Torts [the essentials] Flashcards

1
Q

Prima Facie [intentional torts]

A

(1) Act by D(2) Intent by D desire to bring about the illegal consequence Causation of result to P from Ds Act [substantial factor in bringing about injury]

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2
Q

Transferred Intent

A

When the D intends to hurt one person but:
(1) commits a different tort against the person
(2) commits the intended tort against a different person
OR
(3) commits a different tort against a different person

YOU ARE STILL GOING TO BE LIABLE

Can only be used for: [intended + result]-assault-battery-false imprisonment-trespass to land-trespass to chattels

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3
Q

Key Tenants of intentional torts

A

(1) hypersensitivity of P is ignored–for intentional torts just assume that it is based on a reasonable person
(2) Intentional Torts = NO incapacity defenses [everyone can be liable!]

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4
Q

Intentional torts [against persons]

A

Battery, Assault, False Imprisonment, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

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5
Q

Battery

A

Intentional Tort

(1) harmful or offensive conduct
(2) contact has to be with the Ps person
-Ps person INCLUDES anything that is touching or is held by the P at the time of contact
-contract does not need to be instantaneous

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6
Q

Assault

A

Intentional Tort

(1) Act by the D that creates a reasonable apprehension in the P
(2) of an immediate battery (harmful or offensive contact to the Ps person)

Fear is not required–just apprehension
Requirement of immediacy: words alone do not have immediacy [not enough]/words can also negate immediacy

Knowledge: must know whats going on–although do not need to know Ds ID

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7
Q

False imprisonment

A

Intentional Tort

(1) Act of restraint (2) P must be confined in bounded area

Methods of confinement/restraint:
-physical barriers
-physical force against P, fam, or property
-direct threats of physical force
-failure to release P when under a legal duty to do so
-invalid use of legal authority

a bounded area is one here there is no reasonable means of escape known to the P
-way out must be reasonable–do not have to. use if it is: dangerous, disgusting, humiliating, or hidden

Timing: doesn’t matter how long/or short

Awareness: But P must KNOW they are confined

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8
Q

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

A

Intentional Tort

(1) act by D that is extreme and outrageous conduct
(2) causes the P severe emotional distress

Extreme and Outrageous: this is the type of conduct that transcends all decency tolerated in civilized society
-not enough to upset someone on purpose–must be RIDICULOUS
-mere insults are not considered outrageous

Hallmarks of outrageous shit:
-conduct that is repetitive in nature [continuous]
-D is common carrier or innkeeper
-P is member of fragile class [child, old person, pregnant person]

Intent: unlike other intentional torts–recklessness as to effect of conduct is enough

Exception to hyper-sensitive P rule:
-if D had prior knowledge of specific unique sensitivity of P–is considered outrageous if you go after them for that

Causation in a Bystander Case of IIED:
Ds conduct is directed at third person–but P suffers emotional distress
P must show: (1) prima facie elements of IIED
OR
(1) they were present when the injury occurred; (2) the distress resulted in bodily harm or the P is a close relative of the third person AND (3) the D knew these facts

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9
Q

Intentional Torts [against property]

A

Trespass to land
Trespass to Chattels
Conversion

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10
Q

Trespass to Land

A

Intentional Tort

(1) physical invasion
(2) of the Ps real property [of land]

Physical Invasion: Even if you are NOT aware of crossing onto their property–it is still a physical invasion
Intent: need only intent enter onto the land you enter onto
-could ALSO be the throwing of something tangible onto their land

Real Property: includes air above and soil below to a reasonable amount]

Damages: P can recover without showing actual injury to land

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11
Q

Trespass to Chattels

A

Intentional Tort
SMALL HARM

Intentional interference with Ps personal property that warrants D pay damages

Personal Property: is everything that is not land + includes money

Interference: damaging chattel or depriving P of the rightful possession of chattel

Intent: to do an act of interference
-mistaken believe that property is theres is no defense

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12
Q

Conversion

A

Intention Tort
BIG HARM–“break it, you buy it”

Intentional interference with Ps personal property so serious as to warrant D pay full value of the property
-the longer the withholding or the more damage–the more likely it is conversion of trespass to chattel

Intent: to do an act of interference
-mistaken believe that property is theres is no defense

Damages P may recover damages [fair market value at time of conversion] or possession [replevin]

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13
Q

Defenses to Intentional Torts

A

(1) Consent [express + implied]
(2) Self Defense
(3) Defense of Others
(4) Defense of Property
(5) Necessity

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14
Q

Consent

A

All consent has a scope

Questions:
(1) was there valid consent
(2) did the D stay within the boudnaries of the consent

-must also consider legal capacity
-no legal capacity = drunk people and very young kids
-some legal capacity: older kids + adults with mild intellectual disabilities
Ex: two kids [no capacity] but they can consent to wrestle with each other

Express Consent:
D is not liable if the P expressly consent to the Ds conduct:
Exceptions:
(1) mistake will undo express consent IF the D knew of and took advantage of the mistake
(2) fraud re essential matter
(3) consent via duress

Implied Consent:
What a reasonable person would infer from custom and usage or Ps conduct
(1) social custom + usage [if P voluntary takes party in conduct where invasions happen–they are consenting]
(2) Body language–Ds reasonable interpretation

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15
Q

Self defense

A

Self Defense:
Person reasonably believes that they are being or are about to be attacked, they may use such force as is reasonably necessary to protect against injury

Majority Rule: no duty to retreat
Modern Rule: duty to retreat if safe but not if in Ds home
-not available to the original aggressor unless the P responds to non-deadly force with deadly force

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16
Q

Defense of Others

A

Defense of others:
Person may use force to defend another when they reasonably believe that the other person could have used force to defend themselves
-reasonably mistake is permitted
-same degree of force calculation as in self-defense

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17
Q

Defense of Property

A

Defense of Property:
May use reasonable force to prevent the commission of a tort against real or person property
May also use force in hot pursuit of one who has tortiously taken their personal belongs–looked at as still in progress
-mistake is not allowed as to whether the other person has a privilege that is greater than the property right
-may use reasonable force but may NOT use force causing death or serious bodily harm unless faced with it
ALSO DO NOT SET DEADLY TRAPS

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18
Q

Shoplifting Detentions

A

Shopkeeper’s Privilege

(1) reasonable belief as to theft
(2) detention conducted in a reasonable manner + only with non-deadly force
(3) detention must be for reasonable period of time + only for making an investigation

19
Q

Necessity

A

Applies to Property Torts

A person may interfere with the land or personal property of another when is is necessary in an emergency to avoid anger from a natural or other force + when the threatened injury is substantially more serious than the invasion

Public Necessity: D acts in emergency to protect community
-this is a absolute defense

Private Necessity: Acting to protect own interest [property/person]
-have privilege to enter + stay until the necessity ends
-RIGHT TO SANCTUARY
-this is a limited/qualified defense–so much pay compensation damages but not liable for any nominal/punitive damages

20
Q

Prima Facie Case [negligence]

A

(1) duty
(2) breach
(3) causation
(4) damages

21
Q

Duty of Care

A

Legally imposed obligation to take risk-reducing precautions for benefit of others

General duty of care: is owed to all FORESEEABLE Ps
-do not owe a duty to non-foreseeable victims [Palsgraff]
-only owe a duty to those within the “zone of danger”

Exception: rescuers are foreseeable Ps when D negligently puts themselves or a third party in danger [danger invites rescue]
NOTE: Firefighters + police officers are barred by the firefighters rule from recovering for injuries that are an inherent risk of their jobs

22
Q

The Reasonably Prudent Person

A

Basic standard of care–OBJECTIVE STANDARD

Re DOC for foreseeable Ps–you owe same amount of care as would have been exercised by a reasonably prudent person in same circumstances
-mental deficiencies are not taken into account–EVERYONE IS LIABLE

Exceptions:
(1) for superior skill/knowledge [reasonable prudent person +]
(2) physical characteristics where relevant [ex: a blind person–reasonably prudent blind person]

23
Q

Special Negligence Duties

A

Children [usually 5-18]: are held to the standard of a child of the same age, intelligence + experience [SUBJECTIVE TEST]
-under 5 generally no standard
Exception: children who are doing dangerous adult activities (operating a motorized vehicle) get the reasonably prudent standard

Professionals: [Malpractice Claims]
Standard is same care as average member of same profession providing similar professional services
-generally this is a national standard of care
-duty is to conform + custom of profession sets standards

Statute: a duty imposed by a statute that provides criminal penalties can replace reasonably prudent standard if:
(1) the P is within the protected class
(2) the statute was designed to prevent the type of harm suffered by the P
violation of statute = duty + breach = negligence per se
Excuse for violation: violation of some statutes can be excused if compliance would have been more dangerous

24
Q

Special Negligence Duties [for possessors of land]

A

Unknown Trespassers: NO DUTY OWED

Known Trespassers: [discovered/anticipated]
KNOWN MAN MADE DEATH TRAPS
Must warn or make safe any conditions that are:
(1) artificial (2) highly dangerous (3) concealed (4) known to the possessor in advance

Licensees: Enters land with permission but without financial benefit to possessor
Ex: solicitor coming up to door
Ex: someone who comes over for dinner [social guests]
Must warn or make safe any conditions that are (1) concealed and (2) known to the land possessor in advance

Invitees: Enter land with permission for financial benefit of possessor. Includes when open to the public at large
Ex: supermarket, airport
Duty regarding hazards that are: (1) concealed (2) known to land possessor in advance or could have been discovered via reasonable inspection

Trespassing Children [Attractive Nuisance Doctrine]
if you have someone on your property that will be a kid magnet
Must exercise ordinary care to avoid a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm to children caused by dangerous artificial conditions on property
P must show:
(1) dangerous condition on land that owner knows or should know about
(2) the owner knows or should know that kids might trespass
(3) the condition is likely to cause injury [dangerous cause kid cannot appreciate the risk]
(4) the expense of remedying the situation is slight compared to the risk

HOW TO SATISFY PREMISE LIABILITY GENERALLY
-repair, replace, remove
-or warn about hazardous conditions [with a sign?]

25
Q

Affirmative Duty to Act

A

GENERALLY: no duty to act affirmatively

Exceptions:
(1) Special relationship between parties
Ex: innkeeper/guests, father/child
ALSO places of public accommodation have a duty to prevent injury to guests by third persons

(2) D caused peril

(3) Assumption of duty by acting: once you choose to rescue = must do so with reasonable care
-many states have enacted Good Samaritan statutes–insulating negligent rescuers from liability

26
Q

Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

A

if there has been a physical injury caused by tort–damages for emotional distress can be tacked on without having to go through this analysis

SITUATIONS WITH NO PHYSICAL INJURY

Near Miss Cases: P must show that (1) P was within the “zone of danger” and (2) P must suffer physical symptoms from the stress [diagnosable physical symptoms]
-minority of states have dropped the physical symptoms requirement

Bystander Cases: D negligently injures [kills or seriously injures] 3rd party causing P emotional distress
P must show: (1) the P and the injured person are closely related [family members–generally spouses or parent/child]
(2) P was present at scene of injury + personally saw the event

Special Relationship between P + D: [Business Relationship]
P can recover if highly foreseeable that careless performance by D will produce emotional distress
Ex: medical patient/medical lab
Ex: customer/funeral parlor
NOT customer/dry cleaner

27
Q

Breach

A

MOSTLY FACTUAL

P must point to concrete specific behavior when the Ds behavior fell short of the standard of care owed to them

Res Ipsa Loquitur: [used by P who does not have specific info about breach]
The very occurrence of an event tends to establish that there was a breach of duty
P must show:
(1)accident is normally associated with negligence
Ex: barrel falling out of a window
(2) accident would normally be due to negligence of someone in Ds position
**this can often be shown by evidence that the instrumentality causing the injury was in exclusive control of the D]

Result of Res Ipsa Loquitur: P has made a prima facie showing and there can be no directed verdict for D–WILL go to the jury

28
Q

Factual Causation

A

Causation = the link between the breach + the harm

General Test: BUT FOR Test
P must convince the jury BUT FOR THE BREACH that harm would not have occurred
-D can refuse with “even if”

Merged Causes–Substantial Factor Test
2 Ds acting independently each commit a breach combining into one divisible harm
ASK: would breach have caused the whole harm?
= jointly + severely liable
P could recover full damages from either D

Uncertain Causes Approach: Two acts + only one causes injury but unsure which one
Ex: D1 and D2 both negligently fire shot guns. P gets hit but no one knows if it was D1 or D2
Outcome: shifts burden to Ds
-both Ds will have to prove that the bullet was not theres
-if they cannot–they both may be liable

29
Q

Proximate Causation

A

Ds conduct must ALSO be the proximate cause of the injury
Essentially: P needs to convince that this is all fair

General Rule: Foreseeability
Was outcome foreseeable?
Guidelines: SQUISHY
(1) Passage of time
(2) geographic distance
(3) prior occurrence

Common Foreseeable Intervening Forces: [are a thing]
-medical malpractice
-negligence of rescuers
-protection or reaction forces to Ds conduct
-disease or accident substantially caused by original injury

Superseding Forces: break the causal connection between the Ds initial negligent act and the injury
-unforeseeable results

30
Q

Damages for Negligence

A

Egg-Shell Skull Doctrine: must take your P as you find them
Once P has established all other elements of claim–P must receive all damages suffered even if surprisingly big in scope
this is not limited to negligence claims

Contributory Negligence: P is contributorily negligent
Outcome: Ps claim is barred

Pure Comparative Negligence: Trier of fact weights the Ps negligence (contributory negligence) and reduces damages accordingly (percentage)

Partial Comparative negligence:
-bars Ps recovery if their negligence was more serious than the Ds negligence
-otherwise same as pure

31
Q

Strict Liability

A

Liability without Fault

32
Q

Liability for Animals

A

Domesticated Animals:
GENERALLY no strict liability
Exception:
-if knowledge of animals dangerous propensities [that are not common to species]
Exception [to exception]: even if have knowledge no SL to trespassers on land

Trespassing Animals: owner is SL for reasonably foreseeable damage done by their animals trespassing

Wild Animals: Owner is SL to licensees and invitees for injuries caused by wild animals (even if pets)

SL is NOT available for trespassers
-trespasser will need to prove negligence

33
Q

Abnormally Dangerous Activities

A

Test:
(1) can’t be made reasonably safe through exercise of ordinary care
(2) activity is not commonly used in the community
Ex: anything with explosives, dangerous chemicals etc

SL applies when injury is caused by the dangerous aspect of the activity

34
Q

Products Liability

A

Could be many claims:
-negligence
-UCC
-misrepresentation/fraud
-could also be SL

Elements for SL:
(1) D is merchant [commercial supplier]
(2) product is defective
(3) product was not substantially altered since leaving Ds control [presumption that ordinary channels of commerce are not alternation]
(4) P was making a foreseeable use at time of injury (this does not only mean INTENDED use)

Times of Defects:
(1) Manufacturing Defects: Product emerges from manufacturer different from others + more dangerous than consumers would expect
(2) Design Defect: Risks associated with product design outweigh utility of design
-P must show that an alternative design would been safer + practical + economically feasible
(3) Information Defect: Hidden risks without adequate warnings/instructions
Adequate =
-prominent
-comprehensible
-provide info about mitigating risk

35
Q

Nuisance

A

**MUST BE MAJOR + INTOLERABLE*

An invasion of property rights: Private + Public

Private Nuisance: Interference with use and enjoyment of own property
-this includes spite cases–where there are super bright lights or super loud parties
-cannot be a result of the Ps hypersensitivity

Public Nuisance: Act that unreasonably interfers with the health, safety, or property rights of the community

36
Q

Vicarious Liability

A

Liability that is based on relationship

Employer/Employee: Employer is vicariously liable for any tortious acts committed by their employee if they occur within the scope of the employment relationship [repsondeat superior]
-Detour: employee makes minor deviation from employers business for own purpose = still acting within scope
-Frolic: deviation in time or geographic area is substantial = not within scope = employer not liable

Intentional Torts: are generally outside of scope of employment
-can be within it if employee is acting further employers purposes
-also specific jobs = bouncer, bill collector etc

Independent Contractors: Hiring party is generally not liable for torts
Exception: when a duty is non-delegable–ex: the duty of a business to keep its premises age for customers

37
Q

Multiple D Issues

A

Joint + Several Liability: P can recover full damages from any D they choose

Contribution: when one D who paid it all seeks contribution from other Ds
Methods:
-comparative contribution
-equal shares
-NOT allowed with intentional tortfeasors

Indemnification: involves shifting the entire loss between or among tortfeasors
Available when
(1) in vicarious liability situations
(2) under strict products liability for the non-manufacturer
-they can get fully reimbursed

38
Q

Loss of Consortium

A

Claim by spouse of injured party, derivative of injured party’s claim
Claiming loss of:
-household services
-companionship
-sex

39
Q

Defamation

A

(1) Defamatory statement that specifically IDs D (with name or not)
(2) published to 3rd party
(3) falsity
(4) fault
(5) damage to Ps rep

Defamatory statement = any statement that adversely affects [s rep–NAME CALLING IS NOT ENOUGH
-generally opinion is not actionable but it is if it implies based on facts

Publication: must be at least one other person
-the more sharing = the more damages
-this can be intentional or negligent

Falsity: P has to show that statement is false

Fault on Ds part: degree of awareness that D had of falseness of statement
-if reasonably believed was true is not defamation

Living Person Requirement: must be alive

Group Defamation:
Small group = everyone has claim
Large group = no one has claim

Public Figure [regularly in public eye]: must show actual malice
-means that (1) knowledge that the statement was false or (2) reckless disregard as to whether it was false
SUBJECTIVE

Private Person involving matter of public concern: only negligence must be show

40
Q

Libel

A

Defamation in “permanent form” [written, recorded etc] = damages are presumed [no proof needed]

41
Q

Slander

A

Spoken defamation

Slander Per Se: words so clearly defamatory that ordinary person would understand injury = damages presumed
-adversely reflect on Ps business/profession
-state that P has committed a serious crime
-assert that P has engaged in serious sexual misconduct
-state that the P has a loathsome disease

If none of these = must show economic harm otherwise it is dismissed

42
Q

Defenses to Defamation

A

Consent = complete defense

Truth = complete defense

Privilege:

ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE
-communications between spouses
-remarks made during judicial proceedings, by legislators during proceedings [lawyers + witnesses too]

QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE
Can be lost through abuse
These privileges are available on a case by case basis when there is public interest in encouraging candor [statements made in good faith + within scope]
-references + recs
-reports of public hearings/meeting
-statements made to those who are to take official actions
-statements made to defend ones own actions, property or rep

Common Interest Privilege: qualified privilele for statements made to collegaues in same company

43
Q

Invasion of Right to Privacy

A

Potential Wrongs
(1) Appropriation of the Ps picture or name [for commercial purposes]
(2) Intrusion on the Ps affairs or seclusion
(3) publication of facts placing the P in a false light
(4) public disclosure of private facts about P

(2) an invasion of Ps seclusion that would be highly offensive to reasonable person necessary [need to be in a place with an expectation of privacy]
(3) False light: Dissemination of material falsehood about P that would be highly offensive to reasonable person [also can be defamation!]
(4) Disclosure: widespread dissemination of confidential info about P not of legit concern to public + highly offensive to reasonable person [must be a truly confidential fact–not already shared]

Exceptions:
Re Appropriation: newsworthiness: putting pic in paper OK
-not limited to celebrities

Defenses:
Consent
Absolute/Qualified Privilege
Absolute/ Qualified Privilege for False Lights