About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Gun Laws and Regulations: A Legal Overview
As interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the individual right to possess firearms. At the same time, the Court has found that the Second Amendment is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable firearm regulations, though the legal standards for evaluating what is reasonable in gun regulations have changed over time. State and federal laws regulate the sale, transfer, and ownership of firearms. Gun laws can also regulate where and how …
What Is Required by Due Process?
The U.S. Constitution guarantees you due process protections against government interference. The federal government and its agencies must follow constitutional procedures in civil and criminal cases. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution extends due process protections to state and local governments as well. If you have questions about your due process rights and how you can protect your fundamental freedoms, talk to a local civil rights attorney. Due Process Requirements Due …
How To Get Legal Help for a Civil Rights Issue
The U.S. Constitution and its amendments, as well as federal and state laws, guarantee a wide range of civil rights to people in the United States. Unfortunately, civil rights violations happen all the time, perpetrated by government or private entities. When someone violates your civil rights, you need to take action to defend your rights. A civil rights attorney can help protect your rights and seek justice. Your civil rights legal options can depend on where you live. Contact a local civil …
How To Protect Your Digital Privacy Rights
Companies say they want your personal information to provide better service. However, many companies share or sell your data without your knowledge of where the data goes or how it will be used. When you use apps, software, websites, or smart devices, you are giving these companies access to your information. You have to be proactive to limit what information gets shared online. This article provides an overview of digital privacy protections and your right to privacy. For legal help with data …
Understanding Your Rights Under Title IX
Schools are supposed to be places of learning and opportunity for all students. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that furthers this goal by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs. Title IX applies to most elementary through higher education programs receiving federal financial assistance. The law also also protects students from sexual harassment in education. Schools have strict reporting requirements when they learn about possible Title IX violations. …
What Are My Rights as an LGBTQ+ Individual?
Legal protections have greatly expanded for the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. In fact, many civil rights protections have only been secured in the past couple of decades thanks to continued advocacy and civil rights litigation. For example, until a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision, many states criminalized sex between same-sex couples. Until a 2015 ruling, same-sex couples could not marry in all states. And until a 2020 ruling, employers could discriminate against employees on the basis of …
How To Recognize and Report Hate Crimes
Hate crimes involve criminal acts motivated by hate or bias towards a certain group of people. Hate crimes can involve violence, vandalism, or intimidation. Victims of hate crimes sometimes fail to report the incidents out of fear of retaliation. If you witness suspected hate crimes, it's important to report them to send a clear message to the community that such acts are not tolerated. This article provides an overview of hate crimes and how to recognize and report them. For legal advice on …
Can I Be Fired for My Political Beliefs?
Your free speech rights don't necessarily protect you from getting fired for your political views. This is because the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech from interference by the government, not private companies. And while employers can't fire you for discriminatory reasons, political opinion is generally not a protected category under discrimination law. Some state laws protect workers against termination based on their political affiliation or political …
What Speech Is Protected Under the First Amendment?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects your right to free speech from government restriction. Though the First Amendment’s protections are broad, not all types of speech are covered. Unprotected speech includes obscenity, fighting words, and defamation. This article provides an overview of free speech rights. For more information and legal representation, talk to a civil rights attorney. Overview of First Amendment Rights The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that …
Speeding Ticket Cameras: How They Work and What To Do
Many states and cities use speed cameras to issue speeding tickets without a traffic stop. Drivers receive a ticket in the mail days or weeks after the alleged speed violation. Dealing with speeding ticket cameras is different from challenging a ticket issued by the police. Understanding speeding ticket cameras and how they work can help you fight the ticket and keep your driving record clean. Speeding ticket camera laws vary by state. Some states don't allow speed cameras. For more information …
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