Discovery is intended to bring relevant evidence to light, but not every responsive communication is subject to disclosure. Privilege in discovery protects certain confidential communications and litigation materials, balancing the search for evidence with the…
Sentencing determines more than the length of a criminal penalty; it can affect a person’s liberty, future opportunities, and fundamental rights. The relationship between sentencing and constitutional rights sets limits on how courts impose punishment…
When conduct crosses borders, more than one country may claim authority to investigate, prosecute, or adjudicate the matter. Jurisdiction in international law determines when a state may exercise such power, while venue concerns where a…
Police officers may use force only within the limits set by law, and those limits depend on the circumstances of each encounter. The restrictions on police use of force are intended to protect public safety…
A search or seizure can shape the outcome of a criminal case long before trial. When law enforcement obtains evidence without complying with constitutional safeguards, the search and seizure appeals process may provide a path…
A mental health crisis can place police officers at the intersection of public safety, individual rights, and urgent care. Police powers in mental health cases may permit intervention in specific circumstances, but those powers are…
Forum selection agreements determine where disputes must be brought, shaping the practical and legal course of a conflict before one begins. By assigning a dispute to a particular court or location, these provisions can affect…
Discovery requests can shape the course of a lawsuit, but not every request is proper, relevant, or reasonably manageable. Objections to discovery requests allow parties to identify legal or practical limits while preserving their rights…
Undercover operations can help law enforcement investigate serious crime, but deception and covert surveillance also raise significant legal and ethical concerns. The legal standards for undercover operations define when police powers may be used, what…
A conviction does not always make a sentence final. In certain circumstances, a court may reconsider a penalty after sentencing, but the grounds and procedures for doing so depend on the applicable law and the…