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Mondav, October 24. 1988 / University Daily Kansan
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
The dignity they deserve
Jessie Branson has pushed legislation to improve nursing homes. Aides must be better trained. Licensed nursing care must be on hand round the clock. Homes that ignore regulations face stiffer penalties.
For older people still at home, Jessie sponsored a law that requires licensure of home-health-care agencies, as well as a mandate for training of home health aides.
Now the Legislature is studying Jessie's proposal for more available and affordable care — so that frail older people can live in their homes longer.
Jessie knows that independence lends life dignity.
Vote Jessie again.
Jessie Branson STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Small Claims Court allows big victories
The Law in Brief
By Jay A. Cohen Kansan staff writer
Suppose, just for example, your roommate wins the lottery. This is an uncommon event in our roommate does so in the usual manner — by taking your camera and your suitcase to the Caribbean for two months of fun, sun and destruc-
He leaves you with the rent, the utility bills and the feeling that you your camera and your suitcase will never meet again.
Your roommate returns, bringing a tan, about a hundred photographs of long white beaches, blue skies and exposed anemones, a nostalgic mural glistening.
Gently, politely, even kindly, you present an itemized list of expenses, plus camera and suitcase, totaling $299.90
In the basement of the Douglas County Law Enforcement Center at 111 E. 11th St., is the district court office in room 2. There a person who was convicted of a crime Claims Court petition form, and sheet of instructions. Information can also be obtained from a pamphlet published by the Kansas Bar Association and Kansas Association of District Court Clerks and Administra-
"So sue me," your roommate says.
"Your every wish is my command." you reply "See you in Small Claims Court."
The maximum amount a person can sue for in Small Claims Court is $1,000.
According to the pamphlet, there are other limits as well. For example, one person cannot file more than 10 claims per calendar year. Any person or business in Kansas can be sued, but state and local govern-
Judge lets people have their day in court
Appropriately, room 145 in the Douglas County Law enforcement Center is small, even intimate, and offers other courtrooms in the building.
By Jay A. Cohen Kansan staff writer
It's appropriate because this is where, every other Tuesday, Small Chains Court is held, with the Dennis Bennis usually presiding.
Reilining does not wear a black shirt. People in the room people walking in padded straight-backed chairs, matching names against a list of cases scheduled for next week.
The air is informal, but it's a hot table and a tabletable and high bench are visible reminders that small or not, this is a courthouse here the law is
District Magistrate Judge Dennis Reiling said that a person sung in Small Claims Court could consult a lawyer, or can even have the lawyer fill out the petition, but that when the petition had to be represented himself.
Reiling said the person filling out the petition must provide the name, address and phone number of the individual filing it and the defendant. He recommended that the claim be filled in the same form as the document of lives or works or can be served.
"People need to have their day in court," Reiling said. "Even if they lose, once they had that day in court, they would not at least, they had a hearing."
A lot of people want their day in court, but more than 500 small claims were filed last year and more than 370 so far this
Reiling said many cases are settled out of court; some are decided just outside the doors.
The plaintiff must fill in the amount of money or property he is demanding and must outline the
"Sometimes you get a couple of roommates bickering over a phone call, and you pass through a stack of bills and determine who made which call. On some occasions I just send them the money and they can usually work it out."
"Sometimes it's just a question of getting parties communicating
reasons for his claim within a three-inch space on the petition.
When the plaintiff finishes the petition, he should take it to room 144 in the Law Enforcement Center, according to the pamphlet. There, a lawyer or an 800-flower fee for claims over $500, or a $10 fee for claims under $500.
The plaintiff will take the petition back to room 42, sign it, and give it to the clerk. The plaintiff will receive a copy, and the defendant will receive a copy. The parties will date of the trial listed. The defendant may file a counterclaim.
To prepare a case, the parties should gather any documentation which will substantiate their case.
again, providing them with a forum, a chance to get things off their chest. Sometimes they go out shaking hands." Reilly said.
The cases do not always end so amicably, of course. Reilling always advises the losers of their right to appeal, which they must within 10 days. But he said very few people took the time and trouble.
Reiling said that while collectively responsibility of the winning plaintiff—or the "judgment creditor"—is a procedure that should be
If no appeal is made and payment is not made, the court must ask the district court office where he will be given instructions on how to file the complaint.
such as receipts and canceled checks. The parties each have 15 minutes before the judge. Each is required to answer any witnesses. If the witnesses are uncooperative, they may be subpoenaed if the request is made in writing five days before the trial and if two witnesses are made for $10 made out to each witness.
Both parties to the suit may ask for one rescheduling of the trial, called a continuance
On the trial date, if the defendant fails to appear the plaintiff will win by default. If the plaintiff fails to appear the judge will award a deci- After the judge has made a deci-
After the judge has made a decision, either side may appeal the case.
News Brief
LAWRENCE M MAN DROWS IN TUB: A 28-year-old Lawrence man died early yesterday after apparently drowning in a hot tub at a house west of Lawrence, a Douglas County Sheriff's office
spokesman said.
Jon A. Blubaugh, 1601 Kasold Drive, was directed at the dead by Douglas County Coroner.
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and a preliminary autopsy indicated the death was by accidental drowning. Sanders said alcohol might have been involved in the incident. Sanders said a complete autopsy would be done.
Baker University Student Activities Committee & Kansas Committee for the Humanities
Present:
ERIK VON KUEHNELT-LEDDIHN
Speaking in the Owens Musical Arts Building, 8th & Eld, Baldwin City
Dr. Kuehlelt-Leddih is an internationally famous humanities Scholar & European Correspondent for The National Review
- Monday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. "Women in the World & History"
* Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. A Phase in Communism"
* Wednesday, Oct. 26, 3:30 p.m.
Topics Include:
FOREST INSTITUTE
OP PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy. 0 ) in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology
- Specialty Tracks in Child Psychology Family & Marital Therapy, Addictionology
OPEN HOUSE • SPRUNGFIELD
2 4:00 pm
Saturday, March 28, 1987
3:00 Presentation
- For a catalog and application
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Springfield.
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417/831-7902
Chicago Metro Area
1717 Rand Road
Des Plaines
IL 60016
312/635-4175
- Equal Opportunity Educational Facilities
- North Central Association Accredited
* Handicapped Accessibility
The Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon would like to thank the Gamma Phi Beta's for all your hard work and time for Homecoming '88. Thanks for two great weeks of fun!
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