Capstone

Capstone: Maya Ortiz and the deposit, the dismissal and the AI answer

Maya Ortiz is an invented tenant and employee who lives in a mid-sized American city. Within one month two things go wrong. Her landlord has not returned her security deposit and has sent a short message listing deductions she does not accept. At the same time, her employer has dismissed her and told her it was ‘for performance’, a week after she complained about unpaid overtime. She asks an AI system what to do, and it gives her a confident answer that cites a case by name, says she ‘has a strong claim’ and says she ‘has plenty of time’. She comes to you, as someone who has learned the map, to help her think it through. You are not her lawyer and you do not promise a result. Your job is to help her see the system, handle what she safely can and recognise what needs a lawyer.

General education about the legal system of the United States, using invented people and places. It states principles in simplified form and is not legal advice. The law differs by state and changes, and every case turns on its facts. If your matter is urgent, involves a large sum, your children, your home, your immigration status or your liberty, speak to a lawyer.