Legal Q&A

Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law

Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.

CA - California

Can I sue someone for defamation if they posted on Facebook that I stole money from my employer?

In California, a Facebook post accusing someone of stealing money from an employer may potentially support a defamation claim, depending on the exact words used and the surrounding facts. A statement that clearly accuses...

CA - California

Can I get student loan forgiveness if I have worked for a nonprofit hospital for 9 years?

Maybe, but it depends on the loan program, your employer status, your payment history, and whether your past service and payments meet the program rules. In general, working for a nonprofit hospital can be relevant to ce...

NJ - New Jersey

Can I get forgiveness if I am a nurse at a nonprofit clinic and still have $42,000 in federal loans?

In general, maybe. A nurse who works at a nonprofit clinic in New Jersey may be in a job setting that can sometimes count toward federal loan forgiveness or repayment assistance programs, but eligibility usually depends...

MT - Montana

Do I have to certify my employment every year for PSLF?

In general, annual employment certification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is not always legally required, but it is often strongly recommended. Many borrowers use employment certification to help track quali...

AZ - Arizona

Is it legal for an insurance adjuster to offer me $1,200 less than the body shop estimate?

In Arizona, an insurance adjuster can sometimes offer a settlement amount that is lower than a body shop estimate. That is not automatically illegal. In many claims, the insurer uses its own evaluation process, and the a...

NJ - New Jersey

Can I Get a Refund If an Online Seller Sent Me a Fake Item?

If an online seller sent you a fake item, a refund may be possible in New Jersey, depending on the facts, the seller’s policies, and how the purchase was made. In many situations, receiving a counterfeit, knockoff, or ma...

AL - Alabama

What are my rights if a contractor damaged my neighbor's fence while working on my driveway?

If a contractor damaged your neighbor’s fence while working on your driveway, the situation usually turns on who caused the damage, what the contract says, and whether the contractor acted carelessly. In Alabama, the nei...

AL - Alabama

Can I sue for defamation if someone posted on Facebook that I stole from my church?

In Alabama, a Facebook post accusing you of stealing from your church may raise a defamation issue if the statement is false, presented as a factual claim, and caused harm. In general, accusations of theft are the kind o...

VA - Virginia

Can I sue a business if I found a hidden camera in a restroom stall?

If you found a hidden camera in a restroom stall, there may be civil legal claims against the business, the person who installed the camera, or both, depending on the facts. In Virginia, as in many states, a restroom is...

MS - Mississippi

Do I have to explain why I am invoking my right to remain silent?

In general, no. If you are in Mississippi and you are being questioned by law enforcement, you usually do not have to explain why you are choosing to remain silent. The purpose of the right to remain silent is to let you...

WA - Washington

What are my rights if a customer at my job keeps coming in and asking for me by name?

If a customer keeps coming in and asking for you by name, the situation may range from harmless to uncomfortable or even unsafe depending on the facts. In general, Washington workers have rights to a workplace that is re...

RI - Rhode Island

What are my rights if my landlord changed the laundry room hours after I signed the lease?

In general, a landlord cannot casually change an important rental term after you sign a lease if the lease gives you a right to use the laundry room during certain hours or as part of the tenancy. Whether you have a lega...

AL - Alabama

What are my rights if a contractor leaves hazardous materials on my property?

If a contractor leaves hazardous materials on your property, you may have several possible rights under Alabama law and general contract, property, and tort principles. In general, you may be able to demand that the cont...

WA - Washington

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...

LA - Louisiana

What happens if my student loan servicer applied my extra payment to future bills instead of principal?

If your student loan servicer applied your extra payment to future bills instead of principal, the practical effect is usually that you may not reduce your loan balance as quickly as you expected. In many situations, the...

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