Hawaii Civil Litigation Lawyers
Under Hawaii's law, civil litigation is a legal process brought by a private or public entity, which is not concerned with criminal activity.
Hawaii civil litigation serves the purpose of providing persons with compensation for legal injustices or wrongs that have been committed against them.
In Hawaii, the major purpose of civil litigation is not punishment or deterrence. Both of those goals are the province of the criminal justice system. Rather, civil litigation in Hawaii is meant to provide the victims of wrongdoing with tangible (usually monetary) redress.
What Are Common Subjects of Civil Litigation in Hawaii?
Hawaii civil litigation can come up in basically any context. However, some situations are more likely to lead to civil litigation than others:
Personal Injury: Personal injury in Hawaii is probably the issue that most often leads to civil litigation. When someone is physically hurt because of the intentional or negligent conduct of another, they have a right to recover the costs associated with the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Employment: The employment relationship is considered to be very significant in Hawaii - possibly one of the most important non-family relationships there is. Therefore, it's not uncommon for civil litigation to result. Anything from a violation of wage and hour laws to an injury on the job can lead to civil litigation in Hawaii.
Family Disputes: In Hawaii, the family relationship is complex and sometimes contentious. Disputes involving child custody, spousal support, and the like can explode into costly and time-consuming litigation in Hawaii's family courts.
Do I Need a Hawaii Civil Litigation Attorney?
In Hawaii, many people get immersed in civil litigation, thinking that a lawsuit is something that would happen to someone else, but not them. And the issues involved in civil litigation are almost always extremely complicated.
Therefore, if you're facing an issue that might lead to civil litigation, it's necessary that you speak with an experienced Hawaii civil litigation attorney.
Interesting Facts About Hawaii
Hawaii is nicknamed "The Aloha State" and is the newest U.S. state, being added as the 50th state only in the year 1959. The state capitol of Hawaii is Honolulu, one of Hawaii's major cities. Hawaii's state government is unique in that it has several remnants and adaptations carrying over from Hawaii's early kingdom era.
Hawaii laws are mostly the product of its bicameral state legislature, which meets at the State Capitol building, Aliiolani Hale, located in Honolulu. The historic capitol building houses a Judiciary History Center featuring multi-media presentations of several landmark Hawaii legal cases. In 2006, the American Bar Association hosted a mock-trial presentation of the Massie Trial, a famous Honolulu criminal trial dating back to the year 1932.
Unlike other U.S. states, Hawaii does not operate any municipal governments- all localities are administered through the county system. Hawaii's judicial system is composed of the Hawaii State Circuit Courts (the lowest level), followed by an Intermediate Court of Appeals. The Hawaii Supreme Court is the highest court. Hawaii also maintains a few courts focused on specific issues, such as the Hawaii Land Court and the Hawaii State Tax Appeal Court.
Lawyers in Hawaii are well-versed in the laws and legal issues of the state. Hawaii attorneys typically file most of their claims at the Circuit Courts, which have broad jurisdiction over most common legal claims. Hawaii lawyers also process more complex claims and appeals through the Court of Appeals or through the Hawaii Supreme Court.
