What Courts Have Said About Sovereign Citizen Arguments
Strawman, redemption and "secret account" theories use real legal words. Here are the real concepts behind them and what courts have said, so you can decide…
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Legal newsletter
The Lawtopolis newsletter
Our legal newsletter publishes plain-English articles on court procedure, foreclosure, commercial law and legal research — each built on the official sources.
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The 120-Day Rule: When a Mortgage Servicer Can Start Foreclosure
Federal servicing rules limit how soon foreclosure can begin on most home loans. Here is how the 120-day rule and the loss mitigation protections work.
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How to Read a Court Rule and Confirm It Is Current
Court rules decide deadlines, formats and what a filing must contain. Here is a simple method to read a court rule correctly and confirm it is…
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Who Can Enforce a Promissory Note Under the UCC?
Owning a debt and having the right to enforce the note are not always the same thing. Here is how UCC Article 3 decides who may…
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Judicial vs. Nonjudicial Foreclosure: Which One Applies to You?
Foreclosure happens in one of two ways: through a lawsuit, or under a power-of-sale clause without one. Here is how to tell which applies.
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Served With a Lawsuit? What Happens Next in Federal Court
Being served with a lawsuit starts a clock. Here is how the first weeks of a federal civil case work, from the summons to the answer…
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About the Lawtopolis legal newsletter
Our legal newsletter goes deeper than a single guide. For example, an article may walk through the first weeks after you are served with a lawsuit, or explain how the federal 120-day rule fits with state foreclosure law.
Every article follows our editorial standards. First, it relies on primary sources such as rules, statutes and court decisions. Next, it links to the official text. Then it points you to the library pages where each topic is covered in full.
You can also read the law directly. For instance, the United States Code and the current federal court rules are free online. The newsletter explains the law in general, however, and it is not legal advice.
New articles appear here as they pass source review. Meanwhile, the best place to start is the guide that matches your question. For example, the foreclosure guides cover judicial and nonjudicial sales, and the commercial law guides cover notes and assignments.
Each article is written for readers without a law degree. So we define technical words the first time they appear, and we link each one to its glossary entry.
We also keep articles short enough to read in one sitting. Where a topic needs more depth, the article points you to the full guide or to the procedure page that covers it.
Finally, if you spot an error in any article, please tell us through the contact page. We check every report against the source and update the article when the source supports the change.
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.