NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. -- Slippers are a necessity and not a luxury, according to state tax law, a district justice has ruled.

Consumer advocate Mary Bach, of Murrysville, filed suit against a North Versailles Township Wal-Mart, arguing she was charged taxes at the store when she was trying to buy slippers.

She said the tax was on a non-luxury item and therefore violated tax laws.

North Versailles District Justice Robert Barner agreed, and awarded $100 total to Bach and her husband. Barner also ordered Wal-Mart to pay $59.14 in court costs.

Bach is the AARP state coordinator on consumer issues. She has taken on huge chain stores such as Kmart, Eckerd and Ames in the past and beaten them in court.

Wal-Mart spokesman Rob Phillips said Tuesday that store officials are disappointed by the ruling.