Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Is it legal for a landlord to keep renting to someone whose dog already bit a neighbor?
In general, yes, a landlord in Hawaii may be allowed to keep renting to a tenant even if the tenant’s dog has already bitten a neighbor. But the answer can depend on the facts, the lease, any pet rules, the seriousness o...
Can I sue my landlord if I found a hidden camera inside my bedroom smoke detector?
If you found a hidden camera inside a smoke detector in your bedroom, that can raise very serious privacy and safety concerns. In California, a landlord generally is not allowed to secretly record a tenant in a private a...
How do I get my deposit back from an event venue that canceled my party two weeks before the date?
If an event venue in Indiana canceled your party two weeks before the date, you will usually want to start by reviewing the written contract, any cancellation policy, and all messages between you and the venue. In genera...
What are my rights if a telehealth provider recorded my appointment without clear notice?
In Illinois, a telehealth recording made without clear notice can raise privacy, consent, and professional responsibility concerns, but the exact rights involved usually depend on the facts. The key questions are often w...
Can I record a call with an insurance adjuster if I say I am recording and they continue speaking?
In Massachusetts, the answer can depend on the consent rules that apply to the call and on the exact facts. In general, Massachusetts is treated as a state with strong privacy protections for communications, so you shoul...
How do I handle an accident where the other driver was driving a rental car?
If the other driver was in a rental car, the basic steps after the crash are usually the same as in any other accident: get medical help if needed, call law enforcement if appropriate, exchange information, take photos,...
Is it legal for my landlord to shut off utilities to force me to leave?
In Alabama, a landlord generally should not shut off utilities as a way to pressure a tenant to move out. In many situations, turning off electricity, water, heat, or other essential services to force a tenant to leave m...
Can a car dealer cancel my purchase because they found a better buyer?
In general, a car dealer in Florida cannot simply cancel a completed purchase just because another buyer is offering more money. Whether a dealer may back out usually depends on what exactly was signed, whether financing...
What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is only $10,000 and my medical bills are higher?
In Texas, if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is only $10,000 and your medical bills are higher, the insurance company usually will not pay more than the policy limit for that driver’s liability coverage. That does...
Can I get student loan forgiveness if I work for a state university?
In general, working for a state university may make you eligible for some student loan forgiveness programs, but it depends on the program, the type of loans you have, and whether your employment fits the program rules....
Do I have to pay a credit repair service that guaranteed results in writing?
In general, a written guarantee from a credit repair service may matter a lot, but it does not automatically mean you must pay every charge the company claims. In Maine, as in other states, the answer usually depends on...
Neighbor’s dog keeps getting loose and scratched my car. Can animal control help with property damage?
In Georgia, animal control may be able to help if a neighbor’s dog is repeatedly running loose, creating a nuisance, or violating local animal control rules. Whether animal control can do anything about the car damage it...
How do I dispute a $980 charge from a hotel that claimed I smoked in a non-smoking room?
If a hotel charged you $980 for allegedly smoking in a non-smoking room, the dispute usually turns on the hotel’s terms, the evidence it has, and whether the charge was authorized. In general, hotels may impose smoking f...
Do I Have a Small Claims Case if My Boss Destroyed My Personal Property at Work?
If your boss destroyed your personal property at work, you may have a small claims issue in Montana, but the answer usually depends on the facts. In general, a small claims case is about trying to recover the value of pr...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge an application fee and deny me without explanation in Rhode Island?
In general, yes, a landlord in Rhode Island may be allowed to charge an application fee and may also be allowed to deny an application without giving a detailed explanation. That is often true in ordinary rental screenin...