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.