, the accident may involve property damage and insurance issues, and...