torts (exam 2) Flashcards
torts
wrong not based on a contract
what are the 3 types of torts?
intentional, negligence, strict liability
intentional torts
arise from an act the defendant consciously performs; intent to perform the act but not necessarily to harm
negligence
no intent required, instead focuses on if defendants act creates rise of harm due to defendants carelessness/ mistake
strict liability
liability without fault
defamation
defendants false statement of fact “published” or communicated to 3rd party; causes damage to plaintiff
slander
spoken/verbal defamation
libel
written defamation
wrongful interference
defendants wrongful act interested with relationship between plaintiff and 3rd party
conversion
plaintiff initially entrusts property to defendant for intended purposes only but defendant uses it for personal use
privacy
use of person’s name, picture, or likeliness for commercial purposes without permission
fraud
misrepresentation/deceit
duty of care
defendant owes a duty of care to plaintiff
breach
defendant breaches the duty of care owed to plaintiff
causation & damage
defendants breach of the duty of care owed to plaintiff causes damage to plaintiff
comparative negligence
liability proportioned to percentage of plaintiffs fault
third partys fault
liability proportioned to percentage of negligence or other tort of third party
superseding/intervening case
is there a break in the casual connections between defendants bad act and plaintiffs damage?
product liability
recognizes that there will be defects in mass-produced products even if used as intended
public policy
someone other than the injured consumer/bystander should be legally responsible for damages caused by those defects
3 theories for product liability
1) manufacturing defect
2) design defect
3) warning defect
2 judgements in tort cases
special damages & general damages
special damages
measured in exact terms; down to the last dollar and cent
general damages
intangible quality of life damages; compensating emotional distress or pain and suffering
punitive damages
punishment in addition to special damages & general damages