| Volume 69 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
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 get ripped-off, consider the real people's court. Small Claims Court is quick, informal and easy to use. In many case, 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.
US Calls for Ban on All In-Car Phone Use
The National Transportation Safety Board has made a recommendation to ban the use of all portable electronic devices while driving, including hands-free cell phone devices. Although it is only a recommendation, the report is likely to influence congressional leaders when they write new safety laws. GPS devices would be exempt and a driver could still use a cell phone in the event of an emergency. How would a national ban on portable electronic devices work? Click here for more.
The Divide Over the Payroll Tax Cut
Republicans and Democrats both want to extend the payroll tax cut for workers. They both believe the tax cut can be offset through cuts in other parts of the budget. They even agree on some small ways to pay for an extension. The agreement ends there. Republicans and Democrats remain sharply divided over the extension of long-term federal unemployment benefits and fixes to medicare; two items attached to the payroll tax cut. Democrats would like to ban millionaires from receiving unemployment benefits and food stamps, charge lenders more to guarantee repayment of new loans, and impose a small tax increase on the very wealthy. Republicans want to lay off 10% of the federal workforce, expand spectrum auctions, and charge millionaires for medicare. Can the sides find a compromise before the tax break is set to expire on December 31, 2011? Click here for more.
How to Spot a Liar in 20 Seconds
So you think you can spot a liar? According to an article published by the University of California - Berkeley, it only takes twenty seconds to determine if a stranger is honest. How? Behavioral psychologists insist the key to a persons veracity is their non-verbal behavior. Learn the keys to interpretation! Click here for more.
Your Money
The end of the year is approaching quickly. That means that tax season is right around the corner. Are you expecting a tax return? How much would you earn if you tuck it away right away? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
State credit card claims are not preempted. The Montana Supreme Court held that Federal law does not preempt state tort claims against Citibank for taking steps to collect a credit card debt that the company allegedly knew to be due to unauthorized charges. Click here for more.