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English Common Law

e American judicial system has its origin in English common law. English common law is made up of two distinct court systems--courts of law (which can award money damages) and courts of equity (also called courts of chancery, which have the power to grant equitable remedies).

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

The U.S. Congress passed a law authorizing the federal judiciary to adopt rules of practice and procedure for federal court proceedings. Congress also created a body called the Judicial Conference of the United States to administer the federal courts. The Supreme Court of the United States can prescribe federal procedural rules, and the Judicial Conference has authority to recommend changes to the rules. Any rules adopted by the Supreme Court are subject to congressional review.

Judgments by Confession and Judgments by Warrant of Attorney

A confession of judgment means the entry of a judgment on the confession (admission) of the defendant, usually a debtor. The defendant admits his or her liability for the debt. Judgments by confession are void as against public policy in some states, while other states permit judgments by confession. A warrant of attorney is a written document that gives an attorney the power to confess judgment against the defendant on a debt.

Legal Ethics and Legal Malpractice

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 passing the bar examination, an attorney takes an oath of office. Once admitted to the bar of a state, an attorney's conduct is regulated by rules of professional conduct.

Overview of Administrative Law

Administrative law is the body of law that is created by the rules, regulations, and decisions of federal, state, and municipal administrative agencies.