What are the Rights of Parents When Their Children Are Disciplined at School?
Public education is free. In order for children to effectively learn, schools must be safe, and students are expected to behave. At times, disruptions occur. When a student disrupts a classroom, school officials may enforce school rules and discipline the child. Although corporal punishment was a standard not too long ago, some schools districts forbid…
Read MorePreparing for an IEP Meeting
Not every child learns at the same pace or the same way. Some children learn with ease; others learn slowly or with difficulty. Federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), however, gives rights to children who have difficulty learning or need special services, and the IDEA dictates that, among other requirements, schools and…
Read MoreDistracted Driving
Now, more than ever, drivers must stay focused on driving. The roads are crowded, very crowded. Traffic in cities during rush hours and other times often crawls or is at a standstill. In the last four decades, the number of vehicles on America’s roads has more than doubled; nevertheless, the number of miles of roads…
Read MoreWhat Are Crimes of Moral Turpitude?
Immigrants facing removal proceedings may be accused of committing a crime involving moral turpitude, or CIMT, by U.S.C.I.S. On the government’s website, it actually says “CIMT is a term used in the immigration context that has no statutory definition…[however] The courts have held that moral turpitude ‘refers generally to conduct that shocks the public conscience…
Read MoreDoes the First Amendment Protect Citizens Recording the Police?
Freedom of speech – the ability to freely speak one’s mind – is protected by the Bill of Rights. Freedom of speech allows citizens to voice their opinions and criticize or praise politicians, elected officials, their policies and practices, and more; nevertheless, there are limits. For instance, shouting “fire” in a crowded theater is not…
Read MoreWhat You Should Know about Your Rights and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Part of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE, as it is usually called – is the department that “enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety.” They are in charge of Homeland Security investigations, and they are the ones…
Read MoreLetting Go and Moving On
Divorces are expensive, messy, and frustrating. If contested, the parties air their dirty laundry and hurl accusations and grievances in a courtroom, a very public forum. They fight over child custody and visitation and bicker over money and property – for example: Who will pay the couple’s debts or keep the couple’s assets? Not surprisingly,…
Read MoreHate Crimes
A hate crime is a crime where the perpetrator targets an individual whom society traditionally oppressed or disfavored, usually due to race, sex, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Federal law and laws of many states increase the punishment for hate crimes. While any crime that affects citizens and non-citizens alike is illegal, supporters of hate crime…
Read MoreWhat are the Special Consequences of a DUI Charge for Immigrants?
In Tennessee, driving under the influence of an intoxicant is a crime referred to as a “DUI.” A DUI in Tennessee carries significant penalties for citizens of the United States, but for foreign nationals who are in the process of applying for citizenship, a DUI can make the process far more complicated. Depending on the…
Read MoreThe “Take Care Clause,” the Supreme Court, and Immigration Reform
Ever since President Obama announced his executive action on immigration in November 2014, opponents have filed lawsuit to challenge them. We have covered the lawsuits and the delays, knowing that if the Supreme Court denied to take the case, 4 million people could be at risk of deportation. On January 19th, the Supreme Court agreed…
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