1. Intentional Torts Flashcards
Should the Extreme or hypersensitivity of a P be recognized in determining if that P has a valid claim?
No. Always assume you’re dealing with a normal person with normal sensitivity.
Can a D assert incapacity as a defense to an intentional tort claim?
No. There are no incapacity defenses in the world of intentional torts
When does a person act intentionally?
A person acts intentionally when they desire to produce the legally forbidden outcome
What is Transferred Intent?
The D wants to produce a legally forbidden consequence to a specific party, but a different consequence to a different party occurs. It is treated as an intentional tort.
What are the elements for Battery?
- Intent
- The D must commit a harmful or offensive contact
- That contact must be with the Plaintiff’s person.
What is Offensive Contact?
A contact is offensive if it would not be permitted by a person with reasonable sensitivity.
What is considered the Plaintiff’s Person?
The Plaintiff or anything that the Plaintiff is touching or holding.
Must a Battery occur instantaneously?
No.
Ex: Poisoning a sandwich, causing another to become ill.
What are the elements of Assault
- Intent
- The D places the P in reasonable apprehension
- of an immediate battery
What is apprehension?
Knowledge (NOT FEAR)
What if the D engages in some kind of menacing gesture, and the P believes that there is imminent harm, but in reality it is a bluff and there is no actual threat of imminent harm?
Ask whether it would be reasonable to assume that a battery could be completed.
Can words alone create a cause of action for assault?
No. You need, in addition to words, conduct (a menacing gesture)
Can words negate immediacy?
If the D says something, you must give it its natural effect.
What are the elements of False Imprisonment?
- Intent
- The D commits an act of restraint
- The P is confined in a bounded area
Can threats be considered an act of restraint?
Yes, HOWEVER, this has to be a threat that would operate on the mind of a person with reasonable sensibility.
Can an omission be an act of restraint?
Yes. A failure can be an act of restraint if the D owed a duty to the P. Ex: someone leaves a person in a wheelchair in an area they can’t get out of.
When is an area not considered “bounded?”
An area is not bounded, if there is a reasonable means of escape, that the P can reasonably discover.
If the space is not perfectly sealed up, but the way out will be dangerous, disgusting, or humiliating, is it still considered a bounded area?
Yes, because these are not considered reasonable means of escape.
What are the elements of Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress?
- Intentional or recklessly
- The D must engage in outrageous conduct,
- The P must suffer severe distress.
What is considered “Outrageous Conduct?”
Conduct which exceeds all bounds of decency tolerated in a civilized society.
Are mere insults considered “outrageous Conduct?”
No. Even if done with the goal of distressing the person
Four Hallmarks of Outrageousness
- The conduct is continuous or repetitive
- If the D is a common carrier or an innkeeper — They are under a duty to behave with courtesy.
- The P is a member of a fragile class of persons
- Defendant has an awareness of a known emotional sensitivity, and the D deliberately targets it.
What are considered fragile classes of persons?
- Children
- Very elderly people
- Pregnant women (D must know she is pregnant)
Who bears the burden of proving Severe distress in an IIED case?
The Plaintiff has to prove severe distress, but there is no particular evidence or symptoms required.