Service of Process in Foreign Countries

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are court rules that govern the procedure to be followed in civil lawsuits that are filed in federal court. The Federal Rules specify how service of process (notice that a lawsuit has been filed) is to be made on the defendant (the person being sued). A court must have personal jurisdiction over a defendant before it can enter a valid judgment against the defendant. There are special rules for service of process on individuals in a foreign country. This article discusses the procedure to be followed in serving an individual in a foreign country.

The Common Law and Judicial Precedent

The common law developed from unwritten English law, which was based on tradition and custom. English common law is the basis for federal law and the law of all states, except Louisiana (whose law is based on the Napoleonic Code or the French Civil Code). The most important characteristic of common law is that it is judge-made law rather the law derived from constitutions, statutes, regulations and ordinances, which are legislative enactments. Under the common law system, current cases are decided using the precedents established by past judicial decisions.

The Court's Management of High-Profile Cases

Courts are sometimes faced with managing high-profile or notorious cases. The media frenzy surrounding such trials can make it a challenge to provide a fair trial, a right guaranteed by the Constitution. Besides celebrity cases, the courts face special challenges in handling brutal murder cases.

Hiring An Attorney

If you are stuck with a car that is a lemon or if an electronics store won't repair the big screen television that you bought from it, you may need to hire an attorney to help resolve the dispute. Legal advice is also helpful if you are buying or selling a home or starting a new business. Attorneys can provide valuable advice on estate planning, tax matters, and marital issues.

Impeachment and Recall of State Judges

All states have some procedure for removing state judges who are found to have engaged in serious misconduct. Such procedures are set out in the state's constitution or laws. This article discusses the removal of state judges by impeachment and by recall elections.