HELP  |   ABOUT US  |   GLOSSARY  |   SITE MAP  

 Search:

Advanced Search  
Home > Topic printer Print View 
Law and Government Overview
Prevent and Solve Legal Problems
Finding and Working with Lawyers
Resources for K-12 Teachers
Resources for the Media

Topic

Under Construction

This area of lawforwa provides answers to questions about law and government most commonly asked by media professionals. Journalists should also consult the .

Please take our .

Court Protects Privacy of Accused Teachers: The state Supreme Court recently ruled that the names of teachers who have been accused of sexually abusing students can be made public only if the allegation has been substantiated. Many media organizations are disappointed in the decision. Read more about it in , and hear a discussion on KUOW radio’s

This area of lawforwa links you to general information about the American system of law and government as well as specific information about Washington state.

Please take our .

State Government Cuts Services: Because of a $9 billion budget deficit, the state has made major spending cuts to higher education, health care for the poor, and other services. Hear about it on , and explore the new state budget on .

In this area of lawforwa you will find resources for preventing common legal problems, and for solving them once they arise.

Please take our .

Coping With Bankruptcy: Personal bankruptcy is on the rise in Washington state, due to rising unemployment, home foreclosures, and other factors. Read about it in , and get practical information from KUOW-FM’s and .

This area of lawforwa provides links to classroom activities, background information and other resources for K-12 teachers. Also see the list of offered by the Washington State Bar Association's Council on Public Legal Education.

Please take our .

Teaching About Government: The U.S. Library of Congress offers a educate students about the government and the legislative process. In THOMAS's Legislative Resources for Teachers, you'll find classroom activities, lesson plans, primary sources, and links to information written just for kids.

Under Construction

In this area of lawforwa you will find links to information on how to find, hire and work with a lawyer.

Please take our .

Attorneys Face New Rules: The Washington State Supreme Court recently updated the official rules that govern how attorneys must act. One change, regarding attorney-client confidentiality, requires attorneys to reveal information from a client if doing so will "prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm." Read about it in .

Subtopics

Administrative Law (6)
Animal and Pet Law (26)
Arbitration and Mediation (9)
Business Law (42)
Civil Law (2)
Civil Rights and Liberties (37)
Consumer Law (105)
Courts (50)
Criminal Law (138)
Disability Law (71)
Domestic Violence (18)
Education (18)
Elections (24)
Employment (19)
Employment Discrimination (134)
Family (146)
Famous Trials and Historic Litigation (18)
Finding a Lawyer (20)
Government (8)
Government Benefits (37)
Health (41)
Historic Documents (17)
Historic Speeches, Debates and Hearings (10)
Historic Supreme Court Decisions (23)
Housing (160)
Immigration (111)
Key Concepts (6)
Law in Popular Culture (3)
Lawmaking (18)
Lawyers' Duties and Responsibilities (13)
Legal Costs (3)
Legal Resources (8)
Media Law (1)
Native American/Indian Law (1)
Neighborhood Issues and Disputes (12)
Senior Citizens (53)
Social Movements (8)
Taxes (72)
Travel (14)
Wills and Estate Planning (18)
Working with Lawyers (7)
Youth (28)

Teaching About the U.S. Constitution

Insuring that students understand the U.S. Constitution is key to preparing them to be informed, active citizens, which has always been a primary goal of public education. Indeed, schools are required by state and federal law to teach the Constitution; it is included in Washington's , and new federal legislation requires public schools to commemorate Constitution Day (September 17th).

  • See all of lawforwa's resources on the U.S. Constitution.
  • A wide variety of lesson plans and other educational material appropriate for use on Constitution Day have been compiled by the and .
  • A new American Bar Association program encourages educators and others to instigate .
  • Spurred by the new federal law, many will also celebrate Constitution Day.

     

     

     

     

     

     

What Judges Do for Democracy

The concept of judicial independence has been in the news a lot lately as higher court judges issue decisions unpopular with politicians. Learn more about what our Constitution expects judges to do, and what role they play in our system.

  • Find out from the Justice at Stake Campaign.
  • Explore from the American Bar Association.
  • Do you agree with those who defend judicial independence? See what had to say recently, as well as Supreme Court justices .

     

     

     

     

     

     

The Rights of the Media

What happens when the rights granted to the media by the First Amendment conflict with other Constitutional rights? Explore some of lawforwa's resources on this issue:

  • Washington's has worked since 1963 to address the tension between the Constitutional values of "free press" and "fair trial".
  • An from Cornell University's Legal Information Institute.

     

     

     

     

     

     

What You Need to Know About Foreclosure

The fear of foreclosure looms over homeowners who are struggling to make their monthly payments because of unemployment, adjustable rate mortgages, and other factors. The best way to prevent foreclosure is to learn about your options then work with your lender. The following websites provide valuable information. If you are facing foreclosure, call the Homeownership Information Hotline at 1-877-894-HOME (1-877-894-4663).

  • The state’s Department of Financial Institutions and Housing Finance Commission have created a offering advice on foreclosure, buying a home, refinancing, and avoiding scams.
  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a , which discusses managing debt, resolving problems with your lender, and how to get over the phone help with HUD-approved housing counselors.
  • A common question homeowners have is whether is it better to declare bankruptcy or undergo foreclosure. The website helps you decide, based on your specific situation and your future goals.
  • Other links to foreclosure information are available on the .

     

     

     

     

     

     

Do I Need A Lawyer?

You might decide to consult a lawyer because you are in a crisis situation ... or because you want to avoid a crisis in the future. Many law-related organizations offer useful advice for people who think they might need a lawyer but don't know where to begin.

  • The American Bar Association can help you decide .
  • The Access to Justice Board explains how low income individuals can get .
  • Information from the Washington State Bar Association on .