Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
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...
How do I handle a pet sitter who lost my dog during a walk?
If a pet sitter lost your dog during a walk, the first priority is usually to search, notify local shelters and animal control, and preserve all communication with the sitter. In Hawaii, as in many states, the exact lega...
Can I record a threatening phone call if I am afraid the person will deny it later?
In Massachusetts, the answer usually depends on whether recording the call would comply with state and federal privacy laws. Massachusetts is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means it is often illega...
Is it legal for a family member to record a private phone call about an inheritance dispute?
In California, the legality of recording a private phone call often depends on whether all parties to the call consented to the recording. California is generally treated as a two-party consent state, which means a perso...
Do I have to pay for damage in a rental car if I bought the company’s collision waiver?
In general, buying a rental car company’s collision waiver may reduce or eliminate your responsibility for certain damage to the rental vehicle, but it does not always mean you owe nothing in every situation. The exact a...
Can a gym renew my annual membership automatically without warning me?
In general, a gym may be able to automatically renew an annual membership if the contract clearly says so and the renewal terms are disclosed in a way that is not misleading. In Massachusetts, however, auto-renewal terms...
Is it legal for the insurance company to follow my social media after I make an injury claim?
In general, yes—an insurance company or its investigator may be allowed to look at public social media after you make an injury claim. If your profile, posts, photos, comments, or videos are visible to the public, they m...
What are my rights if my car insurance denies coverage due to a technicality in the policy?
If your car insurance company in Michigan denies coverage because of a policy technicality, you generally still have rights. A denial letter does not always mean the insurer’s decision is final or correct. In many situat...
How do I handle a pet boarding business that lost my dog’s medication and then charged me full price?
If a pet boarding business in Hawaii lost your dog’s medication and still charged you the full amount, the situation may involve contract issues, business practices, and possibly a dispute over damages or service quality...
What happens if my student loans were transferred and my payment history disappeared?
If your student loans were transferred to a new servicer and your payment history disappeared, that can be confusing, but it does not necessarily mean the payments were lost or that the transfer was improper. In general,...
Do I have to pay for mold removal if it was caused by a leaking pipe in the wall?
In Michigan, who pays for mold removal after a leaking pipe in the wall usually depends on what caused the leak, who controlled the property, what the lease or other agreement says, and whether a landlord, tenant, homeow...
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...
What Should I Do If a Contractor Damaged My Driveway During a Project?
If a contractor damaged your driveway during a project, the first step is usually to document the damage as carefully as possible. Take clear photos and videos, keep copies of the contract, and write down what happened,...
What are my rights if a delivery company lost a $900 package and the retailer says it is not their problem?
If a delivery company lost your package, your rights usually depend on the sale terms, the shipping terms, who arranged the shipment, and whether the package was insured or declared with a value. In Alabama, as in many s...
Is it legal for a mechanic to begin crash repairs before I approve the final estimate?
In general, a mechanic or auto body shop should not begin significant crash repairs without some form of customer authorization, but the exact rule can depend on the paperwork you signed, the shop’s policies, the insurer...