About Canaan Suitt, J.D.

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Canaan Suitt, J.D. Articles written 155

Canaan Suitt received his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. After serving as a senior editor for the law school’s comparative law blog, he was a staff member of the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review (ELPR). As a legal intern at the National Center for State Courts, he assisted in international rule of law projects and policy review; as a research assistant, he studied political dynamics in the U.S. federal judiciary. His articles on law and philosophy have been published in the ELPR as well as the academic journal Dewey Studies. He loves using his background in research and writing to make legal information accessible. Canaan currently writes for SuperLawyers.com. In his free time, he enjoys reading, travel, and being a cat dad.

Articles written by Canaan Suitt, J.D.

Can You Sell Cannabis Products Across State Lines?

Restrictions on transporting cannabis out of state severely limit direct-to-consumer e-commerce

As of March 2023, 21 states plus Washington, D.C., have enacted full marijuana legalization. Many other states have decriminalized recreational use or allowed some form of medical marijuana. Eric D. Shevin, a cannabis law attorney, remembers the sense of excitement when California legalized recreational cannabis in 2015, becoming only the fifth state to do so.  Despite the state-level movement toward cannabis legalization, it remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. In …

Cannabis and Taxes: What Cannabis Business Owners Need to Know

You have to pay cannabis taxes without getting tax benefits

If you are a cannabis business owner or an investor seeking opportunities in the cannabis industry, you’re in for a tough time when it comes to taxes.  Though many states have either fully legalized or decriminalized cannabis, it remains federally illegal. As a result, cannabis businesses aren't entitled to any business tax deductions or benefits. But even in states where cannabis is legalized, taxes for the industry are onerous.   Potential cannabis entrepreneurs and investors …

Open Meeting Laws and Your Local Government

Understanding the public’s right to access meetings of public bodies

“A central idea in the United States is that we are a government by the people,” says Ian T. Baxter, a state & local government law attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  "We are governed by our peers. And the expectation is that you, as a citizen, have access to the government. Every single citizen and person has access."  How is the ideal of government transparency put into practice? One important way is through open meeting laws.  "Open meeting laws are geared toward …

Can I Sue My Local or State Government?

What to know about bringing personal injury lawsuits against the government

In most cases involving personal injury or property damage, private parties such as individuals or businesses are at fault. The person who suffered injuries can bring a lawsuit against them for compensation.  But what happens if the responsible party isn’t another individual or business but a government entity? Can you sue your state or local government?   The short answer to this question is: Yes. The full answer is more complicated.   Historically, thanks to a legal …

What Types of Compensation Can I Get in a Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuit?

Understanding damages in a bad faith insurance lawsuit

Insurance provides financial protection for losses resulting from illness, accidents, or other unfortunate events. Common types of insurance include:  Auto insurance  Homeowners’ insurance   Health insurance   In each type of insurance, you have an insurable interest in something–for example, your car or house–for which the insurance company promises to indemnify or compensate you in the event of damage or loss.   This means that as a policyholder, …

Tips for Reviewing a Sports Contract 

Making sure your sports contract is a win-win

Professional and student-athletes have to sign various legal documents throughout their career, including employment contracts and endorsement agreements. These documents set the terms and conditions of the player’s employment and the use of their name and image in merchandising.  If you are a student or professional athlete presented with a contract, it's wise to get an experienced sports law attorney to review the document. If there's an issue with the terms of the contract, the lawyer …

How Do I Prove a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?

Understanding how to challenge a bad faith claim denial

Insurance exists to cover your financial or economic losses in the event of personal injury or property damage.   Whether it's auto insurance, homeowners' insurance, or health insurance, you regularly pay a certain amount in premiums to the insurance company. In return, the insurance company promises that if you are involved in an accident or become sick, they will reimburse you for your expenses under the terms of the insurance agreement.   But what happens if you are in a …

Should I Get a Lawyer to File My Insurance Claim?

Understanding the factors that go into getting legal help

Insurance coverage is intended to reimburse you for losses resulting from personal injuries or property damage.   Common types of insurance policies include:  Auto insurance for car accidents and collisions  Homeowners insurance for storm damage, water damage, fallen trees, etc.  Health insurance to cover medical bills and other healthcare expenses  Most insurance claims are relatively straightforward and can be completed without the help of a lawyer. As long as …

My Insurance Claim Was Denied. What Can I Do?

Understanding the appeals process for a denied insurance claim

If you own a home or a car, or if you ever need medical care,  insurance is intended to protect you from the large expenses that could come with accidents or illness.  In exchange for paying premiums to the insurance company, the insurance company promises to provide financial coverage if certain events occur. If you’re in a car accident, your home is damaged in a storm, or you need surgery or other medical attention, insurance is there to cover those costs.  But imagine you have …

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Entertainment Licensing Agreement?

Get legal help to ensure your creative work is protected

If you are a creative professional who wants to let others use your work, it’s important to have a sound licensing agreement—one that establishes your interests and can be used to enforce your rights.  This article will introduce licensing agreements and why it’s a good idea to have a lawyer involved when drafting or negotiating these legal documents.   What Is “The Law of Entertainment?”  The term “law of entertainment” is, in a sense, a misnomer. “Entertainment …

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