Rights are a central concept in America. One's rights have nothing to do with one's responsibilities. They're things you're entitled to.
You are legally entitled to a copy of anything you sign---leases, job applications, car repair orders, etc.
If you have repair work done (on your car or TV, for example), you may demand an estimate, and the total cost cannot legally go more than 10% over that estimate without your written permission. If a repair shop ``neglects'' to give you an estimate, insist upon it.
If you have any legal problems, you can get free advice from the Stanford Legal Counseling Office (723--3381), and also Fed Cred members can apparently get Group Legal Service (whatever that means).