Ask a Lawyer

Protesting is generally protected by the First Amendment, but protesting becomes harassment when it involves targeted, repeated conduct directed at a specific individual or entity with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or substantially interfere with that person’s or entity’s rights, safety, or property. The distinction depends on whether conduct is targeted versus general, repeated versus…

Protesting is legal under the First Amendment when it is peaceful, non-disruptive, and conducted in compliance with local laws. Protesting becomes illegal when it involves violence, threats, property damage, blocking traffic or access, violating permit requirements, violating noise ordinances, trespassing on private property without permission, or substantially disrupting public order. On January 6, 2026, Arizona…

Protesting in a church is legal under the First Amendment when conducted on public property outside the church building or on church property with permission. However, protesting inside a church building without permission may violate trespassing laws, disorderly conduct statutes, or the federal FACE Act. The legality depends on location (public vs. private property), whether…

A bill becomes a law through a multi-step legislative process: introduction in either the House or Senate, committee review, floor debate and amendments, passage by both chambers with simple majority votes, and presidential action—signing, vetoing, or allowing the bill to become law without signature. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in…

New Jersey classifies e-bikes into three categories based on motor power and speed. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes don’t require registration, while Class 3 e-bikes are treated as motorized bicycles requiring licensing and registration. E-bikes are generally permitted on roads and bicycle paths where traditional bicycles are allowed, but local municipalities can impose additional…

If martial law is declared, your immediate steps should be: (1) stay informed through official government channels and credible news sources; (2) comply with lawful orders from military and law enforcement authorities; (3) document any government actions affecting your rights or property; (4) protect your family, home, and essential documents; (5) know that constitutional protections…

Civil law and common law are two distinct legal systems that differ fundamentally in how they create, interpret, and apply law. Common law systems—used in 49 U.S. states—rely on judicial precedent and case law to establish legal principles, while civil law systems—used in Louisiana and some U.S. territories—rely on comprehensive written legal codes and statutes…

New Jersey’s e-bike safety legislation—Bill S4834/A6235, passed by the Legislature on January 13, 2026 and awaiting Governor Murphy’s signature or veto—would require driver’s licenses, Motor Vehicle Commission registration, and liability insurance for all electric bicycles, including low-speed models under 20 mph. The bill awaits final approval before becoming law, giving e-bike owners time to prepare…

The FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act), codified at 18 U.S.C. § 248, is a federal law enacted in 1994 that prohibits violence, threats, intimidation, and property damage targeting individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services, as well as individuals at places of religious worship—the law is enforced by the Department of…