Key Law Issues for 2020 and Beyond

Law is a form of public policy that governs the behavior of the people in society. The United States legal system is composed of three basic divisions: legislative, executive and judicial. Laws are enacted by Congress and state legislatures and are enforced by the courts. If a law is invalid, it can be struck down by a court.

A law is a written rule that is imposed by a sovereign authority on a group of people. Its purpose is to protect or provide relief for individuals who are injured. There are many areas in which a law can be applied, such as criminal law, administrative law, employment law and consumer protection.

Laws can be enacted by a legislature to address specific issues and to establish individual rights. They are based on a series of principles, including those of justice, order and equity. Often, public discourse on legal issues involves controversies over controversial social or ethical issues. These topics include gun control, immigration, abortion and privacy.

Legal questions can arise from a variety of situations, such as a criminal charge, a problem at work, or an unexpected illness. Whether a lawyer is required depends on the circumstances. In addition to being a topic for debate, a legal issue can also influence the type of services that an individual receives. For example, if a person experiences violence, the law can influence the way in which they are treated.

One key legal issue for 2020 is healthcare. Federal Executive Order 11246 requires health care employers to establish diversity goals. This is a significant issue that will be discussed in national dialogue in the coming years. Currently, the issue is very contentious.

Another important legal issue in 2020 is immigration. Earlier Presidential Executive Orders focused on overt characteristics. However, terms such as “microaggressions” are becoming more common in the national conversation.

One key legal issue for 2021 is federal regulation. A new study by the Federal Trade Commission will investigate whether non-price factors affect the price of health care. Although the study will likely not lead to enforcement activity, the FTC has challenged the mergers of physician group practices in the past.

The Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973 and is a statute that protects threatened species. While it was originally aimed at endangered fish and wildlife, it has since expanded to protect habitats, animals and plants.

Other key legal issues in 2020 are voting and immigration. An increase in the number of whistleblower claims will signal the beginning of a new era for health care providers. Additionally, the FTC will begin a study of non-hospital provider mergers in early 2021.

Law professors at Rutgers Law have weighed in on the major legal issues for 2020. Key legal issues in 2020 will include immigration, health care, environmental issues, voting, and LGBTQ rights.

To prepare for a law career, it is a good idea to keep up with the latest developments in these fields. If you are unsure of what you need to learn, contact a law librarian at your local law library. Or, consider signing up for one of the many online services available. You may have to pay a nominal fee to access these services. Some of these include Lexis/Nexis’s Shepard’s Citations and West’s KeyCite.