Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: common-law pleading
Admission to practice: Becoming a lawyer is different in each state. The state's courts, legislatures, and bar association make rules for who can become a lawyer. These rules must be fair and related to a person's ability to practice law. To become a lawyer, a person usually needs to be a good person, live or work in the state, go to law school, and pass a test. The test has two parts: one part is about basic law, and the other part is about the law in that state. Some states also test a person's knowledge of how to be a good lawyer. If someone is not allowed to become a lawyer, they can ask a court to look at their case. When someone becomes a lawyer, they promise to follow the rules and help the court, state, and country. They also need to get a license to practice law. Sometimes, a lawyer from one state can practice law in another state without taking another test.
Admission to the practice of law means being allowed to work as a lawyer. Each state has its own rules and regulations for admission to the bar. These rules must follow the Constitution and be related to a person's ability to practice law.
To become a lawyer, a person must have good moral character, be a resident or employed in the state, graduate from an accredited law school, and pass a bar examination. Some states also require a test on professional ethics.
The bar examination usually has two parts. The first part is a test on basic areas of the law, and the second part is focused on the law of the individual state. If a person is rejected for admission to the bar, they can appeal through the state court system.
After passing the bar examination, a lawyer must take an oath, register with the court, and receive a license to practice. If a lawyer is already a member of the bar in one state, they may be allowed to practice in another state without taking another examination.
Example: John wants to become a lawyer in California. He must have good moral character, live or work in California, graduate from an accredited law school, and pass the California bar examination. If he passes, he must take an oath, register with the court, and receive a license to practice law in California.
Example: Sarah is a lawyer in New York and wants to practice law in New Jersey. She can apply to become a member of the New Jersey bar without taking another examination because she is already a member of the New York bar.