Identifying legal issues is an important skill for law students to have, as it will prepare them for their career in the legal field. A legal issue can occur for many different reasons, such as unexpected events, problems at work, or family issues. However, to identify the best legal issue, you must understand what it is.
There are four main types of law in the United States. These types of law are criminal, civil, constitutional, and family.
Criminal cases involve enforcing public codes of behavior. Punishment can range from probation to prison, depending on the offense.
Civil cases involve disputes over money and property. Some examples of common civil issues include landlord/tenant disputes, breach of contract claims, and lawsuits for money. If you lose a civil case, you may ask for a writ of certiorari, which asks the court to reopen the case.
Family cases involve issues such as child custody, marriage and annulment. Unmarried parents can ask a family court to grant them legal custody or child support. If the marriage ends through divorce, the court can terminate the marriage. If the parents are separated, the court can also issue alimony and child custody orders.
A legal issue can be the result of an unexpected event, or a planned event, or a question that is undisputed by the parties. If you are having a legal question, you may want to ask your doctor for advice, or consult a lawyer.