How the SCRA Protects Our Active Duty Service Members Thank You, Veterans As we celebrate Veterans Day this November, it’s important to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and active service members. Beyond the parades and ceremonies, one of the most crucial ways to show respect is by understanding the legal protections to support them. One such protection is the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA), a federal law designed to ease the burden of legal and financial obligations while they serve our country. The SCRA offers active-duty service members relief from certain civil responsibilities, allowing them to focus entirely on their military duties. This law helps protect them and their families from unnecessary legal and financial stress while deployed or on active duty. This is especially vital because service members often face extended periods away from home, making it difficult to handle personal legal matters. One of the most notable aspects of the SCRA is that it pauses any ongoing civil litigation. For example, if a service member is involved in a personal injury lawsuit or another civil matter, the case can be put on hold until they return from active duty. They don’t have to worry about deadlines or legal proceedings while serving. They can give their full attention to the mission, knowing their legal matters will be addressed when they can participate. The SCRA is a federal law, meaning it applies in Georgia and across the country. It highlights our nation’s commitment to supporting its military personnel and ensuring their rights are protected even when they are far from home. As we honor our veterans this month, remember that showing respect goes beyond words. Understanding their protections, like the SCRA, and advocating for their rights is one of the best ways to thank them for their service. At Kevin Patrick Law, we proudly support veterans and active service members, ensuring they receive the legal protections they deserve.
While ancient Rome may be known for gladiators, grand conquests, and fashionable togas, a surprisingly intricate legal system kept their civilization in line. They had many laws — some familiar, others bizarre — that dictated the everyday lives of millions of Roman citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers across a vast empire. Here are three of the most outrageous and interesting laws Romans enacted as a republic and an empire. DRESS CODES AND PARTY FOULS Beginning in around 215 BC, the Roman Republic began instituting what was known as sumptuary laws, which restricted the clothes people could wear, foods they could eat, and the maximum number of attendees at parties. They created these, in part, to reduce the costs of banquets, festivals, and other Roman ragers. Some examples were enacted in 213 BC when it became illegal for women to wear colorful dresses — unless they were celebrating a ritual sacrifice — to wear more than a half ounce of gold or even to ride around in carriages. However, they soon repealed these laws because they considered them antiquated . SHOCKING STATUTE Tough luck for those who like hanging out on tall metal poles — if a lightning strike killed someone in Rome, the law forbade families from burying them! This is because Romans believed lightning strikes were divine retribution from the king of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter. SEE YA LATER, GLADIATOR! Romans “borrowed” the idea of gladiatorial games from their (conquered) neighbors, wherein people would fight — sometimes to the death — for the public’s amusement and began holding them back in 264 BC. However, because only 3 of every 5 people made it to their 20s at the time, only about 10% of those bouts involved actual fatalities. Many slaves, prisoners of war, and Christian martyrs fought as gladiators in the arena, but if they were already sentenced to execution, they had no hope of survival. One peculiar law involving gladiators was that they would fight until an injured combatant put down his shield and lifted his index finger to ask for mercy. At that point, it would come to an abrupt halt — though the emperor, if in attendance, would make the final decision. Peculiar Laws of the Ancient Empire Roman Rules
To our veterans, we thank you for your service. May we all take this time to reflect on the countless ways you’ve made a difference in our lives.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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