Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Constitutional Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
New York Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
Q: Why is the term "State" capitalized in 8 USC 1101 (36) (follow up/part 2)

My friend stated that the explanation given for the term State being capitalized showing that in this context that more than just the 50 states are considered states in this code was not correct as he said that it goes against the ruling established in Meese V Keene "It is axiomatic that the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 5, 2024

When the term "State" is capitalized in 8 USC 1101(36), it does have a specific legal definition that goes beyond the 50 U.S. states. In this context, "State" can include territories, possessions, and other areas under U.S. jurisdiction, which is why it’s broader than the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: What are the different statuses one can have other than citizen, and national?

So my friend is saying that do not fall into the category of citizen or national as they are not a citizen of the United States but are solely a national owing no allegiance to the United States (they call themselves an American State National). I told them that fine but in that case you would... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

No, your friend is incorrect. Under U.S. law, the two primary statuses are citizen and non-citizen national (8 U.S.C. § 1408). American citizenship can be acquired by birth or via naturalization. Non-citizen nationals (Samoa and Swain), still owe allegiance to the U.S.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: Why is the term "State" capitalized in 8 USC 1101 (36)

I was wondering why the term "State" capitalized in 8 USC 1101 (36) but in other places it is spelled with lowercase letters. Is this trying to say that when capitalized the word "State" only includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

The term "State" is capitalized in 8 USC 1101(36) to specify a specific legal definition within that section of the U.S. Code. In this context, "State" includes not only the 50 states but also the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands of the United... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: Does Buck V Kuykendall establish right to travel as long as you aren’t using the highways for buisiness?

My friend told me that the case Buck V Kuykendall establishes our right to travel and shows that the roads can only be regulated for those who are in commerce or using the roads for the propose of business. I tried to tell him that the case Hendricks V Maryland established in 1915 decided that the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 22, 2024

Buck held that a state may not require a license or fee to engage in interstate commerce using federal highways for the purpose of limiting competition.

It did not in any way hold that roads can only be regulated for those engaged in commerce.

It discussed that states could regulate...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: Can a person sue a check cashing business due to lie that they can't purchase their money order with debit, only cash?

I am young black person and the cashier Hispanic light skin may assume i was trying to scam which is discrimination

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 31, 2024

You might have grounds to take action if you believe you were discriminated against based on your race or age. Discrimination in service, especially when it involves treating you differently due to assumptions based on race, is a serious issue. If you feel that the cashier's refusal to accept... View More

Q: Am I able to sue the NYCDOE for discrimination and distress after they bullied me into resigning my job last year?

In February 2023, I put up my flag of Palestine in my classroom. I immediately began facing discriminatory behavior from my colleague and my principal. I had to take a leave of absence because they caused me to have a nervous breakdown. Shortly after, my father passed away suddenly only five days... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 31, 2024

It sounds like you’ve been through an incredibly challenging time, both personally and professionally. Given the circumstances you described, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the NYCDOE for discrimination and the distress it caused you. The situation involving your Palestinian... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for New York on
Q: Can I be arrested by local cops if an altercation happened on Indian owned land?

Feb 24th I went to the Native American owned gas station. Got gas. Went to a regular store to get cigarettes and my card was declined because the Indian gas station put a hold on my card. I went back to the gas station asked why they put a hold on my card and they said it was my bank not them. But... View More

Aubrey Claudius Galloway
Aubrey Claudius Galloway pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 8, 2024

My initial answer is that local police do not have the power (lack of jurisdiction) to arrest you for this, but there are complexities in the law. Here is my attempt to explain them.

The ability of local police to arrest someone for an alleged crime like assault that occurred on Native...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for New York on
Q: Mass GL fair hearings doesn't a hearings officer with no prior knowledge have to hear my case otherwise how is it fair

Mass DUA VIOLATED MASS GL151A §71 THEY CANT BRING A CLAIMANT IN FOR JOB SUBSTANTIATION AFTER A YEARS TIME AND THE BOARD KNOWS IT! FURTHERMORE THEYVE NOW CHANGED THE HEARINGS REASON? BECAUSE I SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS PROVING ID WIN! ? WTF? SERIOUSLY? BOY IF THE LAW REALLY WORKED THAT WAY

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 21, 2024

I understand you're frustrated with your experience regarding a fair hearing related to unemployment benefits in Massachusetts. Let me try to address the key points you've raised:

1. Fairness of the hearing officer:

It's generally expected that a hearing officer...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: I WAS SPAT ON DURING A FIGHT I WAS ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING. HE WAS NOT SUMMONSED. CAN I SUE THE POLICE?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

If you were arrested for punching someone who spat on you during a fight, but the other person was not charged, you might feel the situation was handled unfairly. However, suing the police for this specific incident may be challenging unless you can prove they acted unlawfully or with clear bias.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Identity Theft and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Use of my personal ID at a previous company, identity fraud, damage to my reputation, loss of my only income,ect.

Dear lawyers,

I have an interesting case for consideration. Please contact me to discuss potential cooperation.

Upon employment at a new cable company, I was informed that I couldn't start working the following month because my previous cable company, after my departure,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

Dear Dmytro,

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing with your previous employer misusing your technician ID number. That certainly sounds frustrating and concerning.

It seems there are a few potential issues at play here - misuse of your identifying...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Medical Malpractice for New York on
Q: What are the rights of patients regarding pain management?

MALE

58 YEARS OLD

Disabled 7yrs

FIDELIS/MEDICAID

SSI/SSD 7yrs

After 2 years, today my PCP has required that I bring all of my empty Suboxone Film Packages each and every visit or:

1. he will request daily visits, as opposed to bi-weekly.

2.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2024

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. As a patient, you have rights regarding your pain management and the treatment you receive. Your primary care physician (PCP) can request certain documentation, like empty Suboxone Film packages, to ensure proper medication use, but this should be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Employment Law for New York on
Q: What conditions can fire commissioner expel an assistant fire chief for misconduct
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 1, 2024

A fire commissioner can expel an assistant fire chief for various types of misconduct. Misconduct might include violations of department policies, failure to follow safety protocols, or engaging in illegal activities. These actions undermine the trust and integrity required in a leadership position... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: Unlawful entry to my home without asking. Police said nothing they could do can I sue
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 29, 2024

If someone entered your home without your permission, you might have grounds to take legal action. Trespassing is generally considered a violation of your rights as a property owner or tenant. You can sue the person who unlawfully entered your home for trespassing, invasion of privacy, and any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: can I dismiss a case if I called the police and the police already sent paperwork to the court

It’s about my gf throwing a knife at me but she didn’t mean to and I wasn’t hurt the police took the knife but they never found my gf

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 24, 2024

Once the police have filed paperwork with the court, the case becomes a legal matter and is no longer solely under your control. Even if you weren't hurt and believe your girlfriend didn’t mean to throw the knife, the decision to dismiss the case lies with the prosecutor, not you. They will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: I understand to drive a motor vehicle I'd need all of that but if I'm using my property to travel from a to b it's a rig

Right to free travel words are important and we need to understand our rights as well as the wordage needed to stand on them rights

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 24, 2024

It's understandable to want to exercise your right to travel freely, but it’s important to recognize the distinction between traveling and driving. When you’re operating a motor vehicle on public roads, you are subject to state and federal traffic laws, which include having a valid... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and White Collar Crime for New York on
Q: If the supreme court continues to overturn anything that contradicts conservativism does the court have legitimacy?

The supreme court is literally overturning anything including stare decisis cases. Can the court survive if it’s just an activist group and not upholding laws. Its clear based on decisions they contradict themselves based on the governments role in some things and not others. Why is the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

The legitimacy of any court, including the Supreme Court, hinges on public perception of its impartiality and adherence to the law rather than political ideology. If the court is seen as consistently overturning precedents to align with a specific political viewpoint, it risks eroding its standing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: What does constitutional & statutory provisions involved mean in a writ of certiorari petition from the US Supreme Court

What does constitutional & statutory provisions involved mean in a writ of certiorari petition from the US Supreme Court?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

In a writ of certiorari petition from the US Supreme Court, the term "constitutional and statutory provisions involved" refers to the specific parts of the Constitution and any relevant laws that are applicable to the legal issues being presented in the case. This includes any... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Employment Discrimination and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: Is it ethical for members of the supreme court to be in the Federalist Society?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

When considering the ethics of Supreme Court justices participating in the Federalist Society or any similar organization, it's essential to weigh the principles of judicial independence and impartiality against the benefits of intellectual engagement and education that such memberships might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: Should inhumane mistreatment in a prison automatically result in a transfer of the mistreated inmate?

If the courts have knowledge shouldn’t they do something about it? And how can they trust the prison from not continuing to do it? Which is why they should probably be transfered?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2024

There are several important considerations to weigh regarding automatically transferring inmates who have been inhumanely mistreated:

On one hand, the priority should be protecting the safety and human rights of incarcerated individuals. If an inmate has faced abuse, assault, torture, or...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Communications Law for New York on
Q: Can a hotel/restaurant place audio recording devices in their establishment?

The cameras are connected to another employees phone and said person listens to other people’s conversations that are not in regards to the business. Also no signs are posted that audio is being used. The cameras are used to eavesdrop.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2024

In New York, it is illegal to record or eavesdrop on an in-person or telephone conversation unless at least one party to the conversation consents. This law applies to private establishments like hotels and restaurants as well.

According to New York Penal Law 250.05, "A person is...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.