In General

• When Should You Sue?  What you need to know before you file a lawsuit. (Nolo Press)
• Demand Payment Before You Sue  Settling your dispute may be easier than you think. (Nolo Press)
• Don't Sue Unless You Can Collect the Judgment  Even if you win a lawsuit, you may not be able to collect what you are owed. (Nolo Press)
• Do You Need a Lawyer? There are many types of legal problems. You may consider hiring a lawyer if you are accused of committing a crime, if you are involved in or are contemplating a lawsuit, or if you have been involved in an auto accident. (FindLaw)
• How to Survive an Encounter With an American Courtroom  Simple suggestions to save your sanity. (Nolo Press)
• Taking Legal Action  From MetLife Consumer Education Center. Covers how a lawsuit begins, having a lawyer provided for you, deciding whether to hire a lawyer, finding a lawyer and more.
• Ten Things to Think About - Lawsuits   Provides some issues to consider if you are or are about to be involved in a lawsuit. (FindLaw)
• What to Expect - A Lawsuit Chronology  Provides a general description of what is likely to happen in a lawsuit, as well as an introduction to some common words and phrases that come up. (FindLaw)
• Working with Your Lawyer  Here are a few ways you can help your lawyer with your lawsuit -- and increase your chances of success in court. (Nolo Press)

U.S. Courts

• A Brief Overview of the Supreme Court (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court. Covers the constitutional origin, jurisdiction, rulemaking power, and the term of the United States Supreme Court.
• Creating the Federal Judicial System, 3rd ed. (PDF) Explains the provisions of the 1789 Judiciary Act and the compromises it embodies; reviews the evolution of the federal judicial system during the 19th century; and analyzes the conditions and debates that led to the passage of the Evarts Act (1891), which established the three-tiered system that characterizes federal court structure today.
• History of Federal Judgeships Documents the process for soliciting and evaluating requests for additional appellate and district court judgeships, as well as for forwarding recommendations for these judgeships to Congress.
• Origins of the Elements of Federal Court Governance (PDF) Brief description of the history and evolution of the major elements--agencies, offices, organizations, positions, and entities--of federal court governance.
• The Court and Constitutional Interpretation (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The Court and Its Procedures (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The Court and Its Traditions (PDF) From the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Understanding the Federal Courts (PDF) Provides an overview of the organization, operation, and administration of the entire federal court system.

Representing Yourself in Court

• Hiring a Lawyer as Coach  Lawyers are finally recognizing that some clients need just a little help. (Nolo Press)
• How to Conduct Yourself in Court  A handful of tips to help you make a good impression on the judge. (Nolo Press)
• Lying in Court  Lying in court is common and rarely punished, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea. (Nolo Press)
• Personal Jurisdiction: In Which Court Can I Sue the Defendant?  Before you file a lawsuit, be sure the court has power over the individual or business that you want to sue. (Nolo Press)
• Preparing for a Jury Trial  What you need to know if you're representing yourself before a jury. (Nolo Press)
• State Courts: Different Courts Hear Different Types of Cases  Even if you determine that a state (not federal) court has the power to hear your case, you must check to see whether the state has a specialized court to handle your case's subject matter. (Nolo Press)
• State Courts: "Venue" Rules Govern Where You Can File Your Lawsuit  If you're going to bring a lawsuit in state court, this article will help you determine the proper county in which to file. (Nolo Press)
• Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Which Court Has Power to Hear My Case?  This article will help you determine whether you must file your lawsuit in federal or state court. (Nolo Press)
• Ten Tips for Staying Sane in Court  At some point during a lawsuit most people experience anger, frustration or depression. Here are some suggestions that will help you keep your mind clear and calm. (Nolo Press)
• What to Do After You File Your Lawsuit  The court clerk can fill you in on procedural details, but when it comes to conducting a case investigation you'll need to make a plan of your own. (Nolo Press)
• What to Do If the Other Side Has a Lawyer  It can be scary to represent yourself when your opponent has a lawyer, but if your claim is straightforward and you're well prepared, there's no need to back down. (Nolo Press)

Small Claims Court

• How Much Can I Sue for in Small Claims Court?  This chart tells you how much you can sue for in your state's small claims court. (Nolo Press)
• Appealing a Small Claims Court Case  The legal skinny on whether -- and when -- you can appeal your small claims case. (Nolo Press)
• Offering Witness Testimony in Small Claims Court  It's usually what you bring with you to court to back up your story -- not what you say -- that determines whether you'll win or lose. (Nolo Press)
• If You're Sued in Small Claims Court, But the Other Party is Really At Fault  What to do if you want to bring your own lawsuit against the person who's suing you. (Nolo Press)
• Organizing Your Small Claims Testimony and Evidence  Impress the judge by keeping your comments and paperwork in good order. (Nolo Press)
• Presenting Your Case to a Judge  Increase your chances of winning by knowing what to say to the judge and practicing in advance. (Nolo Press)
• Tax Court: The Small Case Division  The federal Tax Court has a special division for small cases. If you're facing a dispute with the IRS, it may be just what you need. (Nolo Press)
• Taking a Business Customer to Small Claims Court  Widespread increases in small claims court dollar limits create an increasingly attractive arena in which business people can resolve their disputes. (Nolo Press)
• The Defendant's Small Claims Options  Learn what to do -- and not to do -- if someone sues you in small claims court. (Nolo Press)
• What Types of Cases Can Be Resolved in Small Claims Court?  Thinking about taking someone to small claims court? This article helps you determine whether your case is eligible. (Nolo Press)

Juries

• Has the Jury Decided? What Juries Use to Make Up Their Minds  From the National Science Foundation. Covers the art of persuasion, witness testimony, and more.
• Jurors' Handbook - A Citizens Guide to Jury Duty   From the Fully Informed Jury Association. Covers a juror's duties, rights and powers.

Collecting a Court Judgment

• Collect Your Court Judgment From Deposit Accounts  If you can find the debtor's bank accounts, you greatly increase the chance of collecting what you're owed. (Nolo Press)
• Collect Your Court Judgment With a Real Estate Lien  Learn what a real estate lien is, and how it might help you get your money. (Nolo Press)
• Collect Your Court Judgment With a Wage Garnishment  If the debtor has a job, you may be able to grab up to 25% of his wages. (Nolo Press)
• Collecting a Court Judgment: You're on Your Own  This article contains a host of useful tips to help you collect what the defendant owes you. (Nolo Press)
• Can You Collect Your Judgment?  Even if you win a lawsuit, you may not be able to collect what you're owed. Before you sue, make sure your opponent is solvent and has assets you can grab if he or she refuses to pay voluntarily. (Nolo Press)
  

Lawyers & Legal Malpractice

• A Fair Price for Legal Services Covers how lawyers' fees generally work. (FindLaw)
• Fees & Costs Describes different kinds of legal fees, how to manage legal costs and expenses, and how to handle fee disputes. (FindLaw)
• Understanding Lawyer Fees  Money isn't everything when it comes to getting good legal advice, but it certainly matters. (Nolo Press)
• Finding Free Legal Services  Four situations in which you may qualify for free legal help. (Nolo Press)
• Ways to Save on Legal Fees  Lawyers are expensive, but there are lots of ways to keep costs down. This article shows you how. (Nolo Press)
• What to Do When You're Mad at Your Lawyer  You've steamed, you've muttered, you've yelled. Now what? Here are some strategies designed to get results in some common situations. (Nolo Press)
• What You Should Expect From a Lawyer  If you're dissatisfied with your lawyer, this article will help you determine whether your complaints are reasonable. (Nolo Press)

Miscellaneous

• Do's and Don'ts - Being a Witness  Discusses what to do if you are subpoenaed as a witness for a trial. (FindLaw)
• Accomplices, Accessories, Aiders, and Abettors  Anyone who intentionally participates in a crime or helps a criminal before or after the crime may be held responsible for it. (Nolo Press)