| Volume 31 Number 3 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
In Texas, a tenant who moves into an apartment is entitled to a working smoke detector, a door viewer in the front door, and proper security devices on all doors and windows, including both a keyless bolting device and either a doorknob lock or dead bolt on the front door. Click here for more.
Democatic President and Senate Poised to Reshape Judiciary
Democrats have control of Congress. Now they have control of the executive office. What's next? Arguably the most powerful ability of the President is to appoint the judiciary. During the next four years, President-elect Barack Obama will appoint federal appellate judges and likely some Supreme Court justices. Unlike President Bush, who had to battle to get his appointees confirmed, Obama will likely not face the same test. With a democratic congress, Obama will likely be able appoint judges to restore balance to the predominately republican Supreme Court. Click here for more.
Simple Ways to Save on Energy
Is your electric bill higher than you would like? There are some simple things you can do around the house that can significantly reduce your electric bill. Find out what you can do to help the environment, and save some money! Click here for more.
Big Banks & Consumers - An Unusual Alliance
Banks have formed an unusual alliance with consumer advocates. They are urging the government to allow portions of credit card debt to be forgiven. This is a significant turnabout from recent years when the banking industry lobbied to make it harder for consumers to erase their credit card debts in bankruptcy. As many as 50,000 could be involved right out of the gate. What does this mean for you? Why are they banks seemingly on your side? Click here for more.
Your Money
What's my take-home pay if I earn tip income? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
A $22 million TILA class award was overturned. The Eleventh Circuit has ruled that a class of consumers who sued a lender for making a mistake in disclosing its fees was not entitled to restitution under the federal Truth in Lending Act. Click here for more.