Law and Daily Life

We've all seen those mall jail cells in TV shows and in movies like "Paul Blart: Mall Cop." But what exactly are the legal rights of security guards in malls and stores to detain you in those mall jails?

Independence Day, also known colloquially as the Fourth of July, celebrates America's formal declaration of independence from colonial rule. The Second Continental Congress officially adopted the final version of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But beyond the official creation and adoption of one of our nation's founding documents, how did the Fourth of July come to be a federally recognized holiday?

Following the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, a bipartisan group of Senate negotiators announced that they reached a deal on gun safety measures. This means that Congress could pass significant gun-control measures for the first time in decades.

When your child turns 18, there are many things to look forward to: graduation ceremonies, bright futures, and moving out of your house (eventually). However, one thing you may not be aware of is how the magic age of 18 suddenly turns your "child" into an adult under the law.

Giving your friend one of your prescription painkillers or other prescription medication might seem like a no-brainer. If your friend is in pain, why wouldn't you try to help? Well, tragically, in this context being a good Samaritan could get you in a bit — or a lot — of trouble. Sharing prescription medications of any kind violates state and federal laws, which can lead to a range of criminal consequences. This can include fines, community service, probation, and even time in prison.

When we think of religion and abortion, we tend to focus on religion's role in the anti-abortion movement. New laws banning abortions 15 weeks after conception go into effect this summer in Arizona and Florida. Oklahoma and Texas now ban abortions after detection of a "fetal heartbeat," usually about six weeks after conception. Oklahoma is also the first state to pass a "fetal personhood" law giving fertilized eggs the same rights as human beings — five other states are also considering it. And now the U.S. Supreme Court may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade putting numerous "trigger laws" into effect across the country.