| Liens |
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| A lien is a charge on real or personal property for the satisfaction of a debt or legal duty. Liens may be judgment liens, mechanics' liens or tax liens. More... |
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| Power of Attorney |
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| A power of attorney is a legal document in which a person (called the principal) delegates legal authority to another person (called the agent). The power of attorney gives the agent authority to make decisions for the principal in financial, property, and other legal matters. Most states specify the proper legal form for a power of attorney, and some legislatures have approved statutory forms for powers of attorney. Generally the principal's signature on a power of attorney form must be witnessed by a Notary Public.
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| Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation in Appellate Courts |
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| In the 1970s settlement conferences were used in the appellate courts in response to the increasing number of appeals that were being filed. Settlement conferences had mixed results. In the 1990s, appellate courts began using mediation conferences to encourage the settlement of civil cases on appeal. The underlying assumption is that all cases do not need full appellate review by the appellate court. More... |
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| Independence of the Judiciary |
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| An independent judiciary is a fundamental principle of our democracy. The founding fathers assured the independence of federal judges by giving them tenure for life. The United States Constitution also prevents the reduction of a federal judge's salary while he/she is in office. The founding fathers also specified that federal judges could only be impeached and removed from office for committing treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
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| Writs of Mandamus |
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| 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... |
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