Types of Law Issues
In addition to the laws passed by the federal government, each state is also governed by its own set of laws. Laws are developed by the legislature and reviewed by the court system. They can be enacted through the constitution or statutes. The courts can also declare an existing law to be invalid.
There are two types of legal cases: criminal and civil. A criminal case involves a single person, while a civil case requires multiple parties. In a criminal case, the accused person is advised of his or her rights by the judge. Usually, the defendant receives court papers, and is asked to enter a plea.
When a defendant denies the charges against him or her, nolo contendre is available. Nolo is a Latin term that means “no contest.” If a judge finds no reason to prosecute the case, the judge may order the defendant convicted.
A no contact order can be issued by the court, by a bail commissioner, or by a probation officer. However, the terms can be interpreted in different ways. Contempt of court refers to a violation of the rules or regulations of a court. Some examples include loudness or disrespectful behavior.
An ex parte investigation occurs when a party does not give prior notice to the other party. For instance, a party might have neglected a minor, or a child might have been abandoned. This type of case is often dismissed without prejudice, which allows the complainant to re-file.
A protective order is an order of a court that protects a family member. These orders are used when a member of a family has been injured or abused.
During a civil case, a defendant may be able to deny the charges against him or her through a stipulation, or an agreement. Alternatively, a court may dismiss the case with prejudice, which prevents the complainant from filing a new complaint.
If a defendant fails to pay child support or alimony, the support enforcement officer can file legal papers with the court to enforce the amount owed. Similarly, if an employer wants to stop an employee from violating workplace rules, he or she can file legal papers to do so.
Juvenile offenders are sixteen or seventeen years of age. Their criminal records do not show any proceedings, but they are legally treated as youthful offenders. Also, if a juvenile is charged with a serious juvenile offense, he or she may be sent to a Juvenile Detention Center with a court order.
During a trial, evidence includes documents and testimony. It is a process where a person’s character is questioned and his or her actions and words are examined. All of this takes place under oath.
Often, controversial social issues are brought up during a legal debate. Issues that are frequently discussed are abortion, immigration, gun control, and privacy. These issues are sometimes debated on the grounds of needing new regulations or applying existing regulations in a new way.