Gale Encyclopedia of American Law Volume 6 P32 fully illuminates today's leading cases, major statutes, legal terms and concepts, notable persons involved with the law, important documents and more. Legal issues are fully discussed in easy-to-understand language, including such high-profile topics as the Americans with Disabilities Act, capital punishment, domestic violence, gay and lesbian rights, physician-assisted suicide and thousands more. | 298 LEND-LEASE ACT the manufacturer would have notice of the defect when the dealer requests reimbursement from the manufacturer for the repair. After a consumer invokes the lemon law the parties arbitrate the matter in an attempt to resolve it. Some statutes provide for a state-run arbitration process. Others provide for arbitration provided by private groups such as the Better Business Bureau or even a manufacturer-sponsored panel. Arbitration is an informal trial with a panel or individual deciding the matter. Each side tells its story. Mechanics might testify on behalf of either side. Lawyers are not required but may increase a consumer s likelihood of prevailing or settling prior to the arbitration hearing. According to one report fewer than 10 percent of the cases handled by a manufacturer-sponsored panel are decided in the consumer s favor. Consumers tend to fare slightly better in cases handled by the Better Business Bureau and fare best of all under state-run arbitration procedures. An early 1990s survey of three states with state-run arbitration found that consumers were awarded a full refund or replacement car in at least half of the cases. Many states make the arbitrator s decision binding on the manufacturer but not on the consumer. During arbitration automakers frequently argue that the consumer abused the car or failed to service the vehicle properly or that the defect does not substantially affect the car s safety or value. For this reason consumers should save all documentation about a vehicle and should keep meticulous records of all service problems. One owner of a top-of-the-line luxury car succeeded in arbitration for a whining noise in the air conditioner because an advertising brochure promised that the car would be a soothing and calming haven. States vary on whether the manufacturer or the consumer chooses the remedy. A lemon owner is entitled to a refund of the vehicle s purchase price including sales tax license and fees or a new .
