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COVID-19 California Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice for California on
Q: Can I sue a hospital for refusal of medical care based on discrimination of my homelessness and substance use history?

I went to the hospital that diagnosed me and has my MRI results because that's where I received referrals to spinal surgery and orthopedic surgery. They refused to treat me because I have a substance abuse history and am homeless. A doctor at the hospital revealed to me that they were not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2023

Under California law, you may have grounds to sue a hospital if you can prove that they refused medical care based on discrimination against your homelessness or substance use history. This could potentially violate both state and federal laws, including the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Construction Law for California on
Q: 1st Amendment violation when courts don't make available ALL crim court hearings to out of state residents via audiofeed

My 26 year old daughter, mother of three girls, 8,6,3, was arrested in San Luis Obispo County, California April 6 for 3 felony counts of PC237 A(A), along with her boyfriend whom she shares the youngest child. I am her mother, and I live and work full-time in Alaska. I hold a Bachelor of Science... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2023

It is possible that the court's decision to not make available all criminal court hearings to out of state residents via audio feed could be a violation of the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects the right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to attend public hearings. If... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Where can I find an attorney that will take a prisoners rights case that contains deliberate indifference?

The incident involves State prison and correctional health executives transferring over 100 prisoners from a Covid19 Hotspot to another facility that had no Covid19 cases. I was among those at the receiving facility who then became ill as a result of that transfer. The executives acted with... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Apr 10, 2021

You can find many good law firms in and around Oakland and San Francisco who are experts in civil rights cases of the kind you describe. It seems you already have developed a good bit of evidence to support your case. I suggest you prepare a chronology of the events, if you haven't already... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Is there any legal standing for harassment protection from being forced to wear a face mask as condition of employment?

I am being forced to wear a mask at my desk. I already got covid and recovered in a couple of days.

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Feb 23, 2021

The short answer is no. Even though you were fortunate to recover from Covid-19, you can still spread the virus to others. Your employer is most likely required by your county health department to continue requiring all employees to wearing a mask if you are otherwise in an indoor, office setting... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Consumer Law for California on
Q: I believe I have been discriminated against and there has been disparity in treatment against my as a member of Kaiser.

My (minor) daughter had a procedure in the Surgery Department of Kaiser Permanente. My wife and I were both present. I was told (during sign in) that only 1 parent would be allowed to be with the child/patient due to COVID restrictions. To which I replied, that I understood (which Is also written... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Nov 12, 2020

I do not see a claim for discrimination. These protocols are applied to all of us. I, too, have had to wait outside the medical facility for my family member.

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can I sue a grocery store for harassment and discrimination for not wearing a mask?

I, and a friend, were harassed and discriminated against by two employees for not wearing a mask while shopping at a local grocery store. I can't afford to hire an attorney, so I'll have to go pro per. Are there any cases for a similar lawsuit? Thanks.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 30, 2020

The law, in the form of Executive Orders by the California Governor, makes it UNLAWFUL for you to refuse to wear a mask when going in public or into grocery stores. So you want to sue the store because they did not want you to break the law in the store.

Well, Sorry to tell you, they...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Can a customer with a disability enter a store in Orange County CA without a mask?

The store has a face requirement sign outside, provides curbside pick up at no extra cost and delivery via instacart, and allows scarfs/face shields or thin cloth like scarfs.

Also, would not allowing entry (however still offering service through curbside pickup or delivery) be considered... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Jul 25, 2020

The store can require you to wear a mask if you want to shop inside the store. It is a state requirement that everyone must wear a mask if you want to go inside any store which remains open for business in California. Last I checked, Orange County was still part of California. The governor has... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: What can you be charged with if you do not wear mask per the June 18/20 CDPH Guidance on "must wear face coverings"?

The California Department of Public Health issued a GUIDANCE on June 18/20 stating that "People in California must wear face coverings..."

- Is a GUIDANCE the same and an Order or a Law?

- Can police enforce this guidance?

- What can you be charged with if you do not choose to wear a mask?

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 20, 2020

The new orders issued yesterday and today from the Office of the Governor now create a state-wide mandate for the use of masks in public places. This means if you are over 2 years old (because if you are under 2 you cannot read the Order) you have to wear a face mask, waiting in line to enter a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Antitrust, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Can News paper censor comment I posted on the news website

I commented on a article that was related to Covid-19 there were hundreds of defamatory comments about An individual who had his grocery’s taken for not wearing a mask .my comment was simply this.

I wrote “ask-yourself how many people you come into contact with on a Daily basis.... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on May 23, 2020

Newspapers regularly decide which letters to publish. Your comments are no different than a letter to the editor. They don't have to print every letter they get, and the same goes for the comments to their articles online. The editors always have the last say on what gets published, even in... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: My sister urinated in store while paying for her groceries. Not allowed to use restroom.

Waited in line to enter store. Shopped. Needed to use restroom, but was denied access. Wrapped up her shopping because she needed to urinate. Begged employees to let her use facilities. Was advised to speak to a manager. No manager made themselves available. At check out, she begged cashier again... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on May 11, 2020

Businesses are allowed to restrict bathroom access to employees, unless there is a local ordinance to the contrary.

There is no suggestion that your sister suffered from some medical condition that made here incontinent. However, even if that was the case, I doubt that she has a valid...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Can a store deny me service for not being able to buy mask

I sent to my local 99 cent store to purchase battery and they had there security gaurd stop me from entering the store without a mask they said I could not enter and they will refuse service and that it was the law

Daniel Timothy LeBel
Daniel Timothy LeBel
answered on May 8, 2020

The security guard was correct. It would be a violation of the law for the store to allow you to enter. Under current state and local county orders concerning the COVID-19 pandemic all patrons of grocery or other retail stores are required to wear masks for their own safety, for the safety of other... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What California health and safety codes authorizes social distancing and stay at home order?
Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Apr 17, 2020

The United States Constitution, as well as the California Constitution, provide all the authority necessary for both the Federal and State Governments to implement urgent policies in the event of a worldwide pandemic.

The President issued a National Emergency notice on or about March 13,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: CA Governors powers under the Covid 19 emergency

The State of CA under the Covid 19 emergency has told tenants, broadly, that they do not have to pay rent to their landlords for up to 90 days. This, in spite of the fact that a legal contract exists between tenant and landlord. Can this be considered a "seizure" without due process under... View More

John Francis Nicholson
John Francis Nicholson
answered on Apr 6, 2020

It is not a seizure because the government isn't taking anything. A pandemic singularly triggers emergency government powers to become effective that would otherwise lay dormant. Further the state is not tearing up a contract. The tenant is breaching the contract by not paying rent, and you... View More

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