| Using Mediation in Workers' Compensation Appeals |
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| Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution. A mediator (neutral third party) helps the litigants resolve their dispute in an informal process. The mediator facilitates negotiations and helps the litigants identify issues, problem solve, and explore settlement possibilities. The mediator has no authority to make a decision about the case. Mediation is increasingly being used to resolve appeals in workers' compensation cases. More... |
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| Standards for Admitting Expert Testimony |
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| In 1993, the United States Supreme Court established standards for admitting expert testimony when it decided Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals. The Court held that for scientific evidence to be reliable, it has to be based on scientific validity. To be admissible at trial, a scientific theory has to have been tested and subjected to peer review and publication. The rate of error has to be shown, and there must be standards controlling any research on the theory. Finally, the theory has to be generally accepted in the scientific community. More... |
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| The Court's Management of High-Profile Cases |
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| Courts are sometimes faced with managing high-profile or notorious cases. The media frenzy surrounding such trials can make it a challenge to provide a fair trial, a right guaranteed by the Constitution. Besides celebrity cases, the courts face special challenges in handling brutal murder cases. More... |
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| Mandatory Continuing Legal Education |
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| After successfully completing law school, a law school graduate is required to pass a state bar examination before he or she will be admitted to the practice of law in the state. After admission to the state bar, 40 states require lawyers to continue their legal education during the period of time they actively practice law. The primary goal is to increase a lawyer's professional competence. Mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) courses are required in order for a lawyer to continue practicing law in that state. More... |
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| Paralegals |
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| Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. They perform a variety of duties that in the past were handled by attorneys. The attorney has ultimate responsibility for any legal work, and paralegals are not allowed to engage in the practice of law. They cannot give legal advice or present cases in court. More... |
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