| Innovations in Jury Trials |
|
| States have implemented various innovative procedures to assist jurors during trials. The changes are aimed at improving juror understanding of the evidence and the court proceedings. Jurors are permitted to take notes during the trial in some courts. Trial judges in some courts have discretion to give jurors copies of preliminary jury instructions when the trial starts. In some courts, jurors can submit questions for witnesses. They can even discuss the case among themselves before jury deliberations begin. More... |
|
|
| Writs of Mandamus |
|
| A writ of mandamus is a court order that directs a person (such as a public official) or entity (such as a company or a lower court) to perform a specific act that is related to that person's office. A writ of mandamus is an extraordinary legal remedy, which should only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Where another adequate remedy exists, the courts will generally refuse to issue a writ. More... |
|
|
| Wrongful Death Claims |
|
| A wrongful death is a death caused by the negligence or misconduct of a person or company. All states have wrongful death laws that provide compensation to the surviving spouse, minor children, and parents of a deceased adult. Some states permit other relatives to recover compensation if they depended upon the deceased for support or services. In some states, grandparents or members of the extended family can also recover damages for their loss. More... |
|
|
| Rules of Statutory Interpretation |
|
| If the interpretation of a particular law becomes an issue in a case, the court must rely on rules of statutory interpretation or construction in deciding the law's meaning. This article discusses the main rules of statutory interpretation or construction. More... |
|
|
| Indian Tribal Courts |
|
| Congress has plenary or complete authority over Indian affairs. This means that Congress has unlimited discretion to regulate affairs on an Indian reservation. Under federal law, Indian nations are quasi-sovereign; that is, they have power in some areas but not in others. For example, Indian nations can operate tribal governments and manage their own property and resources. However, they cannot conduct foreign relations or prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations. Indian nations have adopted tribal codes, which usually combine traditional law with state law and federal law. More... |
|
|