What 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…

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Cases 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…

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Immigrants 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…

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Discovery 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…

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Will 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…

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Mediation

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…

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Starting 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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Being a U.S. Military Veteran May Not Save You from Deportation

Many immigrants who come to the United States as children serve honorably as members of the military. However, being a military veteran is not necessarily enough to keep you from facing removal charges from the United States if you are charged with and/or convicted of a crime after your return to civilian life. The American…

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Blood Alcohol Content

In Tennessee and all other U.S. jurisdictions, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  The penalty for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) includes having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. To show that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, authorities usually try to measure your blood…

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