State Laws and Regulations

Dog bite laws by state fall into two main systems: strict liability and the one-bite rule, with strict liability used in most states. Your ability to recover depends on local statutes, defenses like provocation or trespassing, and any leash/ordinance violations. This article explains each state’s rule, major exceptions, and what victims must prove to pursue […]

Common-law marriage can make you legally married without a license in 9 U.S. states (and D.C.), based on your conduct. Typically, it requires capacity to marry, an agreement to be married, cohabitation, and holding yourselves out as spouses. This article explains what common-law marriage is, which jurisdictions recognize it, and how to prove or avoid […]