| English Common Law |
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| e American judicial system has its origin in English common law. English common law is made up of two distinct court systems--courts of law (which can award money damages) and courts of equity (also called courts of chancery, which have the power to grant equitable remedies). More... |
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| The Courts and Community Relations |
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| A 1999 national survey conducted by the National Center for States Courts in Williamsburg, Virginia, revealed that almost half of all American citizens thought the courts were out of touch with the surrounding community. This number increased to two-thirds among African-Americans who were surveyed. As a result, collaborative programs between the community and state courts are becoming more common. The goal is to foster the average citizen's understanding of the judiciary and to build public trust in the court system.
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| Eyewitness Identification Evidence |
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| While very dramatic at trial, eyewitness evidence can be unreliable. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the accuracy of eyewitness identification. Some social scientists estimate that erroneous eyewitness identification is responsible for a large percentage of wrongful convictions. However, jurors tend to believe that eyewitness testimony is accurate. This article discusses the factors that affect the accuracy of eyewitness identification and what the courts are doing to reduce the number of wrongful convictions. More... |
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| Restraining Orders to Protect the Victim of Abuse |
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| A restraining order is a court order that is issued to protect someone who is being harassed, abused, or threatened. Restraining orders protect battered spouses and their children. Restraining orders typically direct the alleged perpetrator to stop doing certain acts or to stay away from the victim's home or workplace. There are several types of restraining orders: domestic violence restraining orders, harassment restraining orders, and child abuse restraining orders. This article discusses each type of restraining order, how to obtain a restraining order, and the consequences for violating a restraining order. More... |
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| Court Personnel |
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| The persons involved in a trial, besides the parties, include the judge, clerk of the court, court reporter, bailiff, staff attorneys, clerks and lawyers.
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