Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Is it legal for my tax refund to be taken because of defaulted student loans?
In general, yes. A tax refund may be taken, or offset, to collect certain past-due debts, including defaulted federal student loans, depending on the facts and the type of debt involved. This is a common collection tool...
What are my rights if a rideshare company refuses to compensate for a driver’s misconduct?
If a rideshare company refuses to compensate you for a driver’s misconduct, your rights usually depend on what happened, what losses you suffered, and what legal duties may apply in Washington. In general, a company’s de...
How do I challenge a denial of total and permanent disability discharge?
A denial of a total and permanent disability discharge can often be challenged by first reading the denial notice closely and identifying the stated reason for the decision. In general, the most important first step is t...
What are my rights if my landlord gave me an eviction notice after I reported code violations?
If you are in Maryland and your landlord gave you an eviction notice after you reported code violations, you may have protections against retaliatory eviction. In general, landlords cannot legally punish tenants just for...
Can police use a statement I made voluntarily before they asked any questions?
In New Jersey, a statement you make voluntarily before police start asking questions may sometimes be used by law enforcement. Whether it can be used often depends on the circumstances, including whether the statement wa...
What are my rights if I was injured as a passenger in my friend’s car?
If you were injured as a passenger in your friend’s car, you may have rights to seek compensation for your injuries under North Dakota law, depending on who caused the crash and what insurance coverage is available. In g...
Can I sue for emotional distress after my dog was injured in the car accident?
In general, you might be able to bring a claim for emotional distress after a car accident that injures your dog, but the answer usually depends on the facts and the law in your state. In Wyoming, as in many states, the...
What are my rights if my ex refuses to pay half of medical bills listed in the parenting order?
If a North Dakota parenting order says both parents must share certain medical bills, that order usually remains enforceable unless it has been changed by the court. In general, one parent’s refusal to pay does not erase...
Do I have to pay court costs mentioned in an eviction notice that has not been filed yet?
In general, not necessarily. If an eviction notice has not yet been filed in court, the amount listed for “court costs” is often part of a demand from the landlord, not yet a court-ordered charge. Whether you must pay it...
How do I report a possible Penal Code 632 violation to law enforcement?
In California, a possible Penal Code 632 violation is usually reported to local law enforcement, such as city police or the county sheriff’s department, depending on where the conduct happened. If the recording involves...
What are my rights if a neighbor used a device to listen to my conversation inside my apartment?
If a neighbor used a device to listen to a private conversation inside your apartment, you may have legal rights under California law. In general, people have a strong expectation of privacy in their homes, and secretly...
Do I have to accept store credit instead of a refund for a defective product?
In general, whether you have to accept store credit instead of a refund for a defective product depends on the store’s return policy, the type of product, what was promised at the time of sale, and any applicable Arizona...
Can I sue if the other driver’s insurance only pays for aftermarket parts?
In New Jersey, the answer may depend on what the damage claim is really worth, what kind of parts are being used, and whether the payment offered is enough to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition. In general, an...
How do I identify an anonymous account that posted defamatory comments about my business?
In general, identifying an anonymous account that posted harmful comments about a business can be difficult, and the process usually depends on the platform, the available evidence, and the applicable law in North Caroli...
What are my rights if I slipped in a restaurant bathroom with water all over the floor?
If you slipped in a restaurant bathroom in Idaho because water was on the floor, you may have a premises liability claim, but the facts matter a lot. In general, restaurant owners and operators have a duty to use reasona...