[darkpuma]

If Apple decides to flagrantly break that law, what options does an individual consumer have? Is there a government agency that will fight on behalf of that consumer, or does the consumer have to hire their own lawyer?

[crooked-v]

Small claims court can cover up to at least $5,000 or $10,000 in most states, and is generally friendly to the layman or may even ban the use of trained lawyers in some locations.

[chrisseaton]

> may even ban the use of trained lawyers in some locations

So who do companies send to defend themselves?

[jdietrich]

They often don't bother - the cost of sending a representative is frequently greater than the cost of paying the judgement.

[torstenvl]

A representative, usually a regional customer service executive or analogous. They'll often try to deal out first (it may be small claims court's policy to try mediation first).

[k_sze]

Maybe legal executives who have studied enough law but not entered the Bar (on purpose?).