| Special Federal Courts |
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| The federal court system is made up of federal district courts (trial level courts), courts of appeals (appellate level courts), and the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition, the federal court system has special courts that hear a specific type of case. This article takes a look at special federal courts. More... |
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| Freedom of Information Act |
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| The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that was passed in 1966. It ensures government openness and accountability. The FOIA gives a person access to federal agency records. However, agencies are allowed (but not required) to withhold records that fall within nine categories.
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| Service of Process in Foreign Countries |
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| 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. More... |
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| Amicus Curiae |
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| Amicus curiae is a Latin term meaning a "friend of the court." An amicus curiae is not a party to the lawsuit but is a person or group that has a strong interest in the matter being litigated. The function of an amicus curiae is to bring to the court's attention law, facts, or circumstances in the pending lawsuit that might not otherwise be discussed by the parties to the lawsuit. An amicus curiae's intent is to influence the court's decision. More... |
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| Appeal of a United States District Court Judgment |
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| The party who loses in a civil lawsuit can file an appeal after a United States District Court, a federal trial court, enters a final judgment in the case. The notice of appeal must be filed with the district court clerk within 30 days after the judgment. The person filing the appeal is called the appellant, and the other party is called the appellee. More... |
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