FEDERAL HABEAS CORPUS PETITIONS

A state prisoner who is seeking federal habeas corpus relief must file a petition in a federal court. The petition does not need to be filed by the prisoner himself or herself. An attorney or a "next friend" of the prisoner may file the petition on behalf of the prisoner.

REQUESTS FOR JURY INSTRUCTIONS

Both the prosecution and a defendant have a right to request that certain instructions be submitted to a jury when a trial court charges the jury. A request for the instructions must be made in writing and must be presented to the trial court prior to the trial court's charge to the jury. The request may also be dictated to a court reporter in the presence of the trial court and counsel for both parties.

Alien Terrorists and Other Crimes and Penalties under the PATRIOT Act

The PATRIOT Act has numerous provisions preventing alien terrorists from entering into the United States. The Act focuses particularly on Canada due to their liberal policy permitting most individuals to enter their country. The Act also permits law enforcement authorities to detain and deport alien terrorists. Individuals who support the alien terrorists may also be deported under the Act.

Embezzlement and False Entries within Financial Institutions

There are numerous types of financial institutional fraud. Some of the types include both embezzlement and false entries made by representatives of financial institutions.

SCHOOL SEARCHES

The basic requirement for a search of a student is the reasonableness of the search. If the school officials have a reasonable belief that the search will produce evidence that the student has violated any rules of the school, the officials may search the student.