A person playing a video game

Activision Blizzard Lawsuit Over Sexual Harassment Settles at $18M

Legal Assistant Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Personal Injury Law

In July 2021, Activision Blizzard, the gaming giant behind hit franchises Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty, was hit with a civil lawsuit in California. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a complaint citing allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and other potential violations that go against the equal pay laws in the state. …

Court legal concept of abortion law

What You Need to Know About Texas Abortion Laws

Legal Assistant Civil Rights, Constitutional Law

On May 19, 2021, Gov. Greg Abbot signed a law that outlaws abortions in Texas. The new measure went into effect on September 1, 2021. The first-of-its-kind legislation in the country makes it illegal for healthcare providers to perform or induce an abortion if an ultrasound scan can discern what the new law defines as a fetal “heartbeat.” This is …

Transgender Pride Flag on military uniform

Can Transgender People Join the Military?

Legal Assistant Civil Rights, Constitutional Law

In April 2019, President Trump signed an order banning transgender people from joining the military. The controversial policy not only barred transgender troops from serving in the nation’s defense forces; it also blocked the use of Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) resources to fund surgical procedures related to sex reassignment. Fast-forward to January 2021, when …

doctor with a stethoscope on shoulder holding syringe and COVID-19 vaccine

Can Your Employer Require a COVID Vaccine?

Legal Assistant Administrative Law, Business Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Employment Law, Regulatory Law

The coronavirus pandemic has had an undeniable impact on almost every facet of life, both in the country and around the globe. The good news is – things are changing for the better, with the COVID-19 vaccine promising to restore some semblance of normalcy in everyday life. As great as that prospect may be, many people are still skeptical about …

Critical Race Theory

What Is Critical Race Theory?

Legal Assistant Civil Rights, Constitutional Law

In September 2020, a Trump executive order was issued to exclude any diversity and inclusion training in federal contracts. The presidential directive targeted programs whose subject matter revolved around concepts like “gender or race-based scapegoating,” “gender or race-based stereotyping,” and “divisive concepts.” Among the notions deemed “divisive” is the Critical Race Theory (CRT). In response to the controversial directive, the …

What are the Federal Rules of Evidence?

Legal Assistant Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Resources

The outcome of a case ultimately boils down to the strength of the evidence presented. This statement sums up why evidence is so important in civil and criminal trials. It is the only way a judge in a bench trial or jury can establish a defendant’s liability or guilt. The Federal Rules of Evidence were established to govern the way ...
Georgia’s New Voting Law

What Is Georgia’s New Voting Law?

Legal Assistant Civil Rights, Constitutional Law

On March 25, 2021, Georgia State governor Brian Kemp signed the Election Integrity Act of 2021 into law. The Act, which was originally referred to as Georgia Senate Bill 202, makes several controversial changes on how voting will be conducted in the southern state. Proponents of the Republican legislation cite the changes necessary to safeguard future elections in the state …

What Is a Hate Crime

What Is a Hate Crime?

Legal Assistant Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law

Vandalizing a synagogue with swastika graffiti. Burglarizing an Asian-owned oriental corner store. Burning a cross in the front yard of an African-American family’s home. Physically assaulting a person while hurling racial slurs. These are all clear-cut hate crime examples. They target individuals based on characteristics related to their ethnicity, race, or religion. The country has witnessed a spike in the …

Hiring a Private Investigator

Can You Sue Someone for Hiring a Private Investigator?

Legal Assistant Constitutional Law, Criminal Law

Corporate representatives, individuals, and even attorneys hire private investigators for several reasons. Some of these may include uncovering insurance fraud, relationship infidelity, or hidden assets that may be crucial to a case. Make no mistake about it, though. Hiring a PI does not fall within the realm of “normal.” While most people can appreciate the circumstances under which the services …