Health care, immigration, and the environment are some of the most important legal issues for the future. These issues will continue to play an important role in national and global dialogues.
The Biden administration has reinforced the federal government’s commitment to health care pricing information. However, the FTC is considering challenges to physician group mergers and has announced a study on non-price factors, which could result in enforcement activity. In addition, a US case will determine liability for human trafficking in hotels, while courts will also address corporate involvement in facilitating trafficking.
Whistleblower claims soared in 2021 due to concerns about facemask policies and personal protective equipment. Similarly, issues related to immigration and COVID-19 vaccinations were a big topic of discussion. While many health care employers were torn between implementing vaccination policies and forgoing them, President Biden ordered mandatory vaccination mandates for all federal contractors and private sector businesses with more than 100 employees in September 2021.
The definition of diversity grew in 2021, with terms such as “microaggressions” and “unconscious bias” becoming more prominent. Additionally, many people were affected by climate change, which will be addressed by courts and legislators.
In addition to the above, courts will continue to focus on issues involving immigrants and human trafficking. Among the issues courts will address are corporate involvement in facilitating the trafficking of persons, as well as detention of asylum seekers.
Complex litigation requires large amounts of money and often includes multiple parties. Typically, a defendant will receive court papers, which are referred to as an arraignment. He or she may then enter a plea.
The case flow coordinator is the person who keeps track of cases and schedules hearings and trials. He or she is usually a state-appointed person, but can be a judge, constitutional referee, or attorney. This person is responsible for deciding what cases to try and which ones to dismiss.
Evidence is testimony and documents presented at trial. For a criminal case, an interpreter is provided at no cost to the person in need.
An attorney of record is the name of a party that appears on the permanent records of the case. They are the person who is representing the client during the litigation.
Bail is the amount of money or property that a court gives to the defendant in order for him or her to be released temporarily. If the defendant fails to appear in court, he or she may be liable to pay the bail amount. Also, if a defendant is found guilty, he or she can be placed on probation. After a period of time, he or she is released from probation. Often, a person will receive a conditional discharge, requiring him or her to follow certain conditions.
During a divorce or custody dispute, an automatic order is issued that takes effect immediately. A declaration is an unsworn statement of facts that is made by one party to a transaction. It is generally signed by the party, but can be written by anyone with an interest in the transaction.