Philadelphia Lawyer
Philadelphia Lawyer
For helpful tips finding Philadelphia Lawyer please see our guide to choose a lawyer in the right column. For your convenience we have included resources for you to continue your search below.
Pennsylvania Constitution Excerpts
Inherent Rights of Mankind
Section 1.
All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness.
Religious Freedom
Section 3.
All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship or to maintain any ministry against his consent; no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience, and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious establishments or modes of worship.
Trial by Jury
Section 6.
Trial by jury shall be as heretofore, and the right thereof remain inviolate. The General assembly may provide, however, by law, that a verdict may be rendered by not less than five-sixths of the jury in any civil case.
Security From Searches and Seizures
Section 8.
The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions from unreasonable searches and seizures, and no warrant to search any place or to seize any person or things shall issue without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation subscribed by the affiant.
Rights of Accused in Criminal Prosecutions
Section 9.
In all criminal prosecutions the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and his counsel, to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and in prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the vicinage; he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty or property, unless by the judgment of his peers or the law of the land. The use of a suppressed voluntary admission or voluntary confession to impeach the credibility of a person may be permitted and shall not be construed as compelling a person to give evidence against himself.
Initiation of Criminal Proceedings; Twice in Jeopardy; Eminent Domain
Section 10.
Except as hereinafter provided no person shall, for any indictable offense, be proceeded against criminally by information, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service, in time of war or public danger, or by leave of the court for oppression or misdemeanor in office. Each of the several courts of common pleas may, with the approval of the Supreme Court, provide for the initiation of criminal proceedings therein by information filed in the manner provided by law. No person shall, for the same offense, be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall private property be taken or applied to public use, without authority of law and without just compensation being first made or secured.
Bail, Fines and Punishments
Section 13.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted.
Prisoners to be Bailable; Habeas Corpus
Section 14.
All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offenses when the proof is evident of presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.
Special Criminal Tribunals
Section 15.
No commission shall issue creating special temporary criminal tribunals to try particular individuals or particular classes of cases.
Insolvent Debtors
Section 16.
The person of a debtor, where there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditors in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Choosing a Lawyer
Do I really need to hire a lawyer in Philadelphia? This is the first question you need to ask yourself. In many cases you may be able to handle the situation without hiring a lawyer. If it is a small problem that can be managed without the consultation of a professional you may be able to save a considerable amount of money. If it is a serious situatuion than it is important that you speak with a good lawyer as soon as possible to avoid any long term problems..
Where can I find the best Philadelphia lawyers? There are many ways to find a great lawyer online that is local to your area. You can search in directories online where a great deal of information is available about each law firm and partner. You can also check with local associations for referrals and recommendations. While every issue is important there is one final question you should ask yourself before hiring a lawyer in Philadelphia. Are you comfortable with that lawyer and are you confident in their abilities? If the answer is anything other than a resounding "yes " you should keep looking for the lawyer that is right for you.
Lawyers typically specialize in the following fields:
- Administrative Law
- Agriculture Law
- Antitrust & Trade Regulation
- Banking Law
- Bankruptcy Law
- Civil Rights
- Commercial Law
- Communications Law
- Constitutional Law
- Construction Law
- Contracts
- Corporation & Enterprise Law
- Criminal Law
- Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
- Divorce Law
- Education Law
- Entertainment & Sports Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Gaming Law
- Health Law
- Immigration Law
- Injury and Tort Law
- Insurance Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Law
- Labor & Employment Law
- Litigation
- Military Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Probate, Trusts & Estates
- Property Law & Real Estate
- Securities Law
- Tax Law
- Transportation Law
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