1. You are a law student who has volunteered to give advice to low income people who need help with relatively small matters. You receive the following statement. Explain to this person what his options are and which course of action you recommend. You might include issues to watch out for and specific advice explaining what not to do as it would be in violation of the law and could land him in more trouble.

The statement:

I moved to Vancouver from a small town in Ontario 12 months ago to take a job selling insurance. Most of my earnings were supposed to come from commissions but I just haven't been able to make it work. I am returning to Ontario where I can go back to my minimum wage job that I left there and move back in with my parents until I get my life worked out.

When I moved here, I purchased furniture on a payment plan of $100 per month over 36 months. The store will not take it back and has told me that I must continue to make the payments or I can pay in full. I do not have the money and will not have it in the near future. I am not going to move this furniture to Ontario as I have no use for it. The store has told me that if they repossess it I will still be on the hook for every cent plus their expenses even if they turn around and sell it. If I sell it myself I might get $500 for it.

Any advice that you can offer is much appreciated.

2. Paragraph 1 - The Scenario

A shop owner decides to hire his two nieces, aged 11 and 14, to help out at his shop for a few hours each weekend. Explain what he must do in order to be in compliance with the law.

Paragraph 2 - Significance of Laws

Why do you think that we have this law about hiring children? Is it necessary? Does it do any good?

3.

out of court settlements arbitration mediation

Listed above are three alternatives to the civil court system. Explain why it is important that these alternatives exist and how they may allow for more appropriate forms of justice than court action.