TORTS
Structure for an answer
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General Considerations
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Plaintiff is suing Defendant for X
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To establish a prima facie case for X, Plaintiff must prove…
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Here, Plaintiff will show…[analyze each element]
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Conclusion
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Defenses
Problem Solving Approach
I. General Considerations
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Vicarious liability
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Joint liability
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Survival Actions
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Wrongful death
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Immunities
II. Intentional Torts
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Assault
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Battery
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False Imprisonment
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IIED
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Trespass to chattels/Conversion
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Trespass to Land
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Nuisance – balance the interests
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Defenses – consent, defensive force, necessity, privilege of arrest
III. Harm to Economic and Dignitary Interests
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Defamation
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CL: (1) defamatory statement, (2) of and concerning P, (3) publication, (4) damages
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Defenses: consent, truth, privilege
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Constitutional issues: (1) falsity, (2) fault
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Invasion of Privacy: Misappropriation; Intrusion; False light; Publication of private facts
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Misrepresentation (intentional or negligent);
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Malicious Prosecution;
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Abuse of Process;
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Interference w/ Business Relations
IV. Negligence
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Elements: (1) duty – foreseeable plaintiff, standard of care; (2) breach of duty – custom & usage, statutory violation, res ipsa; (3) causation – factual (but for, substantial factor, unascertainable) & proximate (foreseeable harm); damages
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Special negligence actions: attorney malpractice, negligent infliction of emotional distress
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Defenses – contributory neg., comparative neg., assumption of risk
V. Strict Liability
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Animals
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Inherently dangerous activities
VI. Product Liability
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Strict Products Liability: (1) merchant D; (2) defect (3) when left D’s control; (4) foreseeable user/use
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Negligence: (1) duty to supply safe products; (2) breach; (3) causation; (4) damages
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Express Warranties
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Implied Warranties of Merchantability (ordinary product) Fitness (particular purpose).
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Defenses: comparative fault, scientifically unknowable risk, unavoidably unsafe product