U.S. Legal Articles

Most US states follow the at-will employment doctrine, meaning an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason (except ille…

The FLSA establishes federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate over 40 hrs/week for non-exempt employees), recordkeep…

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Applies to employers with 15+ employees. Charge…

Eligible employees of covered employers can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family/medical reasons…

California employers must furnish accurate itemized wage statements showing gross wages, total hours, deductions, net wages, pay period date…

Prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Applies to rental, sa…

Most states cap security deposits at 1-2 months' rent and require return within 14-30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of deductions.…

All residential leases imply that the premises be fit for human habitation (heat, water, structural safety, no major pest infestations). Ten…

Buildings of 6+ units built before 1974 in NYC are generally rent stabilized. Annual rent increases set by the Rent Guidelines Board. Tenant…

Certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable: (1) contracts not performable within 1 year, (2) sale of goods $500+, (3) sale of la…

A valid contract requires: (1) Offer, (2) Acceptance, (3) Consideration (bargained-for exchange of value), (4) Mutual assent / Meeting of th…

Courts may refuse to enforce contracts or clauses that are unconscionable - both procedurally unfair (e.g., hidden in fine print, unequal ba…

Prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices. Collectors cannot call before 8am/after 9pm, contact you at wo…

Governs accuracy and use of consumer credit information. You're entitled to one free credit report per year from each major bureau (Equifax,…

Debts become 'time-barred' after the statute of limitations expires (typically 3-10 years depending on state and debt type). Making a paymen…

Small claims court handles minor civil disputes without lawyers and with simplified procedures. Monetary limits vary by state: typically $5,…

Although not always legally required, sending a written demand letter before filing suit is strongly recommended. It documents the dispute, …

After filing, the defendant must be formally 'served' with the complaint. Methods vary by state: personal service by sheriff/process server,…

Federal law governing consumer product warranties. If a manufacturer offers a written warranty, it must be clearly labeled 'Full' or 'Limite…

Requires lenders to disclose credit terms (APR, finance charges, total payments) in a standardized way. Gives consumers a 3-day right of res…

The Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties are the 'supreme Law of the Land.' When valid federal law conflicts with st…

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise; or abridging the freedom of speech, or …

The right of the people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon …

No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor …

All persons born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens. No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due proces…

Congress has power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. This clause is the const…

Federal statutes enacted by Congress are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.), organized into 54 titles by subject (e.g., Title 26 In…

Federal law can preempt state law expressly (statute says so), by field (federal scheme so pervasive it occupies the field), or by conflict …

Federal district courts have jurisdiction over cases arising under federal law (federal question, § 1331) and over disputes between citizens…

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin by employers with 15+ employees. Enforced by the…

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment (Title I), public services (Title II), and public accommodation…

Under the Tenth Amendment, powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states. States exercise 'police power' to regu…

Each state sets its own deadlines to file suit. Typical civil periods: personal injury 1–6 years, written contracts 3–10 years, oral contrac…

Residential tenancies are governed primarily by state statute and local ordinance, covering security deposit caps and return deadlines, requ…

Family law — marriage, divorce, child custody, support, and property division — is governed by state law. All states allow 'no-fault' divorc…

Every state has an Unfair or Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) statute prohibiting fraud and deception in consumer transactions. Many allo…

Common law develops through judicial decisions. Under stare decisis ('to stand by things decided'), courts follow precedent from higher cour…

Negligence requires four elements: (1) a duty of care, (2) breach of that duty, (3) causation (actual and proximate), and (4) damages. The s…

Absent a contract or statute, employment is presumed 'at-will': either party may end it at any time for any lawful reason. Recognized except…

A common-law (and in most states statutory) doctrine that residential leases include an implied promise that the premises are fit to live in…

A promise that the promisor should reasonably expect to induce action or forbearance, and that does induce such reliance, is binding if inju…

Established judicial review: the power of federal courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional. Chief Justice Marshall …

Before custodial interrogation, police must warn suspects of the right to remain silent, that statements may be used against them, and of th…

The Sixth Amendment right to counsel is fundamental and applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. States must provide an attor…

Held that racial segregation of public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, rejecting the 'separate but…

A citation like 'Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973)' names the parties, the reporter volume (410), reporter (U.S. = United States Reports), fi…

The APA governs how federal agencies propose and issue regulations and adjudicate cases. It requires notice-and-comment rulemaking (publish …

For most legislative rules, an agency must publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register, give the public an opportunity t…

In 2024 the Supreme Court overruled 'Chevron deference.' Courts must now exercise independent judgment in interpreting statutes and may not …

FOIA gives the public a right to request access to records from federal agencies. Agencies must disclose records unless they fall within nin…