| The Introduction of Polygraphs or other Lie Detector Tests at Trial and Other Uses of the Polygraph |
|
| Generally, courts in most jurisdictions do not admit the results of polygraph or other lie detector examinations. Most courts find such results quite unreliable and untrustworthy. There are a number of states that will admit polygraph or lie detector tests results into evidence if both the prosecution and defendant agree that the test results will be admitted. More... |
|
|
| Loan Sharking or Usury |
|
| Loan sharking is defined as when a borrower is charged interest above an established legal rate. Depending on the state, lenders typically cannot charge more than 60% interest per year. Loan sharking is also commonly referred to as usury. More... |
|
|
| CLEMENCY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS |
|
| In some states, legislatures have recently enacted laws that grant the possibility of clemency by the states' governors for domestic violence victims who have been convicted of certain offenses, such as murder and manslaughter. In those states, the governors are entitled to request a clemency investigation by the states' parole boards into cases where defendants have pleaded guilty or have been convicted of those offenses when the offenses were directly related to the defendants' being victimized by domestic violence.
More... |
|
|
| FINES & COSTS |
|
| When a defendant is convicted of a criminal offense, the defendant is usually required to pay fines and costs as part of his or her sentence. If the defendant has only been ordered to pay fines and costs, the defendant will be discharged from a judgment requiring fines and costs upon full payment of the fines and costs to the proper authorities.
More... |
|
|
| FEDERAL HABEAS CORPUS PETITIONS |
|
| A state prisoner who is seeking federal habeas corpus relief must file a petition in a federal court. The petition does not need to be filed by the prisoner himself or herself. An attorney or a "next friend" of the prisoner may file the petition on behalf of the prisoner. More... |
|
|