UNIT 9. Small Claims Court

1. Сomplete the sentences, using the appropriate words:

a – defective; b – continuance; c – handle; d – fill out; e – inexpensive; f – judge; g – decision; h – subpoenaed; i – hearing; j – in advance.

1. Filing a suit in small claims court is very ….

2. The clerk will be able to determine if the court can … your claim.

3. You’ll be required to … some forms and pay a small filing fee.

4. Prepare for your case ….

5. The court will notify the defendant of the date and place of the ….

6. If a … product is involved, be sure to bring it along, if possible.

7. Uncooperative witnesses can be ….

8. A postponement is also called a ….

9. Once your hearing begins, the … will ask you to tell your story.

10. After both sides have present­ed their stories, the judge will make a ….

2. Are the statements true (+) or false (–)? Correct the false statements.

1. In the early 20 century, court reformers rec­ognized that the typical civil court was too fast, cheap, and easy for many minor cases.

2. Today, every state has asmall claims court, where you can sue for large amounts of money.

3. Filing a suit in small claims court involves five general steps.

4. The amount you ask for should be based on the profit you made.

5. You should gather all the evidence necessary to present your case.

6. Contact all witnesses to be sure they come to court.

7. Uncooperative witnesses can be ordered to appear in court.

8. It is a bad idea to practice presenting your case to a friend beforehand.

9. If for any reason you can’t be on time for court on the date scheduled for the hearing, call the court clerk to ask for a postponement.

10. Tell your story by presenting your facts, witnesses, and any evidence you may have, try to be emotional.

Achievement Test 1 (Units 1–9)

Find suitable answers to these questions
(sometimes more than one answer is possible):

1. What is law?

A – The rules and regulations made by the government that regulate and enforce the conduct of people within a society.

B – The rules and regulations made and enforced by the government that regulate the conduct of people within a society.

C – Unwritten rules that regulate people’s conduct.

D – The rules and regulations made and enforced by the people that regulate the conduct of government within a society.

2. What kinds of law do you know?

A – Felonies and misdemeanors.

B – Criminal and civil action.

C – Criminal and civil laws.

D – Felonies, misdemeanors, civil action, criminal and civil laws.

3. What goals do we expect our legal system to achieve?

A – protecting basic human rights, helping resolve conflicts, promoting order and stability, representing the will of the majority, and pro­tecting the rights of minorities.

B – protecting basic human rights, promoting fairness, helping resolve conflicts, promoting order and stability, protecting the environment, representing the will of the majority, and pro­tecting the rights of minorities.

C – protecting basic human rights, promoting fairness, helping resolve conflicts, promoting order and stability, protecting the environment, representing the will of the majority.

D – promoting fairness, helping resolve conflicts, promoting order and stability, protecting the environment, representing the will of the majority, and pro­tecting the rights of minorities.

4. What values do you know?

A – moral, economic, political, social.

B – economic, political, social.

C – moral, economic, political, social, national.

D – moral, economic, international, political, social.

5. What is caveat emptor?

A – consumer law.

B – let the buyer beware.

C – legal agreement.

D – a person who buys goods and services for personal purposes.

6. What factors influence consumers?

A – advertising.

B – need of the product.

C – desire for the product.

D – possibility to buy the product.

7. The Consumer Product Safety Act, the Nutrition Labelling and Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act protect the consumer under:

A – federal law;

B – state law;

C – local law;

D – local and federal law.

8. What is necessary to do before buying?

A – Learn as much as possible about the product.

B – Read about various brands and ask friends for recommendations.

C – Make your purchase on impulse.

D – Read and compare warranties.

9. What is not wise to do after buying?

A – to inspect the product.

B – to read and follow the instructions.

C – try to fix the product yourself if you experience a problem with the product.

D – if the seller refuses to help, contact the product’s manufacturer.

10. What agencies and organizations can help consumers with complaints?

A – consumer groups.

B – Better Business Bureau.

C – media.

D – professional associations.

11. What civil remedies can be provided?

A – specific performance.

B – damages.

C – rescission and restitution.

D – jail term.