| Volume 48 Number 2 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Don't think stopping payment on a check protects you from having to pay when a problem arises. If the check is transferred to another person, you probably will have to pay, even if you have a legitimate reason to not pay the person to whom you gave the check. Click here for more.
Tax Season: Tax Time Tips
Tax season is upon us. This year, make sure you get the most out of your return. Are you planning to use a tax preparation service? Make sure you choose the right one for you. Do you have children? Recently married or divorced? Review the filing facts for your family situation. Even if your return is "simple," you may still be able to take advantage of one of the many new changes. To read about tax changes, tips, and topics, Click here for more.
How Toyota Recalls Can Hurt Honda
Toyota's recent string of recalls might be hurting more than just the Toyota brand name. According to some industry experts, consumers may attribute the failures to Japanese brands in general, not just Toyota. American consumers are notorious for giving great deference to Japanese automakers. Honda, Nissan, and Toyota have been among the top selling brands in America for years. However, the damage from the Toyota recalls may extend beyond brand name alone and encompass all Japanese vehicles. Will Honda suffer for Toyota's sins? Click here for more.
Texas AG Charges Home Developer With Unlawfully Selling Homes
Texas Attorney General has charged Grande Valley Homes LLC ("Casa Linda Homes") with defrauding consumers by unlawfully selling homes encumbered by undisclosed liens. The liens include: a lien for delinquent property taxes; a lien of a third-party lender; or a mechanic’s lien for labor or materials used to improve the property. To read the lawsuit against Casa Linda Homes, Click here for more.
Your Money
How long will your money last? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
iPod class action dismissed. The Ninth Circuit has affirmed the dismissal of a class action against Apple alleging the iPod was not merchantable. The plaintiffs argued the district court erred in determining that the third amended complaint failed to sufficiently plead an implied warranty claim. They alleged that the iPod (1) comes with “stock ear buds . . . designed to be placed deep into the ear canal rather than over the ears, which increases the danger of hearing damage,” (2) lacks “noise isolating or cancelling properties,” and (3) lacks any volume meter that will inform users they are listening at dangerous levels.” The court found these claims insufficient to establish a breach of the warranty of merchantability. Click here for more.