Legalese
Legalese — Debtor’s Prison
A Court’s judgment, it is sometimes said, is worth no more than the paper it is written on. Indeed, I have a bookcase full of judgments which, if I could collect on them, I could […]
Columns
Columns
Legalese — Driver’s Services, the Courts, and DUI
Many people think that the Georgia Department of Drivers’ Services and the Municipal or Traffic Courts are related, since they both deal with traffic tickets and drivers’ licensing. This is not true. Neither agency has […]
Legalese
Legalese – ‘Presumption of Innocence’ what does it mean?
The phrase “presumption of innocence” has come across my social media feed quite a bit lately, and like many legal phrases which come across my social media feed from time to time, the lay understanding […]
Legalese
Legalese — Ambulance Chasers
There are any number of unpleasant nicknames that people have for lawyers, and one of the most common and easily recognized is “ambulance chaser.” Ambulance chasing refers to the practice of lawyers, or their employees […]
Legalese
Legalese — Stopping for a School Bus
There seems to be some basic confusion about when you do and don’t have to stop for a school bus, and, considering the law changed somewhat in Georgia this year, I thought I’d take this […]
Columns
Marching Band teaches teamwork and pride in accomplishment
From the Friday Night Lights to the fun and exciting competitions. Marching Band has been one of my best moments of high school. Marching band has taught me that everyone is an important aspect to […]
Columns
A Student’s Perspective on School Safety in Walton County
It’s most unfortunate that students today face potential dangers which their parents may have never even thought of as children. The way in which we as a society look at the humble school has changed […]
Legalese
Legalese – Violation of Probation
In my last column, I wrote about the trend towards misdemeanor bail reform in the American Criminal Justice System. Relatedly, there has been a lot of focus on misdemeanor probation. This is not so much […]
Legalese
Legalese — Bail Reform
There is a movement across the country as well as in Georgia regarding misdemeanor bail reform. The Judicial Council of Georgia recently put out a report from its Ad Hoc committee on the subject. A […]
Legalese
Legalese — Home is where the Picture of Mom is
Where do you live? It seems like a simple question for most people, but it isn’t for everyone. And, when you are talking about the law, it matters. You sue someone where they live. You […]
Legalese
Legalese — Going to Court
I am always surprised how unprepared people seem when they come to court, especially when they don’t have a good lawyer to advise them. Then again, having had a quarter century’s worth of experience in […]
Legalese
Legalese — What is Money?
What is money? Seems like a simple question, right? Money is your bank balance. Money is the paper bills in your wallet. Money is the coins you find between your sofa cushions and under your […]
Legalese
Legalese — DDS2go
When one thinks of the Department of Drivers’ Services, as a general rule, one does not immediately then think the word “efficient” or “user friendly.” And yet, sometimes, that’s exactly what Georgia’s DDS is. Enter […]
Legalese
Legalese — Roadblocks
Every once in a while, you can be driving along, minding your own business and following every traffic law, and still be legally stopped by the police. This type of stop can be called a […]
Legalese
Legalese — Is Your Driver’s License Suspended?
If you’ve ever been in a motor vehicle accident, you know that there is a lot to the aftermath. Hopefully, you’ve been able to walk away without any lasting injuries. There may be just a […]
Legalese
Legalese: Right-of-way
Most people know the basic rules of traffic, and what the basic signs mean. However, I have been asked from time to time about the concept of “right of way.” This concept not only regulates […]
Columns
Legalese — International Delegation of Judges
Note: the opinions and observations contained below are my own only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the individuals or agencies named below. I take full and sole responsibility for everything I’ve said. On […]
Legalese
Legalese — New Cell Phone Law
Most of us have had an experience on the road wherein we have seen someone driving erratically, weaving across lanes, or going crazy slow or fast, and then noticed that they were paying attention to […]
Legalese
Legalese — How a Bill Becomes Law
Those of us over 40 who fondly remember “Schoolhouse Rock” have some basic idea of how a bill becomes a law. “I’m just a bill, sitting here on Capital Hill….” Remember that guy? If you […]
Legalese
Legalese — Garnishment
Most of us have heard the phrase “garnish your wages” and have some vague idea about what that means. You probably know it has something to do with someone taking your paycheck from you, but […]