Glossary of Civil Terms
action: lawsuit. admissible evidence: Evidence that can legally and properly be used in court. affirmative defense: When a defendant or person responding to a civil case has a reason that would make them not at fault. […]
Domestic Violence and Child Custody
If there has been domestic violence in your family, here is important information about a law that may affect you. What is “domestic violence”? It means to hit, kick, scare, throw things, pull hair, push, […]
Visitation Rights of Grandparents
If you are a grandparent and want information about visitation with your grandchildren, there are many resources that can help you learn about your options and understand your rights as a grandparent. Under California law, […]
California Courts: Access to Records
Effective January 1, 2010, rule 10.500 of the California Rules of Court set forth comprehensive public access provisions applicable to judicial administrative records maintained by state trial and appellate courts, the state Supreme Court, as […]
Jury Service
Juror Pay California pays jurors $15 every day starting on the second day of service, except employees of governmental entities who receive full pay and benefits from their employers while on jury service. Because governmental […]
Types of Legal Cases
Trial courts hear many different types of cases. Overall, cases fall under 1 of 2 categories: Civil cases “Civil” cases are the cases in which private citizens (or companies) sue each other in court. Civil cases are […]
Appeals Process
The side that files the appeal is called the “appellant.” The other side is called the “respondent.”If you appeal, the appellate court will review the trial court record to decide if a legal mistake was […]
Annulment
An annulment (or “nullity of marriage” or “nullity of domestic partnership”) is when a court says your marriage or domestic partnership is NOT legally valid. After an annulment, it is like your marriage or domestic […]
Red Flags of Elder Abuse
Warning Signs of Physical Abuse Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, or rope marks Bone fractures, broken bones, or skull fractures Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing Sprains, dislocations, or internal […]
California Tribal Communities
According to most recent census data, California is home to more people of Native American/ Alaska Native heritage than any other state in the Country. There are currently 109 federally recognized Indian tribes in California […]