| Volume 59 Number 8 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
In Texas, it is unlawful for a business to charge more to someone who uses a credit card. On the other hand, it is legal to give a discount for someone who pays cash. Why? Credit card companies discount the amount they pay a merchant when you pay with a credit card. A store receives "more" when a customer pays cash. Giving a discount to cash customers is a way to treat both cash and credit card customers the same. Click here for more.
Help Wanted: Jobless Need Not Apply
Are you unemployed? Finding a new job might be more difficult than you think. If you've been out of work for six months or longer, many employers won't even consider your application. Advocates for the unemployed insist the employment requirement is nothing more than hiring discrimination, and creates an unnecessary burden to new employment. Even though there are many highly qualified unemployed candidates, many employers making it clear they will not consider an applicant out of work for over six months. Over six million Americans have been out of work for six months or longer. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has launched an investigation. Click here for more.
America's Worst Speed Traps
During the recession, individuals and families weren't the only ones feeling the pinch. Many cities also experienced large budget gaps. In order to generate new revenue, many cities resorted to automated traffic cameras and stricter enforcement of the speed limit. According to the Highway Safety Group, cities are toying with speed limits to bring in additional funding. For example, some speed limits might be set 10 to 15 miles per hour below the safe driving speed. In such an area, it could make a technical violator out of an otherwise safe driver. To read the list of America's worst speed traps, Click here for more.
ID Fraud on the Decline
In 2009, 4.8% of the U.S. population was victimized by identity fraud. In 2010, that number dropped to only 3.5%. Although the practice appears to be on the decline, there are two particular areas of heightened risk to keep an eye on. To read these tips, and for more on ID fraud, Click here for more.
Your Money
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For the Lawyers
Judge cannot request “volunteers” for a long jury trial. The Alabama Supreme Court held that a judge violated a product liability defendant's right to a randomly selected jury when he asked for a show of hands of prospective jurors able to sit through a long trial. Click here for more.