Criminal Convictions and Student Loans
While many colleges and programs provide assistance for earning college degrees or learning trades, colleges and trade schools are not cheap. Even with scholarships and grants, students face financial difficulties and challenges. To finance their education, most students apply for and receive loans or financial assistance from state and federal governments; however, students with certain…
Read More“Felons, Not Families:” The Truth about Deportation
In 2014, President Obama tried to ease fears of immigrants by promising to focus on the removal of criminals from the U.S., and not families who have built their lives across the country: “Felons, not families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mom who’s working hard to provide for her kids.” Two years later,…
Read MoreDifferences between the Rehabilitation Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 ensure that individuals with disabilities do not face discrimination in the workplace, at school, in public, and more. Although the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act both apply to education and people with disabilities, they are not identical;…
Read MoreWhat is the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act?
There are several statutes designed to benefit children with disabilities. One such statute is the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act (HCPA) of 1986. A significant win for civil rights and disability advocates, the HCPA builds on the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975. The EAHCA mandates that public schools receiving financial support from…
Read MoreCases Awaiting Final Decisions during the New Supreme Court Term
The United States Supreme Court, the highest court in America, makes the ultimate decisions regarding all legal and constitutional disputes, both criminal and civil, in the country. On the first Monday in October 2016, the Supreme Court started a new term. During the new term, the high court will hear and decide several cases, including…
Read MoreImmigrants Charged with Drug Crimes Can Face Removal
When a citizen is accused of a drug crime, he or she can seek the help of an attorney to fight the charges. If the person is found not guilty, he or she can move forward. If that person is found guilty, he or she may have to serve time in jail or prison. For…
Read MoreDiscovery in Civil Cases
In Tennessee, when the amount of money disputed or owed is more than $25,000, a case typically is filed in Circuit Court. In Circuit Court, the parties can request – and force – their opponents to participate in discovery. Discovery in civil cases means sending out and answering interrogatories (requiring the other side to answer…
Read MoreWill the Justice Department’s Decision to Stop Using Private Prisons Affect Immigrants Being Detained Too?
On August 18, 2016, the Justice Department announced that it would no longer use private prisons to house people convicted of federal crimes. The Washington Post reported that private prison facilities were “both less safe and less effective” than prisons run by the government. This decision however, for complicated legal reasons, does not affect state-run…
Read MoreMediation
There are several ways to resolve disputes. Mediation is one such way. Often, courts order parties to mediate their disputes. Mediation is a voluntary negotiation moderated by an independent individual not affiliated with either of the two disputing sides. Each side must agree to the resolution. The two disputing sides and the independent third party…
Read MoreStarting a Business
America is a capitalist society; everyone can operate a business. He or she can do so with little fear of government interference, unlike in some countries. However, there are laws and regulations. Anyone can operate any type of business – for example, a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation. But starting a business is…
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