| Volume 61 Number 2 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Writing a check when you do not have enough money in the bank is criminal and criminal charges may be filed. Stopping payment on a check because you are dissatisfied with the goods or services purchased is not, provided the money would have been available to pay it if payment had not been stopped. Click here for more.
March: Private Employers Add 200,000 Jobs
An indication that the economic recovery continues, private employers added over 200,000 new jobs in the month of March. However, in addition to the new jobs, employers announced 41,528 planned job cuts. The Government led all jobs cuts, with 19,099 planned cuts in March. Are you still looking for work? An opportunity might be right around the corner. Click here for more.
Google Settles With FTC Over Google Buzz
Last year, Google severely botched the launch of its social network, Google Buzz. When Buzz was unveiled, GMail users complained that Buzz revealed their email contacts against their will. According to its settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Google must build stronger privacy protections into all of its operations. Additionally, Google must be independently audited every two years for the next twenty years to ensure compliance. Any future misstep could lead to a fine of $16,000 per violation. Did the punishment fit the crime? Or, did Google get off easy? Click here for more.
Proposals to Expand Texas Gambling
Gambling in Texas? It isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. Last Tuesday, lawmakers considered 17 proposals to expand gambling in Texas. Proposals range from the development of "Las Vegas-style" destination hotels to adding slot machines to existing race tracks. Although expanded gambling is improbable, Texas lawmakers will need to get creative to battle a massive budget shortfall. Will Texas expand gambling? Click here for more.
Your Money
Planning to buy a home? Should you get a 15 or 30 year fixed rate mortgage? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Personal injury suits against automakers based on rear seat lap belts not preempted. The United States Supreme Court opened the door to state personal injury suits against automakers in a decision involving vehicle lap belts. The justices, in a unanimous decision by Justice Stephen Breyer, held that a federal motor vehicle safety regulation did not preempt state tort suits claiming that manufacturers should have installed lap-and-shoulder belts instead of lap belts on rear inner seats. Click here for more.