A legal issue is a question that requires the court’s intervention. It can be a criminal or civil matter. These issues are generally based on written principles or rules. They are viewed by the public as controversial social and ethical issues.
Among the most common legal issues are those that involve human and civil rights. The public debate on such topics includes abortion, immigration, gun control, and the death penalty. However, these are only a few of the legal issues that can arise. Identifying these issues can help prepare you for law school and a career in the legal field.
In a criminal case, a prosecutor represents the state. This person presents evidence and arguments to the court, and makes a decision regarding the case. In a civil case, the plaintiff is the party who initiates the action.
A defendant is the individual who receives court papers. He or she is usually the person who is arrested. Once the accused is brought to court, the judge advises him or her of his or her legal rights. Some of these rights include a right to a speedy trial and a right to a fair plea bargain.
In criminal cases, the accused may enter a plea the morning of his or her arraignment. Afterwards, he or she is advised of his or her rights, and given a court date and time to appear for the arraignment. If the defendant does not appear, a default is entered. Similarly, if the defendant is a minor, he or she is subject to the protection of a protective order.
There are also specialized dockets for certain types of litigation. One is complex litigation, which involves a lengthy trial and large sums of money. Another is youthful offender, which applies to 16- to 18-year-olds.
A juvenile case is a special proceeding that is initiated by a petition. In a juvenile case, the petition specifies the facts of the complaint and the statutory grounds against the juvenile. For example, a complaint against a juvenile might include that he or she is a neglected minor. This means that the minor was abandoned or abused.
For a child support case, an interpreter is used to translate the proceedings from a second language into English. Additionally, a Family Violence Victim Advocate works with domestic violence victims and helps them understand the court process and their rights.
An ex parte investigation is conducted for one side of the case, without prior notice to the other side. In addition to providing an opportunity to investigate the other side, it can be used as a way to obtain information about the other party in a case.
A stipulation is a written agreement between the parties. Defendants are often charged with violations of the court’s rules, such as failure to pay child support. Oftentimes, a stipulation is used as an alternative to trial, or as a way to settle a dispute.
A promise to appear is a non-financial bond, which is an agreement to return to court after a specified period. Other types of orders that are issued in a juvenile case are visitation and parenting time.