| Volume 93 Number 6 |
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Happy Holidays!
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 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.
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Ruling Could Change e-Cigarette Industry
With increased prices and fewer places to smoke, many smokers are now turning to electronic cigarettes to kick the habit. The tobacco-free products have become quite common over the last few years, yet have remained largely unregulated. E-cigarettes are thought to be a safe alternative to traditional tobacco products, but because of how new they are, little is known about the long term effects.
Last week, a French court ruled that e-cigarettes are to be regulated as tobacco products, even though they don't contain tobacco. Although the ruling has no direct and immediate global impact, it could set a precedent that other jurisdictions follow. If so, the e-cigarette market could change dramatically. Among possible changes, former smokers could turn back to traditional tobacco products as price and restriction differences become negligible.
What does the future hold for e-cigarettes?
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Avoiding the Upsell
Next time you purchase an electronic device, the store may try to "upsell" you. That is, the store may try to make more money off your purchase by convincing you to add something to it. Sometimes, sales associates may even try to convince you that they're saving you money. For example, many stores will offer you a discount if you sign up for a credit card. Chances are that the store will make that money back very fast if you sign on the dotted line. The big ones, however, are much more obvious. Stores make a fortune selling customers on extended warranties. If you pay with a certain credit card, you may already be protected. In many instances, the manufacturer will offer a warranty that will have the protection you need.
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Federal Judge Says Plural Household OK
According to a federal judge in Utah, parts of the state law on polygamy are unconstitutional. The case centered around the reality television "Sister Wives." In the show, Kody Brown has four "wives," but only has a marriage license with one. Under the ruling, the families like his can be both plural and legal.
All fifty states have laws against bigamy.
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Your Money
How does your savings compare to the national average?
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For the Lawyers
Housekeeper bound by arbitration agreement.
The Virginia Supreme Court has enforced an arbitration agreement against a housekeeper who sought to sue her former boss, after he physically assaulted her. The live-in housekeeper signed a one-page agreement to arbitrate that was presented to her by her employer, a car dealership owner, sometime after she started working, and it contained no other agreement about her pay, hours, or other terms of employment.
A unanimous Virginia Supreme Court sent the dispute to arbitration.
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