The Courts & Due Process
Civil stewards are knowledgeable about rights and ready to stand up for the rights of others.
What You Can Do
Make sure you know what your rights are! You can’t stand up for yourself or others if you are not familiar with what your rights actually are. There are a variety of learning opportunities so that you are fully empowered with the understanding legal terms, your own rights and opportunities to stand up for your rights and the rights of others.
Kinds of Law
There are different ways to view law, be it by the types of law (case law, statutory or regulatory) or by court type (criminal, civil, or administrative) or by the various fields of which there are dozens (intellectual property, immigration, tax, real estate, etc). Understanding the types and fields will help you navigate your rights.
Legal Defense
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right of council to one accused of a crime. That counsel can be retained privately if the accused chooses. In the event someone accused cannot retain an attorney, one will be appointed by the court. Court-appointed attorneys are bound by the same rules, restrictions and privilege that a private attorney should provide.
The Courts
There are 94 district courts, 13 circuit courts, and one Supreme Court and countless city and county courts across the country. Understanding jurisdiction is important to understand how and where your legal concerns will be addressed.
Readings & Resources
Institutions & Organizations
NAACP
The NACCP envisions “an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.”
Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Justice
“The Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CHRCL) is a legal support center that advances and protects the rights of immigrants, refugees, children, and marginalized communities by providing training and technical support to direct legal service providers, pursuing impact litigation, and engaging in advocacy.”