| 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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| Probate Courts |
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| A probate court is a specialized court that handles the probate of wills, administers the estate (property) of a deceased person, appoints guardians for minors and incapacitated adults, and orders the involuntary hospitalization of persons in need of medical treatment. In some states, the probate court also deals with such issues as terminating parental rights and approving adoptions. Some probate courts also issue marriage licenses and grant name changes. The probate court in New York, as well as in some other states, is called the surrogate's court. Ohio has a probate division in the common pleas court, which is the trial level court in Ohio. More... |
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| The United States Supreme Court and Judicial Review |
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| The United States Constitution establishes three branches of government--the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. The executive branch, headed by the President of the United States, carries out, executes, and administers the law. The United States Congress, the legislative branch of government, makes or enacts the law. The judicial branch, headed by the United States Supreme Court, interprets laws and resolves disputes that arise under the laws. More... |
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| Judges' Membership in Discriminatory Organizations |
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| Every state has a code of judicial conduct that sets ethical guidelines for judges. All states have judicial conduct commissions with the power to investigate, prosecute, and decide cases of judicial misconduct. There is also a code of conduct for federal judges. The code of judicial conduct requires a judge to avoid not only impropriety but also the appearance of impropriety. The code of judicial conduct also covers judicial integrity, independence, diligence and impartiality. Membership in discriminatory organizations is currently a controversial topic. More... |
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| Uniform Acts and Model Acts |
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| The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws was created in 1892. The National Conference is composed of more than 300 Uniform Law Commissioners. The Commissioners are lawyers who are appointed from each state. The Commissioners draft uniform or model legislation that addresses problems that are common to all states. The National Conference finances its activities through funds appropriated by state legislatures. The goal of the National Conference is to encourage the adoption of laws that are consistent throughout the states.
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