Jane DeRonnee had carpet installed in her home and the carpet is not flat to the floor. In fact, it has so many waves that she and her friends and guests have been tripping over certain areas of her home. She has tried to have the carpeting fixed and

Question

has asked both the carpet retailer and the installer to solve the problem They have both refused. Walk Jane through the correct court system for her case. Explain to her where and how to take her case. Also explain to her what happens if she loses a case along the way.

Answer 1

Jane could take her case to small claims court where citizens can represent themselves. If she does not win there, she generally has a right to an appeal to the general trial court in the state for a trial de novo on the issues. If she loses at the trial court level, she can appeal the decision to the state court of appeals. If she loses there, she can petition to have her case heard by the state supreme court. It may or may not take the case on appeal. And should she lose at the state supreme court level, there is the U.S. Supreme Court. However, we should be honest with Jane. It is unlikely that the U. S. Supreme Court will take up her faulty carpet case. It is neither a social issue question or one that has produced a conflict in the circuits, the two general reasons for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case.