Newsletters

Settlement Conferences in Federal Courts of Appeals

There are 13 judicial circuits, and each circuit has a court of appeals. The federal courts of appeals are intermediate appellate courts. They hear appeals from federal district courts, which are trial level courts. In response to the ever-increasing volume of cases, some federal courts of appeals have adopted settlement programs in an effort to reduce the backlog of cases and accelerate the appeal process.

Powers of Attorney

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.

Sunshine Laws

States have enacted Sunshine Laws to ensure governmental integrity and accountability. Sunshine Laws require governmental bodies (commissions, boards, advisory committees, and agencies) to hold open public meetings, deliberations, and votes, unless otherwise provided by law. Sunshine Laws also guarantee public access to the records of governmental bodies, unless provided otherwise by law.

Restraining Orders to Protect the Victim of Abuse

A restraining order is a court order that is issued to protect someone who is being harassed, abused, or threatened. Restraining orders protect battered spouses and their children. Restraining orders typically direct the alleged perpetrator to stop doing certain acts or to stay away from the victim's home or workplace. There are several types of restraining orders: domestic violence restraining orders, harassment restraining orders, and child abuse restraining orders. This article discusses each type of restraining order, how to obtain a restraining order, and the consequences for violating a restraining order.

Ex Parte Communications

An ex parte communication is a written or oral communication with a judge that involves only one side of a pending lawsuit or that involves a matter that could become the subject of a future case before the judge. Ex parte communications include a judge's interactions with persons interested in the outcome of a case such as attorneys, parties, jurors, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel. Generally, ex parte communications are prohibited because they can influence the judge's decision.