Civil Defense Litigation Resources

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure - The process of resolving disputes by filing or answering a complaint through the public court system is regulated by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (along with state versions). The nature of this complaint (including the probable outcome for each side) becomes the basis for any settlement negotiatons.

Federal Rules of Evidence - If a case is brought to trial, the Federal Rules of Evidence (along with state versions) govern the introduction of all evidence into the trial.

Debt Collection Resources

Bureau of the Public Debt
The Bureau of the Public Debt Provides Monthly Updates on the Ever Increasing United States Public Debt Figures.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The United States has enacted laws to protect consumers and to prohibit abusive practices by debt collectors.

Credit and Your Consumer Rights
Learn about credit ratings and your rights.

Article – Debt Collector Settles with FTC for Abusive Practices
An article about illegal debt collection practices.

The Truth in Lending Act
The FDIC has created laws, regulations, and related acts in order to protect consumers.

The Federal Reserve System
Helpful information regarding the Federal Reserve System

Free Credit Report – Obtain Yours Today
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

Consumer Protection Resources

Class Action Litigation Information - A free service to assist consumers in understanding class action lawsuits, government, consumer issues and the legal system.

Lemon Law America - Site is resource for consumers with defective vehicles or products. A visit to this site familiarizes you with the lemon statutes in your state and offers tips on how to proceed if you think you've got a "lemon".

Bankruptcy Resources

History of Bankruptcy in the United States - Bankruptcy laws in the United States have varied greatly over time. Learn more about the interesting history of bankruptcy.

The Bankruptcy Process - The procedural aspects of the bankruptcy process are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (often called the "Bankruptcy Rules") and local rules of each bankruptcy court.

Contract Law Resources

Uniform Commercial Code - Contract law includes the concepts of formation, offer, acceptance, and consideration; performance and excuse for nonperformance; breach and damages; third party beneficiaries; assignment of rights and delegation of duties; statute of frauds; contract integration rule; illegal contracts and public policy; unconscionability; and discharge. One major portion of this area of law is in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).

Family Law Resources

Family Law in the Fifty States - tables providing a quick view of various aspects of family law for the fifty states in the areas of alimony/spousal support factors, custody criteria, child support guidelines, grounds for divorce and residency requirements, property division, and third-party visitation.

Real Estate Law Resources

Problems When Purchasing Residential Real Estate - The purchase of residential real estate usually involves three parties: the buyer, the seller, and the lender. This can make things complex. Plus, the law that governs real estate transactions is different from the law governing other kinds of purchases.

Buying and Selling Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate transactions are typically more complex than residential transactions. Usually, they involve large sums of money and increased liability for both parties.

Landlord / Tenant Resources

Evicting a Problem Tenant - Your ability to evict a tenant who's causing you a problem depends on the nature of the problem and whether you have a lease.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Renter - The landlord-tenant relationship is a contract when you have a lease. Both you and your landlord agree in writing to do certain things - and to not do others.

Intellectual Property Resources

Intellectual Property and the Internet - Looks at intellectual property in the context of the Internet.

Your Rights under Intellectual Property Law - A short explanation of what is involved in intellectual property law with regards to the law.

Intellectual Property Explained - Talks about intellectual property rights and how they’ve figured prominently in the debate on generic drugs.

Definition of Intellectual Property - Defines the four aspects of intellectual property in a way that’s understandable.

Traffic Ticket Resources

Dealing With a DUI or DWI Charge - Sometime after your arrest for a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated), you will have to appear before a judge for your arraignment. An arraignment is a court appearance in which a defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to respond to the charge by entering a plea (guilty or not guilty). Click here to learn what will happen at your arraignment, what your options are for dealing with the charge, and how plea bargaining works.