Newsletters

Appeal Bonds

In the federal courts and most state courts, the defendant has a right to appeal the judgment. In most jurisdictions, it is necessary to give a bond when appealing a case.

The Jurisdiction of a State Court

Jurisdiction refers to the power of a court to hear and decide a case. The power of a state court to hear a particular case comes from the constitution and laws of that state. For a court's decision to be legally binding, the court must have both subject matter jurisdiction (authority to hear a case involving the type of legal matter at issue, such as a contract or a personal injury) and personal jurisdiction (authority over the parties to the suit).

Domestic Violence Courts

Domestic violence has been a growing problem in the United States. In the 1990's, specialized courts were set up in some states to deal exclusively with domestic violence matters. Domestic violence courts are problem-solving courts, which seek to not only punish criminal behavior but also to resolve the underlying issues that brought the parties into the criminal justice system.

Standards for Admitting Expert Testimony

In 1993, the United States Supreme Court established standards for admitting expert testimony when it decided Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals. The Court held that for scientific evidence to be reliable, it has to be based on scientific validity. To be admissible at trial, a scientific theory has to have been tested and subjected to peer review and publication. The rate of error has to be shown, and there must be standards controlling any research on the theory. Finally, the theory has to be generally accepted in the scientific community.

Restrictions on Judicial Campaign Speech

Each branch of the armed forces has its own judicial system. Each service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force) has a JAG, who is the senior legal officer of that branch of the armed forces. The JAG is charged with administering military justice and with providing legal advice, opinions, and assistance to those who serve in the military.