Brownridge Institute of Karate, Inc. v. Dorris

Plaintiff-counterdefendant, Brownridge School of Karate, Inc., filed a small claims action in the circuit court of Champaign County against defendant-counterplaintiff, Joann Dorris, alleging breach of contract. Defendant answered, denying liability based on the language of the Physical Fitness Services Act (the Fitness Act) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 29, par. 51 et seq.). Defendant also filed a counterclaim for damages, including punitive damages, and for attorney fees based on the Fitness Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (the Consumer Fraud Act) (Ill. Rev.…