Illicit Trade of Counterfeit Goods

In my opinion, people don’t really understand what buying a counterfeit item really does to the market. The sale of illicit goods or knock-offs for bargain prices at first looks like a really good deal for the consumer. There are many “designer products” that sell for outrageous prices in the boutiques. The average person in America cannot afford to pay these prices. People who want that ‘look’ are the target market for the counterfeiters. Some of the knock-off artists are really good at making copies. So good in fact that there is even a difference in price paid for a good knock-off and a poor one.

From the perspective of the consumer faced with a tough economy, the availability of knock-offs is a good thing. It seems that even the counterfeiters need to make a living. Unfortunately, the existence of counterfeit goods actually causes the price of the real thing to go up.

From the designer’s perspective, their business is harmed by the counterfeit market. Many designers spend big money going after the knock-off artists to protect their designs. The cost of doing this is added to the price of the real designer item. Some designers even go to great lengths to incorporate some unique feature into their goods so that a knock-off can be easily spotted.

Over all I wish that the counterfeiters could be stopped because I think that the real designer original would then become a little more affordable. I personally would rather have the real thing.

Rights as a property owner

I believe that my rights as a property owner is that I should have say in what happens with my property all together. If I don’t like something I should be able to change it. As well as if someone is doing something that doesn’t appeal to me, I should have a say in that situation. When I own property I expect it to be the way I want it. I shouldn’t have to worry about someone or something barging in and messing it up. As a property owner, I would expect that I should be comfortable with what is happening around me.

If I were to have a squatter, like in the movie, I would just contact an attorney. I feel like my attorney could help me figure out the steps to take to get rid of him or her better than I ever could. Although, if I were in that exact situation, I would have made sure that I got him to give me his information for a background check. Also I would have made sure I got the money first.

Greed Is Good week 6

I don' t have much of an opinion about the stock market. I probably feel that way because at this moment it doesn't affect me. I do, however, have an opinion about greedy people. I believe that greed brings out the worst in people. Any kind of greed will have some effect on another person or persons. Also what goes around comes around and greedy people will get there's in the end.

I think that there needs to be a distinction made between greedy people and highly motivated people. People who work hard and are successful deserve to be compensated. However, I don’t think that the managers and decision makers at the top of these failed Wall Street companies should be given bonuses. If their decisions caused the companies to fail, then why should they be given taxpayers’ money for a job that was not well done?

I understand the concern coming from the government over these huge bonuses. If the people currently running these companies manage to turn them around and they start making money, then those executives should be rewarded. I believe the whole situation changed the minute these companies took money from our government. As taxpayers we now own a piece of these companies. They can no longer go about their ‘business’ and not tell us what they are doing. Their ‘business’ is our business as long as they are spending the taxpayers’ money. If these companies start making money and pay back the U.S. government, then I think the executives who make that happen have done a good job and they should be rewarded.

Bong hits for Jesus

This case is an interesting but challenging one. I believe the child should not have been suspended for displaying the banner across the street from the school. Yes it was during school hours and that shouldn’t have happened but to get suspended was a little harsh. I believe that Frederick was allowed to make his speech and not have an issue with it because of the First Amendment. It says that the Fourth Amendment was in violation but I think if it was across the street it should be as big of a deal.

Crime and Tort

Sexual harassment
Refer
Fraud
Illegal gambling
Vandalism
Bribery
Underage driving
Reckless driving
Speeding
Lying under oath
False advertisement
Illegal use of drugs
Monopoly
Gun use/attempted murder
Embezzlement
Conspiracy
Trespassing
Running from the police
Standing up in the bed of a truck
Driving on the wrong side of the road

Classmate Blog Evaluations

I agree completely with Sara, that every country-society needs laws and rules in order to work smoothly. Our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and complex set of laws are the back bone of our judicial system. Throughout Sara’s blog she really expresses her opinion clearly and isn’t afraid to share what is on her mind. Sara and I both believe that educating people about our judicial system is important. She also brings up the subject of media bias and its influence over how people think and view our justice system.

There are some contradictory statements made in Sara’s conclusion. At first she states that the justice system is pretty fair to every American and that the law “Is overall just and is meant to serve the people”. She then goes on to say that lots of injustice is served to innocent people. I like Sara would also like to believe that when innocent people meet injustice, it is the exception and not the rule.

I found Kevin’s post very interesting. He made a lot of good points and it is clear to me that he researched information before writing his blog. It is apparent that he has a strong opinion about the media and news reporters. Kevin is very concerned about a person unknowingly breaking the law or hurting someone else. He makes a distinction between the consequences of certain behaviors as a child and the consequences of that same behavior as an adult. Kevin and I both believe that our justice system does try to protect the rights of people living here in America.

Kevin also discusses the role our justice system plays in protecting businesses from white-collar crime. There rules in place which protects employees and consumers in the work place. I work in a small retail store and we follow certain rules and regulations to make sure that everyone’s rights are protected.

What I think about the Law

In my opinion the law is a good thing to have. Without law there is no order. People could decide what they want when they want without the law and justice system. Some people have an issue with the law but in all reality it could protect them from a devastating situation. I don’t have too much of an opinion on the law. I just follow it. I don’t like to get in trouble and as long and I follow the law I feel like it will be in my favor. I believe that it was made to be on my side and help me in difficult situations. If it doesn’t then I will get an attorney to help me defend myself properly. I’ve done some research dealing with the law and the justice system and so far I agree with how it is working. Some people might have issues with the way things are set up. Although you will most likely find that a part of their life deals with that law in a negative way. As I said I am a fan of the law but like myself I feel like people need to be more educated about it.

What I Think About Lawyers

Personally I happen to like lawyers. I think a lot of lawyers get a bad reputation. The media likes to portray lawyers as the ‘bad guys’. In many cases this reputation is undeserved. My mother works with lawyers, so I grew up knowing many lawyers (or attorneys as most of them prefer to be called). Therefore, I have a different perspective on attorneys. I believe that attorneys are there to help you and be your advocate. They speak for you and look out for your best interests. Attorneys put themselves on the line when they go into court to plead your case. It may surprise some people to find out that when they hire an attorney they must agree to be truthful. If your attorney finds out that you have lied to them, according to the retainer agreement- they can fire you. In my opinion people tend to stereotype attorneys. Actually, not all attorneys are criminal defense lawyers or get involved in lawsuits. Some of the most successful attorneys never step foot in court.

Fortunately for me, as I enter my career as an Interior Designer, I will have access to the corporate business attorneys I will need. Every business person at one point or another will probably need the services of a lawyer that specializes in contracts. A good transactional attorney is important to everyone who wants to go into business for themselves. Your attorney makes sure that your position is well represented and negotiates for you before you sign any agreements.

Attorneys may not be cheap but remember that ‘you get what you pay for’. Using an attorney from the beginning can save a lot of trouble in the long run. I am lucky because this will never be an issue for me. When I need an attorney to help me for any reason at all, including starting my business, I know exactly who I will call.