Where do you draw the line when it comes to a tax rate? This is an ongoing question that is always being debated among lawmakers. However, even the most zealous pro-tax advocates may have to concede that a tax that consumes the majority of the resources in question is a bit excessive. This will be the case with the federal estate tax in 2013, assuming the laws that are in place as of this writing remain in effect.

The China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC“) is the main arbitration body for sino-foreign disputes in China. Its existing rules have been in use since 2005, and a set of new Arbitration Rules have just been published and they came into effect on 1 May 2012 (the “2012 Rules“).

The Competition Ordinance was finally passed on 14 June 2012 after more than 10 years of public consultation and intense legislative council debates. The law which introduces a general prohibition on cartel behaviour and other anti-competitive conduct, as opposed to industry specific anti-competition rules, is expected to have a significant impact on businesses that are used to a free market economy in Hong Kong.

Cyprus boasts the third biggest maritime fleet in the EU; the tenth biggest fleet in the world. It is a market leader in ship management and as such security and safety of ships is a paramount issue, which has been addressed under the new Protection of Cyprus Ships Against Acts of Piracy and Other Unlawful Acts Law 2012.

In recent decades, the likelihood of an arrest leading to a conviction has generally risen. Some defendants think that they can "beat the system" on their own. Those who have been through the criminal court system know better: having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is the best way to prevent becoming another statistic and to avert the impact of a criminal conviction.

Medical malpractice is a growing problem in the U.S. With an estimated 200,000 people dying every year as the result of a medical error, a strong stand must be taken against these cases of negligence. Do you believe that you were injured as the direct result of an error made by a doctor or other medical professional? Do you know that the health complications you are suffering need not have happened had you been treated correctly while in the hospital?

Drunk drivers account for a large number of accidents that cause injuries and deaths in the U.S. Vehicle operators have a duty of care to drive in such a manner as to not cause harm to other vehicle occupants. It is always best to refrain from mixing drinking and driving, AND have a designated driver take over, take a taxi, or some other solution.

Probation violation can be a very serious charge. It is crucial for an individual to understand what they may be facing should you be found guilty of these charges. The Bottom Line - Probation is when someone has been granted the permission to have a “babysitter” type of person watch over them while they conduct their daily life in order to avoid imprisonment.

Filing bankruptcy may be a test of honesty and integrity. Bankruptcy crimes protect the aims of bankruptcy, which is to give a new start for consumers, reorganize businesses, and equitably distribute a debtor's assets to creditors. Bankruptcy crimes may occur throughout the bankruptcy process. For example, in Chapter 13 bankruptcy when a debtor fills out a petition, the person needs to make sure everything is true.

There are a lot of costs in owning a small business – permits, licenses, payroll taxes for workers. For the small business owner who has a lot of debt, but can't pay, creditors may threaten legal action against the owner or ask for money upfront. How much creditors collect, and how creditors can go about collecting debts, depends on how an entrepreneur organizes the business, whether the owner personally guarantees repayment of debts, and whether a small business owner files for bankruptcy.