| Volume 64 Number 3 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Under the new law you can sue in Texas Small Claims Court for up to $10,000 and you do not need an attorney to assist you. Next time you have a dispute, consider the real people's court. Small Claims Court is quick, informal and easy to use. In many cases, once the other person knows you know your legal rights and will assert them, they quickly try to settle the dispute. Click here for more.
Skype & Facebook Form Strategic Partnership
Microsoft and Facebook are forming an alliance to take on Google. Last week, Facebook announced a new partnership with Skype (a Microsoft company) to allow for video chatting through the existing Facebook infrastructure. Meanwhile, Google launched Google+, a new social networking site still in its introductory phase, to compete with Facebook. Although Google+ has some intriguing new social networking options, Microsoft intends to integrate products like Skype, Office, Bing, Xbox Live and Windows Phone with the Facebook platform, allowing Facebook users new and unique options as well. Does Google stand a chance? Click here for more.
Followup: Red Light Cameras
Cities around the country are watching the events surrounding Houston's red light camera controversy very closely. Last week, a federal judge ruled the city can't appeal a ruling invalidating the election last fall when the public voted to turn off the red light cameras. By denying the immediate appeal, the case will reach final disposition and then appealable to a higher court. In the meantime, the red light cameras are back on. So, what is the city doing to enforce the tickets? Aside from asking for offenders to pay their fines, not much. So far, Houston Police Department isn't reporting the civil fines to insurance companies or the Texas Department of Public Safety. Surprisingly, the city isn't even reporting the delinquent accounts to credit bureaus or sending accounts to collections. Why? What happens if you don't pay your fine? Click here for more.
Federal Debt Deal Falls Apart
Talks for a comprehensive federal deficit reduction plan broke down on Sunday over congressional Republican objections to tax increases. President Obama is hoping for an increase in the federal debt ceiling ahead of a August 2 deadline and will continue to meet with congressional leaders in hopes of striking a deal. House Speaker John Boehner says Republicans are resistant to increasing revenue through higher taxes, effectively handcuffing efforts to reform entitlement programs like Medicare. If a deal is not struck in time, the United States may default on its debt obligations and put American jobs at risk. Will the sides come to an agreement before it is too late? Click here for more.
Your Money
Planning to start a new business? Calculate the startup costs! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Plaintiff suing drawer of check is entitled to attorney’s fees. The Texas Supreme Court held that a suit under Article 3 of the UCC is a suit for breach of contract. The court stated, “We must determine whether a suit by a check's holder against its drawer under section 3.414 is a claim on a contract to which section 38.001(8) applies. We conclude that it is.” Click here for more.