Criminal Justice USA

100 Free DIY Legal Resources on the Web

Posted by Site Administrator on 12/17/2008 | 0 Comments

If only you had the time and money to go back to school and get a law degree. Then, you’d be able to understand business contracts, real estate forms, your divorce papers and even the news a little better. But since we’re pretty sure you’re like us and don’t have the time and money to go to law school in your spare time, we’ve compiled a list of 100 online legal resources that help you manage your own cases and questions.

Search Tools

Use these search engines and search tools to get connected to legal materials faster, without having to sort through a bunch of junk you don’t need.

1. FindLaw Cases and Codes: Look up case summaries, jurisdictions, historical documents and more with this tool.
2. LawGuru: This legal research tool is totally free and searches more than 535 engines.
3. ‘Lectric Law Library: This irreverent law search tool is powered by Google.
4. Public Legal: Learn about the law and legal profession when you start your search here.
5. Meta-Index for U.S. Legal Research: The GSU College of Law operates this search resource for DIY lawyers and students.
6. Law.com Quest: Here, you can "search the legal web" to find legal blogs, law firm websites and more.
7. MegaLaw: Look up everything from federal cases to legal forms to family law on this site.
8. FindForms: Locate legal forms, from confidentiality agreements to bankruptcy forms, by using this tool.
9. Law Forum: Find lawyers and locate legal resources by state or by category.
10. The Virtual Chase: Browse categories like foreign law, legal reference, state law and more here.

Glossaries and Legal Terms

Look up confusing legal terms and Latin words with these glossaries.

11. Law.com Dictionary: Look up legal definitions using this powerful tool.
12. Everybody’s Legal Glossary: Nolo’s legal glossary lets you browse by letter or type in a word.
13. Court TV Glossary of Legal Terms: Court TV’s glossary is loaded with legal terms and definitions.
14. Glossary of Legal Terms: Lawyers.com supports this glossary that’s based on the 2001 version of Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law.
15. U.S. Courts Commonly Used Terms: This guide is helpful for cramming before your case or to look up something you didn’t understand.
16. Legal Definitions: This free dictionary lets you search words and phrases.
17. Legal Dictionary: Find legal definitions that are commonly founded in business contracts and settings.
18. List of legal Latin terms: Here you can look up Latin words like caveat emptor and habeas corpus.
19. Common Legal Words: This glossary is powered by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.
20. Real Estate Terms: Here you can find words that you’ll find in real estate transactions and forms.
21. Glossary of Basic Legal Terms: You can use this glossary as a cheat sheet or as an introduction to legal terminology.
22. Glossary of Terms Commonly Used in Court: Virginia’s judicial system maintains this very useful glossary.
23. Contract Law: Look up words you’ll come across in a contract here.

Legal Blogs

For free legal advice and to keep track of the latest legal news, visit these blogs from law firms, newspapers and more.

24. Advertising Law Blog: Get tips and insight into advertising law, including Internet and privacy law, promotional marketing and more.
25. My Disability Blog: This is a helpful blog for anyone wanting to learn about Social Security, arguing disability cases in court, and more.
26. Houston Legal Advice Blog: Based out of Houston, this blog discusses all types of Texas law, including consumer law, civil law, criminal law and real estate law.
27. Legal Blog Watch: Get updates from the Law.com Network, significant cases and legal trends from this blog.
28. WSJ Law Blog: The Wall Street Journal’s Law Blog keeps track of the stories and issues through which business and law intersect.
29. Above the Law: Read this legal tabloid to find out what’s going on in the worlds of law school, law firms and the courts.
30. Law Librarian Blog: Periodically check back with this blog to find new legal resources for your research.
31. Election Law Blog: Get a better understanding of U.S. elections and politics when you read this blog.
32. FDA Law Blog: Stay abreast of FDA cases and rulings here.
33. Law Professor Blogs: Play around on this network of law professor blogs, where you can find daily news, case updates and plenty of resources for analyzing your own case.
34. The Art Law Blog: This blog documents the latest legal issues and scandals going on in the art world.
35. Sustainability Law Blog: Use this blog as a resource to learn about environmental law and building regulations, sustainable business, green building and more.
36. AFL-CIO NOW Blog: Learn about the legislation, advocacy movements and more that affect everyday workers and individual rights.
37. ACS Blog: The American Constitution Society Blog reports on equality and liberty, judicial nominations, the criminal justice system, the Bill of Rights, and more.
38. The Trademark Blog: Learn about copyright laws and legislation here.
39. Privacy Law Blog: Know how and when to protect your privacy and information when you read this blog.

Government Resources

Here you can find links to the government resources you’ll need to research or contact during your case.

40. SCOTUS Blog: Keep up with the cases, issues and legislation of the U.S. Supreme Court here.
41. Department of Veterans Affairs: On this website, learn about the health care and other benefits that are guaranteed to you as a veteran by the government.
42. U.S. House of Representatives Legislative Resources: Find out when votes will occur, search for bills and debates, and read U.S. laws here.
43. Federal Judicial Center: Read biographies of federal judges, learn about educational programs and access publications and videos from the FJC.
44. State Government Information: Click on a state to be directed to the appropriate government and legislative information.
45. Library of Congress: Here you can find all kinds of research materials and links for legal cases and more.
46. National Center for State Courts: You can learn about new research projects and technology updates that benefit the state courts.
47. Constitution of the United States: Use the Constitution as a primary resource for all your legal research.

Forums and Social Media

Network with others to get real-life advice.

48. ExpertLaw: Find forums on all sorts of topics, including family, government, employment and personal injury law.
49. FreeAdvice Forums: Here you can search threads like Medical and Health Care Malpractice or Auto Accidents and Vehicle Claims for everyday cases.
50. TheLaw: Participate in the forums to share your stories and get tips on others on topics like divorce, personal injury, banking, contracts and more.
51. The Securities Law Forums: Learn more about arbitration, corporate finance and brokers here.
52. The Attorneys Forum: Submit a legal question on this site and share your own tips with other visitors.
53. WORLD LAW Direct Forums: The most popular threads on this site are debt collection, business contracts, and consumer complaints.
54. Labor Law Talk: For advice on everything from immigration law to accidents and injury, this site has lots of active threads.
55. Law School Forums: Facebook: This popular law forum even has a Facebook page.
56. Internet Law Forums: Learn more about Internet law, including free speech and trademarks, here.
57. Fraud Watchers: This forum also has a lot of useful links to legal research tools and resources.

Articles and Guides

Here you can find articles and guides that explain how to file for divorce, manage debt, and decide whether or not you’re capable of handling your case on your own.

58. Divorce, Dollars and Debt: How to Manage Debt: This guide takes you through the steps of getting a divorce, including filing for divorce, filing requests for temporary court orders and the settlement agreement.
59. 10 Steps to Take Before You File a Lawsuit: If you’re thinking about suing a person or company, consider these ideas first.
60. Do you really need a lawyer?: If you’re thinking about handling your case yourself, read this guide to help you evaluate the situation.
61. Four Behaviors to Avoid to Reduce Divorce Costs: Learn how to be organized, focused and economical when getting a divorce.
62. Closing on a home: This DIY guide takes you through the steps of closing on a home.
63. How to file a lawsuit: Consumerist shares tips on filing small claims here.
64. What if you’re sued?: Read this article to learn how to prove your case if you get into an automobile accident.
65. What does copyright protect?: This government website explains what you can and cannot fight for in a copyright case.
66. How to file divorce papers?: Learn what you need to get in order before you file for divorce.
67. How to Defend Yourself in Traffic Court in a Trial with No Prosecutor: Learn how to address the judge and cross examine.
68. Do you really need a lawyer for a real estate closing?: Find out what this writer has to say about hiring a lawyer, or not, in New Jersey.
69. How to Protect Your Website’s Copyright When Someone Steals Your Content: This article shares tips for finding perpetrators and how to fight for your content.
70. Small Claims Court Defense: Here you will find tips for managing yourself in small claims court.

Podcasts and Videos

Listen to these legal podcasts for more advice and legal news.

71. Immigrate USA: Recent podcasts from this site cover citizenship, labor certification laws and more.
72. Legal Broadcast Network: This site is mostly designed for lawyers, but anyone can learn from channels like "Voices Of The Law" and "The Tax Law Channel."
73. Georgetown Law Webcasts: Listen to webcasts on the global health workforce, juvenile justice and more.
74. Connon Wood Scheidemantle: This firm records podcasts about employment law, alternative fee arrangements, insurance traps and more.
75. How to find free legal advice: Get tips for getting connected with legal aid groups and finding quality, online assistance.
76. Legal Talk Network: Listen to podcasts about the legal profession and high profile trials here.
77. American Constitution Society at Stanford Law School: Stanford’s ACS uploads podcasts that feature interviews with U.S. Attorney John McKay, social psychologists, and others.
78. Keepin’ It Legal: In this video, you’ll learn legal marketing and networking tips for your new business.
79. Legal Lad: Legal Lad shares "quick and dirty tips for a more lawful life" in this podcast.
80. Yale Law School Podcasts: Listen to lectures and speeches from the Yale Law School to learn about practical and ideological issues.

Databases of Lawyers and Legal Help

Find a lawyer using these directories.

81. FindLaw: Look up law resources, expert witnesses, court reporters and more.
82. TheLaw: Get connected to free legal advice, including forums, a free consultation with an attorney, and free forms.
83. iLawyerSource: Find a lawyer by specialty or location.
84. Law Firm Directory: Here you can find law firms by specialty, including elder law, entertainment and sports, bankruptcy and more.

Open Courseware

Take a free legal class online when you visit open courseware sites from MIT and other schools.

85. Law for the Entrepreneur and Manager: This MIT course can be a great help for new business owners.
86. Constitutional Law: This survey class focuses on understanding civil rights and liberties.
87. Law and Veterinary Medicine: Tufts’ class helps veterinarians run ethical, lawful practices.
88. Law and Society: MIT’s anthropology course can help you gain insight into how modern societies accept and manipulate the law.
89. The Law of Mergers and Acquisitions: Here you can get an overview of how deals are made, contracts and mergers.
90. Criminal Law: Take this criminal law class to learn about criminal acts, the purposes of punishment and more.
91. Gender and the Law in U.S. History: Gender issues like suffrage and gay marriage are explored in this class.
92. Patents, Copyrights, and the Law of Intellectual Property: Whether you’re a blogger or small business owner, this class can help you gain a better understanding of copyright and IP law.
93. Online Media Law: Learn about defamation, privacy, plagiarism and copyright in this media law class.

Miscellaneous

Here you’ll find even more educational and legal resources from the ACLU, University of Minnesota Law School and more.

94. Legal HelpMate: This is an excellent resource for looking up legal terms, finding forms, getting credit reports and more.
95. VersusLaw: Subscribe to this service to search cases, courts and more.
96. ACLU: Learn about legislative updates, high profile cases, and what the ACLU is doing to protect individual rights and civil liberties.
97. International Law: This guide from Cornell gives a brief overview of how international law is organized.
98. Federal and Government Resources: Find more legal resources from the government here.
99. Subject Index to Law-Related Web Sites: The University of Minnesota Law School organizes links by categories like copyright, juveniles, bankruptcy, animal rights and more.
100. Research Tools: Browse state legislative research guides at the Maurer School of Law and Indiana University.

The Ultimate Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu- 101 Resources to Help Anyone Learn the Gentle Art

Posted by Site Administrator on 12/15/2008 | 0 Comments

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or BJJ, is a popular martial arts form that originated in Japan. Whether you’re a competing professional or are interested in learning the basics, you can turn to these 101 resources for conditioning tips, competition information, video clips and other helpful resources.

What is Jiu-Jitsu?

Learn about the history and philosophy of jiu-jitsu here.

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Get an overview of jiu jitsu’s history and derivatives here.
2. Jiu-jitsu History: Learn about the beginnings of jiu-jitsu, its development and how it became popular in Brazil.
3. What is jiu jitsu?: Get an explanation of jiu jitsu here.
4. The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation documents the history of the martial arts form.
5. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu History: This history dates jiu-jitsu back to ancient Egypt, along with sumo wrestling in Japan.
6. Jiu Jitsu: Learn about the development of jiu jitsu, all the way back to its beginnings as the martial arts form practiced by medieval warriors in Japan.
7. What is Jiu Jitsu?: New York Jiu Jitsu discusses the style and modern day significance of the martial arts form.
8. Cambridge University Jiu Jitsu Club: Here you can get answers to questions like "Why do Jitsu?" and "How does Jitsu work?"
9. History of Jiu-Jitsu: This particular history traces jiu-jitsu back to India.
10. Shen Wu History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Learn about judo, Mitsuyo Maeda and other key factors and players in the development of jiu-jitsu.

Videos

Watch these videos to learn grappling and other moves.

11. Submissions 101: This website is full of training videos for jiu-jitsu.
12. Brazilian jiu-jitsu demonstration: Watch this demonstration set to music for inspiration.
13. Jiu Jitsu 4th degree black belt, martial arts: This intense video shows some of the best from a jiu-jitsu tournament.
14. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Beginner: Arm Bar Move: This instructional video demonstrates the arm bar move.
15. Tecnicas Jiu-Jitsu: Learn key moves like the Shoulder Grab and Two Handed Collar Grab here.
16. Revolution 2, The X-Pass: This trainer offers a detailed description and demonstration of the X-Pass.
17. Scissor Sweep Jiu Jitsu Technique: Watch this video to get an expert demonstration of the Scissor Sweep.
18. The Jiu Jitsu Gi: Better understand the concept of the Gi and how to use it to your advantage when you watch this video.
19. Advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Matrix Moves: Spider Guard Pass: For a look at advanced moves, watch this video.
20. Hip Toss to Arm Bar: Learn how to throw someone down in the hip toss to arm bar move.
21. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Women: Women can learn powerful self-defense techniques by watching this video.
22. American Arm Lock: Cindy Omatsu demonstrates the American Arm Lock in this video.
23. Triangle Choke: Get a visual demonstration and a detailed explanation of the Triangle Choke.
24. Guillotine Choke Escape: This trainer teaches escapes for each submission.
25. Gene Simco Jiu-Jitsu Instruction: Gene Simco walks students through moves in this video.

Instructional Guides

These instructional guides can be helpful to anyone learning jiu-jitsu.

26. Six Topics of Self Defense Training: Read about blocking and striking, street survival, and self defense here.
27. Drills for Jiu Jitsu: Learn drills like the Mount Escape Drill here.
28. Guard: Visit this site to watch guarding techniques.
29. Traditional Jiu Jitsu Moves: Moves are categorized by white belt through black belt.
30. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Techniques and Jiu Jitsu Techniques: Learn positions like The Side Mount and North-South here.
31. Grappling Techniques: Here you can find clips for partner drills and more.
32. Balancing Mat Times with Conditioning: Learn how to set up a healthy training schedule when you read this article.
33. Jiu-Jitsu Techniques: Rodrigo Madeiros’ site features several videos that demonstrate key techniques.
34. 17 Tips for an Active Bottom Half Guard: Improve your active bottom half guard with these tips.
35. How to do Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques and Moves for MMA: eHow’s guide suggests choking your opponents with holds that use the Gi.
36. 20 tips to improve your grappling game: Tips in this article include "practice an outdoor sport" and "be dynamic."
37. Why Women Should Grapple: Various jiu-jitsu instructors weigh in on why grappling is an important skill for women.
38. Important Tips for Beginners in Jiu Jitsu: In this article, beginner students learn how to prepare their bodies for training, "focus on the basics," and "leave…ego at the door."
39. Jiu-Jitsu Fighting: Get tips for arm bars, the cross choke, half guard escape and more.
40. Common Injuries in Submission Grappling and Sensible Tips to Prevent Them: Learn how to avoid injury in jiu-jitsu when you read this article.

Competitions

Get updates on tournament schedules and other competitions here.

41. International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation: Get information for competitions like the World Championship, Brazilian Team Titles, International Masters and Seniors, and more.
42. Gracie Barra Competition Network: Register for tournaments in the Southern California region here.
43. Regulations and Rules: The European Fight Network posts rules and regulations from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation right here.
44. USA BJJ Tournaments: Get tournament results and schedules here.
45. World Grappling Games: Get everything from event registration to results to photos for the World Grappling Games on this site.
46. North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament and Store: Shop jiu-jitsu gear and get information for registration and weight divisions from this site.
47. Grapplers Quest: Learn about tournaments for all levels of grapplers here.
48. U.S. Grappling: On this site, you can learn about all the different events and championship levels for U.S. Grappling.

Uniforms and Gear

Shop for Gis and other jiu-jitsu gear from these websites.

49. Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear: Find fightwear, accessories, gear bags and even kids’ supplies here.
50. Gungfu: Shop jiu jitsu gear and uniforms from this site.
51. Boxing & MMA Ticket Links: This site has links to the cheapest fight even tickets.
52. Jiu-Jitsu USA: Shop fight shorts, rash guards, board shorts and DVDs here.
53. NHB Gear: This site has lots of gear and uniforms for mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including books, rash guards, Gis and more.

Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is often taught at the same academies as jiu-jitsu and can even trace its roots back to the gentle art. Visit these sites to keep up with sports news, learn techniques and more.

53. Mixed Martial Arts: Learn about the evolution of mixed martial arts and its different disciplines here.
54. ESPN Mixed Martial Arts: Keep up with tournaments and news in the MMA world here.
55. MixedMartialArts.com: Get professional stats, information about events, news updates and even radio access about MMA.
56. MMA Weekly: This website has a live radio show, daily news, fight updates and more.
57. Fighting Techniques for Martial Arts Fighting: Watch demonstrations of jiu-jitsu and MMA techniques here.
58. Fight Conditioning: Learn valuable conditioning techniques, warmup routines and more.
59. MMA Fighting: MMA Fighting is another MMA news website that also features rankings, photos, videos and more.
60. Mixed Martial Arts Part 1: History: Get an overview of the history of this martial arts form.
61. Fairfax Jiu Jitsu: This studio gives a great history and overview of Brazilian jiu jitsu, MMA and capoeira.

Judo

Judo is another martial arts form that is related to BJJ. If you want to supplement your jiu-jitsu training or just learn more about martial arts, visit these sites.

62. Judo: This Wikipedia page details the founding of judo and its popular techniques.
63. Judo as a Martial Art: Learn about the style and techniques that make judo a martial art form.
64. Judo as a Competitive Sport: Get tips and information about championship fighting trends, tournament rules and the fighting spirit.
65. USA Judo: USA Judo is the official website for the U.S. Olympics and championships in judo. Get updates, news and more right here.
66. United States Judo Association: Here you’ll find information about and links to judo forums, judo clubs and more.
67. Techniques of Judo: Learn counter techniques, throws and more.
68. United States Judo Federation: Visit the website for the USJF to shop, get information about tournaments, and more.
69. Judo Forum: Connect with others who practice judo here.
70. Animated Throwing Techniques of Judo: Learn moves like the leg wheel, advancing foot sweep and others.
71. Judo Basics: Browse through the archives of posts that share tips for judo beginners.

Literature and Blogs

Check out these books and blogs to learn even more about BJJ.

72. Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique: Read this book to learn why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the strongest and most popular martial arts forms today.
73. Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu: Revolutionizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: This book introduces a new form of grappling that pulls from Olympic Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
74. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Submission Grappling Techniques: Renzo Gracie contributes to this book which shares tips on submission grappling.
75. The Complete Guide to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Become an expert at this popular Jiu-Jitsu form.
76. Gracie Mag: Read articles and become an online member to learn all about Gracie Jiu Jitsu and submission fighting.
77. The Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood: Get tips, learn about the jiu-jitsu philosophy and more.
78. Street Sports: Read posts by Renato Magno, who has been involved with jiu-jitsu for 30 years.
79. Aesopian: Get training and competition tips and more from this blog.
80. The Jiu Jitsu Fighter: This blog is affiliated with the Roseberry’s Martial Arts Center in Lincoln, NB, and you can find videos, photos and articles about the martial arts form.
81. Steve’s BJJ Log: Steve is a blue belt and blogs about "his ups and downs as [he learns] BJJ."

Classes and Training

Find classes and learn what to expect when you enroll in a BJJ class when you visit these resources.

82. Serra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Besides getting information about classes offered from this Long Island jiu-jitsu academy, you can also get training tips and watch videos.
83. Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: What To Expect Your First Class: Find out what to wear and what to expect during your first BJJ class.
84. Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class: This guide is great for beginning students who want to know what to bring to class and more.
85. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Class Structure: Learn about how Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes are structured, including warm ups, take down and ground work.
86. Gracie Diet Tips: Get tips on eating the right carbohydrates and more.
87. Gracie Diet: Learn all about this popular jiu-jitsu training diet from the famous Gracie family.
88. The Most Unique MMA Conditioning Workout You Will Ever See: Get an overview of Alvaro Romano’s conditioning routine which is similar to grappling moves.
89. How to do shrimping drills and why: Shrimping drills are a Japanese conditioning exercise and are demonstrated in this video.
90. Conditioning Tips: Get real-life conditioning tips from this jiu-jitsu forum.
91. Injury Prevention, the Gracie Barra way: Learn how to avoid injuries on the mat here.

Glossaries and Definitions

Understand BJJ terms by checking out these glossaries.

92. The Closed Guard: Read a description and view photos of the Leghood Guard, Rubber Guard and more.
93. The Open Guard: Learn about the Standard Open Guard and other open guards here.
94. The Half Guard: Get a detailed description of this common move here.

Miscellaneous

Below are even more websites and tips for learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

95. Jiu-Jitsu.net: find instructional DVDs, books and other guides here.
96. Train Hard, Recover Smart: Get ideas for pre- and post-workout meals.
97. On the Mat: View demonstrations and learn all about jiu-jitsu from this website.
98. Gracie USA: Learn about the popular Gracie style of jiu-jitsu here.
99. Keeping the Will to Fight: Learn how to keep fighting even when you’re tired here.
100. How to Use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Self Defense: Learn this self-defense method here.
101. MatRatz: Bonus link! MatRatz is a fun blog for jiu-jitsu lovers. You can learn about tournaments, get training tips and more.