| Volume 38 Number 12 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Extended warranties, or service contracts, are usually not a good buy or even necessary. Stores make a large profit selling these contracts and often pressure consumers into buying them. Take your time and think carefully before you buy an expensive warranty that you don't even need. Click here for more.
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
On Monday, President Obama signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The new law is designed to give the Food and Drug Administration authoritative power to forbid child-based advertising, lower nicotine levels, ban the sale of sweetened cigarettes, and eliminate usage of the terms "light" and "mild." The new law effectively gives the government control over the tobacco industry. Click here for more.
The Inflation Versus Deflation Debate
Which is worse - long-run inflation or short-term deflation? Deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and services while inflation is a rise in the general level of prices. To the untrained eye, deflation might seem like a good thing. However, many economists insist that deflation can damage an economy far worse than inflation. Today, economists are battling it out over the more serious current threat. Which is the greater threat? Click here for more.
Bankruptcies Surge, Fewer Emerge
Compared to this time last year, bankruptcies have risen an astonishing 40%. According to reports, one in every 270 businesses has fallen in to bankruptcy since the economic downturn began. Commercial bankruptcies have doubled as creditors have resisted efforts to work out deals with insolvent businesses. As if numbers weren't dramatic enough, a surge is still expected. When can we expect the bankruptcy filings to slow? Click here for more.
Internet Fraud & Safety
Transmitting personal information over the internet can be very dangerous. Sophisticated hackers are always on the hunt for the best way to steal your personal information. Preventing identity theft, avoiding scams, and protecting your personal safety should be top priority when transmitting sensitive information across the information superhighway. Need some help feeling more secure? The Federal Trade Commission has created a set of microsites, fact sheets, and consumer tips to help consumers protect their personal information. Click here for more.
Your Money
To rent or to buy? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Supreme Court makes age bias cases tough for plaintiffs. In what some say is a surprise ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has made "mixed-motive" claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act a much tougher task for plaintiffs. The Court held that plaintiffs cannot bring mixed-motive disparate-treatment claims under the ADEA. Instead, plaintiffs must prove that age is the but-for cause of an adverse employment decision in order to get relief. Click here for more.