Each guide answers one question people ask when they go to court: what the filing is, the rules that govern it, the deadlines, and how to file it. They are written for people representing themselves and are useful to anyone who needs the basics fast. Nothing here is legal advice.
Who you can sue, what you have to plead, the immunities that kill most cases, and how long you have.
/what-is-a-section-1983-lawsuitThe vehicle in every state and in federal court, what it can and cannot reach, and the deadline that ends it.
/what-is-post-conviction-reliefWhat a motion has to contain, what the clerk will reject it for, and how service actually works.
/how-to-file-a-motionThe required sections in order, the standard of review, and the mistakes that get an appeal dismissed before it is read.
/how-to-write-an-appellate-briefWhat the Court looks for, the 90-day deadline, the parts in order, and when an extraordinary writ is the right tool.
/supreme-court-petitionsThe grievance rule, court screening, the physical injury rule, and the standards for medical and safety claims.
/civil-rights/prisoners