Browse all the Lawforwa Resources on Courts

Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

Summary of Changes to Forms
http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.summary
Source: Washington Courts

Summary of changes made to court forms from 1997 to 2003. Includes Domestic Relations forms, Domestic Violence forms, Antiharassment forms, Misdemeanor Judgment and Sentencing forms, and Guilty Plea forms.
full description

• Where can I find the changes made to court forms?
• Have there been changes made to my court form?

Understanding the Federal Courts -- Criminal Cases
http://www.uscourts.gov/understand02/content_6_2.h
Source: United States Courts

This website explains criminal proceedings at the federal level and differentiates between civil and criminal cases.
full description

• What is a criminal case?
• What processes are involved in criminal cases?
• What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?

Understanding the Federal Courts -- The Appeals Process
http://www.uscourts.gov/understand02/content_6_5.h
Source: United States Courts

This website offers a short yet comprehensive description of the federal appellate process.
full description

• What is appellate review?
• Who can file an appeal?
• Can I appeal my case?
• How do I appeal my case?
• What court do appeal my case to?

Washington Small Claims Court
http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/link.cfm?208
Source: Northwest Justice Project

Comprehensive description of the use of the Small Claims Court to resolve disputes. Topics covered include: what kinds of claims can be heard in Small Claims Court; how to resolve disputes before going to court; the right to an interpreter; where to file a claim; whether a party out of state may be sued; how to file a claim and notify the other party of the claim; what to do when served with a Notice of Small Claims by another party; how to prepare for and participate in a trial; what happens if one party does not show up at the trial; how to collect money awarded by the Small Claims Court; whether and how a judgment in Small Claims Court can be appealed; and how to get more information and advice about Small Claims Court. Includes a sample demand letter people can use to try to resolve a dispute directly with the other party and links to statutes and a few forms that may be helpful to people involved in small claims. Information is available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Laotian.
full description

• I am involved in a dispute with a business. How can I resolve this dispute?
• I want to sue a business but can't afford to hire an attorney or can't find an attorney. What can I do?
• I'd like to sue a business, but the claim is very small. Is it worth going to court over?
• What types of claims can be heard in Small Claims Court?
• What should I do before I file a claim in Small Claims Court?
• How can I persuade another party to resolve a dispute without going to court?
• How do I sue in Small Claims Court?
• How do I serve a Notice of Small Claims on another party?
• What do I do if I have been served with a Notice of Small Claims?
• What will happen at a trial in Small Claims Court?
• How do I prepare for, call witnesses, and introduce documents at trial in Small Claims Court?
• How do I collect the money I was awarded in Small Claims Court?
• Can I appeal a decision in Small Claims Court?