| Volume 59 Number 1 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
You don't need a lawyer for small claims court. Small claims court is the real "people's court." Most people feel very comfortable presenting their own case. Click here for more.
New Security to Eliminate Passwords
The digital age has ushered in a time when an individual might have five or more passwords to access computers, email addresses, internet sites, and phones. Passwords are often required to boot a computer, read email, and access interactive websites. With so many passwords, consumers can get them mixed up, or forget them altogether. The U.S. Commerce Department is concerned that passwords act as an unintentional roadblock to internet purchases. As a result, the Commerce Department is spearheading a new online security system that will eliminate the need for passwords. Experts expect the change to boost internet sales. The "security system" uses a "digital fingerprint" to determine your identity. That means you'll be required to enter a single password when you log in to your computer. After that, you'll have immediate access to all websites signed up for the program. Will the plan work? Click here for more.
Toxic Pills Poisoning Pets
Has your pet recently become inexplicably sick? There is a good chance you might be accidentally poisoning your pet. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, human medications lead the list of top ten animal toxins. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, anti-depressants, and ADD medication are the most common medications ingested by the furry creatures, and all are deadly to animals. What happens when your pet gets in to your birth control, Viagra, or Rogaine? The answer might surprise you. Click here for more.
Student Fined for Using Foul Language
A high school student in Dallas was fined $340 after she used "foul language" in the classroom. According to the complaint, the student's language constituted a breach of the peace. Could your child be fined too? Click here for more.
Your Money
What will my tax savings be? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Internet provider's class action ban is unenforceable. The Kentucky Supreme Court held that a provider of high-speed Internet service cannot enforce a clause in its customer agreement barring class action arbitration. The court also held that 1) the choice of law provision is not enforceable, 2) the Service Agreement's general arbitration provision is not unconscionable and is severable, and 3) the provision imposing a confidentiality requirement upon the litigants to arbitration proceedings is void. Click here for more.