Bar Passage
Supplemental Program
The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)
BYU Law School
The Supplemental Program
• The Multistate Bar Exam
• May 6 & 8
• The Multistate Essay Exam
• May 10 & 13
• The Multistate Performance Test
• May 15 & 17
The Bar in General
Typical Bar Exam
•
2 days, 6-7 hours of testing per day
•
Composed of:
• MBE (multiple choice)
• MEE (short essay)
• MPT (longer essay/work product)
•
These “national” tests are written by the National
Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)
•
Many state bar organizations write their own essays or
performance tests (and therefore don’t use the NCBE
provided MEE or MPT)
•
All states but Louisiana use the NCBE provided MBE
•
Some states require 3 days of testing
The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)
The UBE
Jurisdictions offering
the UBE
• Alabama
• Arizona
• New
Hampshire
• Colorado
• North
Dakota
• Idaho
• Utah
• Missouri
• Washington
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Nebraska
UBE composition and
weight
•
The UBE is composed of the MBE,
the MEE (6 essays), and the MPT (2
performance tests)
•
Grading weight:
• MBE: 50%
• MEE: 30%
• MPT: 20%
•
It is uniformly administered,
graded, and scored by user
jurisdictions and results in a
portable score (for a period of time)
The Multistate Bar Exam
(MBE)
MBE Basics and Jurisdictions
• The multiple choice aspect of the Bar
• Administered the second day of the bar exam (on the last
Wednesday in February and the last Wednesday in July each year)
• “Purpose is to assess the extent to which an examinee can apply
fundamental legal principles and legal reasoning to analyze given
fact patterns.”
• Given by all jurisdictions except Louisiana
• Each jurisdiction determines its own policy with regard to the
relative weight given to the MBE and other sections
The MBE Test
• Contains 200 multiple choice questions, 190 of which are scored
• The 10 unscored are being evaluated for future use
• There are 4 possible answers on each question
• a, b, c, d
• Morning testing session:
• 100 questions in 3 hours
• Afternoon testing session:
• 100 questions in 3 hours
• Subject areas: Constitutional Law (31), Contracts (33), Criminal Law
and Procedure (31), Evidence (31), Real Property (31), and Torts (33).
MBE Scoring
• The MBE is scaled. This is a form of curve grading based on the
difficulty of the particular exam you are taking and how others
taking it perform in comparison.
• EXAMPLE: a raw score of 50% would probably put you close
to the bottom 10% of those taking the test, while a raw score of
70% would probably put you in the top 10%
• THIS MEANS that you can get 40-50 questions wrong and still
get a great score. It also means that you don’t have a lot of
wiggle room.
• Each jurisdiction individually determines what a “passing” score
is. UBE jurisdictions use the same standard.
MBE Timing
• 100 questions in
3 hours
• Shoot to spend 1.8
minutes per
question
• Try to answer 33
questions per hour
• Remember that an
incredibly long Rule
Against Perpetuities
question counts the same as
a short and easy criminal
law question.
• Be prepared to skip a few
questions—and when you
skip, truly skip
• You can always come back
if you have time (only to the
100 you’re currently
answering)
MBE Strategy
Typical approach:
① Identify the area of law by reading the call of the
question
② Scan the answer choices (be careful not to jump to
conclusions!)
③ Read the fact pattern critically and carefully
④ Re-read the call of the question, and carefully read each
answer choice
⑤ Apply the rule and exception to the fact pattern
⑥ Eliminate incorrect answer choices
Implement MBE Strategy
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
Identify the area of law by reading the call of the question
Scan the answer choices (be careful not to jump to conclusions!)
Read the fact pattern critically and carefully
Re-read the call of the question, and carefully read each answer choice
Apply the rule and exception to the fact pattern
Eliminate incorrect answer choices
One morning in a Laundromat, a defendant approached a man and said, “If you don’t pay me $500
by July 2, I’ll beat you to a pulp.” A week later, on July 2 the defendant met the man at a local bar
and demanded the money. The man handed the defendant $500. After receiving the money, the
defendant then punched the man in the stomach and hurriedly left the bar.
Under modern statutory law, the defendant will most likely be found guilty of which of the
following crimes?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Extortion and battery
Extortion and robbery
Assault and battery
Assault and robbery
MBE Strategy
Eliminate an answer choice if:
• The answer mischaracterizes or adds to the facts
• The answer choice assumes a fact in dispute
• The answer’s reasoning is legally incorrect
• The law is stated incorrectly
• The answer applies a minority rule
• A rule of law is correct, but inapplicable
• The answer is not the “best” answer
• The answer is partly true, and partly false
The Answer Mischaracterizes the Facts
An owner of a storage facility stores flammable gases under high pressure in large spherical
tanks. The facility was constructed for the owner by a company that specializes in the
construction of such facilities. After the facility had been in use for three months, one of the
tanks ruptured, causing a spillage and loss of the chemicals. The owner sued the company for
strict liability, claiming that the storage tank had been defectively manufactured.
At trial, the owner called a photographer who testified she was hired by the owner to
photograph the ruptured tank after the accident. She further testified that the roll of film was
sent to a commercial film lab where the photographs were developed. Thereupon, the owner’s
attorney showed the photographer the photographs, which she identified as the ones she had
taken and given to the owner.
The owner’s attorney offers 10 photographs into evidence. Upon objection by the company’s
counsel, which of the following is the best reason to exclude the photographs from evidence?
a. The photographer was not shown to be an expert or professional photograph.
b. There was an unaccountable break in the chain of custody from the time the photographs
were taken to the period when the negatives were processed.
c. No testimony can be offered that the photographs accurately portrayed the ruptured tank.
d. The photographs are not the best evidence to prove how the tank ruptured.
The Answer Assumes a Fact in Dispute
A contractor learned that a city intended to open a new grammar school and was going to ask for bids to
construct the school. The contractor decided to submit a bid to do the construction. The contractor
contacted all of the subcontractors she had worked with in the past, informed them of the specifics of the
school construction project, and asked each to submit a bid for the work they would be requested to
perform. An insulation company submitted a bid of $25,000 to do the required insulation work in the new
school. Based on that and other subcontract bids, the contractor prepared a general bid and submitted it to
the city.
Three days after the contractor submitted the bid to the city, the insulation company notified the contractor
that it had overbooked its workforce and would be unable to perform the insulation work. The next day, the
city notified the contractor that she had won the bid to build the school. The contractor was forced to find
another company to do the insulation work. The other company charged the contractor $30,000 to do the
work.
Which of the following arguments supports the claim for $5,000 by the contractor against the insulation
company?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The contractor had made an offer to the insulation company that the latter accepted when it submitted
its bid.
The insulation company had made an offer that the contractor accepted by using the insulation
company’s bid in computing the bid it submitted to the city.
The insulation company’s bid was an offer that it was obligated to hold open, because the insulation
company and the contractor were merchants.
An option contact was created, because the contractor used the insulation company’s bid in computing
the bid it submitted to the city and notified the insulation company of that fact.
The Answer’s Reasoning is Legally Incorrect
A defendant was a senior pre-med student at a state university. Before a big football game with their
arch rival, the defendant attended a pep rally at the university football field. During the pep rally the
students drank beer, sang songs, and gave members of the football team fervent cheers. After the rally
ended, the defendant was walking toward his car when he felt the need to relieve himself. He then
strutted across the street to a municipal park and urinated against a tree. In this jurisdiction, urinating
in public is a misdemeanor.
Unknown to the defendant, a parking enforcement officer who was ticketing cars in the area
witnessed the incident and wrote down the license number of the defendant’s vehicle as he drove off.
She immediately gave the information to the police who did a check and learned the defendant’s
identity and home address. Within an hour, the police went to the defendant’s house and forcibly
entered the dwelling without a search warrant. While searching his home, they found the defendant
studying in an upstairs bedroom. After giving him his Miranda warnings, the defendant confessed to
the crime.
The defendant was thereafter prosecuted for the misdemeanor. If the defendant moves to suppress
evidence of the statement he made to police when he was apprehended, the motion should be
a.
denied, because the defendant received Miranda warnings and was not compelled to incriminate
himself.
b. denied, because the defendant volunteered the confession.
c. sustained, because the police lacked probable cause to search the defendant’s home.
d. sustained, because the defendant’s statement was the product of a warrantless entry of his home.
The Law is Stated Incorrectly
A pedestrian was walking down the sidewalk past a building that was being painted. A
ladder used by the painters fell and struck the pedestrian, causing an injury to his
shoulder.
In an action by the pedestrian against the painting company based on the theory of
negligence, which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding the burden
of proof ?
a. The pedestrian must prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the painting company
was negligent.
b. The pedestrian must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the painting
company was negligent.
c. The painting company must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that it was
not negligent.
d. There is a rebuttal presumption of negligence on the part of the painting company
under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur.
The Answer Applies the Minority Rule
A man purchased a new automobile from a local car dealer. After driving the
car a total of 2,000 miles over the course of several months, the man sold it to a
woman. The woman loaned the auto to a friend. As the fried was operating the
vehicle within the posted speed limit, the brakes suddenly failed because of a
manufacturing defect. Unable to stop the car, the friend struck a taxi that was
being driven by a driver. The colliding cars ended up on the sidewalk, injuring a
pedestrian. The collision was due solely to the defective brakes on the woman’s
car.
If the pedestrian asserts a strict products liability action against the car dealer,
the dealer will most likely be
a. liable, because the car was defective when it was sold to the man.
b. liable, because the car dealer failed to make a reasonable inspection of the
car before selling it to the man.
c. not liable, because the pedestrian was not the purchaser of the car.
d. not liable, because the pedestrian could have avoided the accident by
exercising reasonable care.
The Rule of Law or Statement is Correct, but Inapplicable
Several years ago, Bart purchased Goldacre, financing a large part of the purchase price by a
loan from Mort that was secured by a mortgage. Bart made the installment payments on the
mortgage regularly until last year. Then Bart persuaded Pam to buy Goldacre, subject to the
mortgage to Mort. They expressly agreed that Pam would not assume and agree to pay Bart’s
debt to Mort. Bart’s mortgage to Mort contained a due-on-sale clause stating, “If Mortgagor
transfers his/her interest without the written consent of Mortgagee first obtained, then at
Mortgagee’s option the entire principal balance of the debt secured by this Mortgage shall
become immediately due and payable.” However, without seeking Mort’s consent, Bart
conveyed Goldacre to Pam, the deed stating in pertinent part “ . . . , subject to a mortgage to
Mort [giving details and recording data].”
Pam took possession of Goldacre and made several mortgage payments, which Mort accepted.
Now, however, neither Pam nor Bart has made the last three mortgage payments. Mort has
brought an appropriate action against Pam for the amount of the delinquent payments.
In this action, judgment should be for
a.
b.
c.
d.
Pam, because she did not assume and agree to pay Bart’s mortgage debt.
Pam, because she is not in privity of estate with Mort.
Mort, because Bart’s deed to Pam violated the due-on-sale clause.
Mort, because Pam is in privity of estate with Mort.
The Answer is not the Best Answer
Fran, who was driving at an excessive speed, applied her brakes to stop at a traffic light. Due to
damp, fallen leaves, her car skidded and came to a halt perpendicular to the roadway. Sid, who was
also driving at an excessive speed and was immediately behind Fran, saw Fran’s car perpendicular
to the roadway. Although Sid had sufficient distance to come to a slow, controlled stop, he decided
not to slow down but, rather, to swerve to the left in an effort to go around Fran’s car. Due to
oncoming traffic, the space was insufficient and Sid’s car collided with Fran’s car, severely injuring
Fran.
Fran filed a personal injury action against Sid in a jurisdiction in which contributory negligence is
a bar to recovery.
Will Fran prevail?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Yes, if the jury finds that Sid was more than 50% at fault.
Yes, if the jury finds that Sid had the last clear chance.
No, if the jury finds that Fran’s conduct was in any way a legal cause of the accident.
No, if the jury finds that, in speeding, Fran assumed the risk.
The Answer is Partly True, Partly False
A state labor code provided that no employer in the state shall knowingly employ an
alien who is not lawfully residing in the United States if such employment would
have an adverse effect on lawful residents’ right to work. A group of immigrant
farm workers were continually refused employment contracts by the labor
contractors in the state. Instead, the labor contractors had employed many alien
workers since they would toil longer hours for less wages. The immigrant farm
workers now bring suit in state court pursuant to the above-mentioned statutory
provision.
Which of the following determinations would most likely result as a consequence of
the immigrant workers’ lawsuit?
a. The court would declare the statute unconstitutional as violative of the equal
protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
b. The court would declare the statute constitutional as within the realm of rights
reserved to the states by the Eleventh Amendment.
c. The court would declare the statute unconstitutional since the regulation of
immigration is preempted.
d. The court would declare the statute constitutional since the states are not
preempted in the area of economic regulation of illegal aliens.
MBE Strategy—Other Tips
• NEVER assume facts
• If two answers are exactly opposite, one is probably true
• Focus on conjunctions (“because,” “if,” “only if,” “unless”)
• Be leery of absolutes (“always,” “never,” “all,” “any,” “every”
etc.)
• Avoid skipping around
• After each question, let it go, even if you’ve marked it to come
back later
• Do as many practice questions as you possibly can
Answer Choice Assumes Facts
Karen was crossing Main Street at a crosswalk. John, who was on the sidewalk nearby, saw a
speeding automobile heading in Karen’s direction. John ran into the street and pushed Karen
out of the path of the car. Karen fell to the ground and broke her leg.
In an action for battery brought by Karen against John, will Karen prevail?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Yes, because John cold have shouted a warning instead of pushing Karen out of the way.
Yes, if Karen was not actually in danger and John should have realized it.
No, because the driver of the car was responsible for Karen’s injury.
No, if John’s intent was to save Karen, not to harm her.
If Two Answer Choices are Exactly Opposite,
One is Probably True
In 1998, a landowner owned a 30-acre tract located just inside the city. The tract included the family home, a decaying
mansion, and a smaller second house that was once occupied by tenants who framed the city. The second house,
however, had long been vacant as a result of the economic decay of the surrounding area.
Prosperity burst upon the city in 1999 and the landowner began selling acre lots in the tract. By 2006, the landowner had
sold 25 acres, retaining five acres that included the antebellum mansion and former tenant’s house.
On May 19, 2007 the landowner entered into a valid written contract with a buyer. According to the terms of their
agreement, the landowner agreed to sell and convey his remaining interest in the tract for a consideration of $500,000.
The land sale contract provided a closing date of November 19, 2007 and stipulated that “time was of the essence.”
On July 2, 2007, a fire destroyed the antebellum mansion. The landowner had the mansion insured for $450,000 against
fire and loss and collected that amount from the insurance company. At the closing on November 19, the buyer tendered
a cashier’s check for $50,000 and demanded a deed conveying a fee simple interest in the property. Conversely, the
landowner tendered a deed of conveyance and demanded the full purchase price of $500,000. The buyer refused the
landowner’s demand.
In an appropriate action for specific performance against the buyer, the landowner demanded $500,000. If the
landowner prevails, which of the following is the best rationale for the outcome?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The fact that the antebellum mansion was insured for $450,000 is irrelevant.
The landowner and the buyer each had an insurable interest in the property.
The doctrine of equitable conversion has been abolished.
The doctrine of equitable conversion requires such a result.
Focus on Conjunctions
A seat in a movie theater collapsed, causing the customer sitting in that seat to
fall to the ground and suffer a back injury.
In a personal injury action by the customer against the theater, the customer
will most likely
a. Recover, because the theater was under an absolute duty of care to make the
premises safe for the protection of its customers.
b. Recover, only if the theater had prior knowledge of the dangerous condition
of the seat.
c. Not recover, because the theater was under no obligation to inspect the
premises to discover unknown dangers.
d. Not recover, unless the theater failed to make a reasonable inspection of the
seats for the safety of its customers.
Focus on Conjunctions
A customer in a restaurant ordered a bowl of the restaurant’s famous Manhattan
clam chowder. While eating the chowder, the customer broke a tooth on a pebble in
the soup, which a reasonable inspection would not have discovered. When the
customer complained to the restaurant’s owner, the owner admitted that the
chowder was not, in fact, homemade, but that it had been poured from a can of
chowder purchased from a wholesale distributor of food products.
In a strict liability action by the customer against the restaurant, he will most likely
a.
b.
c.
d.
Recover, if a reasonable customer would not expect the presence of such a
pebble in the chowder.
Recover, but only if the restaurant had received prior notice of the defective
condition in the soup.
Not recover, because a reasonable inspection of the soup would not have
disclosed the existence of the pebble.
Not recover, because the soup would not constitute an unreasonably dangerous
product when it was served to the customer.
MBE Strategy
• MOST IMPORTANTLY KNOW THE LAW
• You know how to study for this—it’s very similar to
any other multiple choice law school exam
• Use commercial/course outlines to make your own
condensed version
• MEMORIZE rules and exceptions to rules
• Then practice, practice, practice
Next Time…
• MBE subject areas and subject matter outlines
• What you might not have learned in law
school…
• Specific example questions
• Answers to first 33 homework questions
MBE Strategy Review
MBE Question Strategy
① Identify the area of law by reading
the call of the question
② Scan the answer choices (be careful
not to jump to conclusions!)
③ Read the fact pattern critically and
carefully
④ Re-read the call of the question,
and carefully read each answer
choice
⑤ Apply the rule and exception to the
fact pattern
⑥ Eliminate incorrect answer choices
When to eliminate an answer
choice
• The answer mischaracterizes the facts
• The answer choice assumes a fact in
dispute
• The answer’s reasoning is legally
incorrect
• The law is stated incorrectly
• The answer applies a minority rule
• A rule of law is perfectly stated, but
inapplicable to the issue
• The answer is not the “best” answer
• The answer is partly true, and partly
false
Constitutional Law
31 questions
Constitutional Law Subject Matter Outline
I.
The nature of judicial review
A. Relationship of state and federal courts
B. Jurisdiction
C. Judicial review
II. The separation of powers
A. Powers of Congress
B. Powers of President
C. Federal interbranch relationships
III. The relation of nation and states in the federal system
A. Intergovernmental immunities
B. Federalism-based limits on state authority
IV. Individual rights
A. State action
B. Due process
C. Equal protection
D. Takings
E. P&I Clause, Contracts clause, Bills of Attainder, Ex Post Facto
F. First Amendment freedoms
Visit http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/mbe/ to find full outlines
What did you didn’t learn in
Constitutional Law…
•
Judicial Review (Administrative Law)
• “case or controversy requirement”: standing, ripeness, mootness
• “adequate and independent state ground”
• Jusiticiability
•
Separation of Powers (Administrative Law)
• Powers of Congress, the President, and interbranch relationships
•
Individual Rights (Fourteenth Amendment)
• Due process
• Equal Protection
• Takings
•
First Amendment Freedoms (First Amendment)
•
•
•
•
Freedom of religion and separation of church and state
Freedom and expression
Freedom of the press
Freedom of association
Sample Constitutional Question #1
The navy wanted to build a naval base on the north shore of an island in Hawaii. Situated along
the north shore of this island were coral reefs which are the home of a very rare species of fish that
are found only along the north shore area.
Congress conducted hearings to decide whether to authorize the construction of the naval base.
During the hearings, one of the speakers who addressed the congressional committee was a
famous expert on oceanography and marine biology. The expert vehemently opposed the naval
plan and stated that the construction would, in his opinion, result in the extinction of the rare
species of fish. Congress thereafter approved the construction of the naval base and passed a bill
providing necessary authorization and funding for the project.
The expert has filed an action in federal district court seeking to enjoin the construction of the
naval base on ecological grounds. Does the expert have adequate standing?
a. Yes, because he has a person stake in the litigation.
b. Yes, because he is a recognized expert on marine biology and he testified at the congressional
hearings.
c. No, because he suit presents a nonjusticiable political question.
d. No, because he is not suffering any actual harm or injury.
Sample Constitutional Question #2
Congress enacted a statute designed to make the stabilization of rents more effective
throughout the United States. The statute will be applicable to all leasehold contracts
hereafter entered into between landlords and tenants involving residential and
commercial properties. The new federal statute is intended to protect tenants from
spiraling rents and profiteering by landlords without curtailing the supply of rental
units or depriving landlords of substantial constitutional rights.
The new federal statute would be most clearly constitutional as applied to
a. The rental of a state-owned office building by a state to a privately owned
business.
b. The rental of residential property located in the District of Columbia by an
individual landlord to a family of six.
c. The rental of an apartment located by a real estate company to an individual
tenant.
d. The rental of an office building to a city by an individual landlord.
Sample Constitutional Question #3
There are 2,000 insurance agents licensed under the general licensing laws of a state. The state
legislature recently passed a highly controversial bill that, inter alia, reduces “good driver”
automobile insurance rates and prohibits price fixing and discrimination by insurance
companies. This bill passed despite a well-financed and intense lobbying effort mounted by the
insurance industry. After this law was enacted, an insurance agent who is a resident of the
state, was interviewed by the local newspaper and publicly stated, “the legislature is a bunch of
self-serving crooks.” After the statement made newspaper headlines, the state legislature
enacted a statute providing that “the state insurance license of the insurance agent is
henceforth revoked.” Astonished by the legislature’s action, the insurance agent, who remains
unrepentant, seeks your legal advice.
Your should advise the insurance agent that the state statute revoking her state insurance
license is
a. Constitutional, because a state license is a privilege and not a right and, therefore, is not
protected by the due process clause.
b. Unconstitutional, because it denies her the equal protection of the laws.
c. Unconstitutional, because it is a prohibited bill of attainder.
d. Unconstitutional, because it is a denial of a privilege or immunity protected by Article IV.
Sample Constitutional Question #4
A state enacts a statute that will allocate funds generated by state taxes to pay for
one-half of the annual salaries of teachers of private schools, whether the school
of public or private, as long as the schools satisfy the requirements established by
the United States Department of Education.
In an action brought by several state taxpayers, all avowed atheists, to challenge
the constitutionality of the statute, the enactment will most likely be declared
a. Unconstitutional, as violative of the First Amendment’s establishment clause.
b. Unconstitutional, as violative of the First Amendment’s establishment clause
as applied through the Fourteenth Amendment.
c. Constitutional, as nonviolative of the First Amendment’s establishment
clause.
d. Constitutional, as being within the area of compelling state interest.
Sample Constitutional Question #5
Congress has recently enacted a statute requiring all males between the ages of 18
and 30 to take a physical examination each year. The results of the exam are sent to
a government data information center for the purpose of keeping information about
men who may be drafted into the military.
A 25-year-old law school graduate has herpes. He has recently sent resumes to many
governmental agencies. Fearful that the information about his herpes condition will
become available, he seeks a declaratory judgment that would forbid the
government from requiring him to take a physical examination.
Which of the following is the best constitutional basis in support of the federal law?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The commerce clause.
The dormant commerce clause.
To raise and support an army and navy.
To provide for the general welfare.
Contracts
33 questions
Contracts Subject Matter Outline
I.
Formation of Contracts
A. Mutual assent (offer and acceptance)
B. Consideration
II. Defenses to Enforceability
A. Incapacity
B. Duress
C. Undue Influence
D. Mistake, Misunderstanding
E. Fraud, Misrepresentation
F. Illegality
G. Statute of Frauds
III. Parol Evidence and interpretation
IV. Performance, Breach, Discharge
A. Conditions
B. Impracticability and Frustration of Purpose
C. Discharge of duties
D. Warranties
E. Anticipatory Repudiation
V. Remedies
VI. Third Party Rights
Visit http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/mbe/ to find full outlines
What did you didn’t learn in Contracts…
• Remedies:
Measure of damages and expectation interests
Consequential damages: causation, certainty, and forseeability
Liquidated damages and penalties
Mitigation
Recission and reformation
Specific performance; injunction against breach; declaratory
judgment
• Restitutionary and reliance recoveries
• Remedial rights of breaching parties
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Third-party rights:
• Third-party beneficiaries (intended, incidental, impairment of, and
enforcement)
• Assignment of rights and delegation of duties
Sample Contracts Question #1
Bye Bye telegraphed Vendor on June 1, “At what price will you sell 100 of your QT- Model garbage-disposal units for
delivery around June 10?” Thereafter, the following communications were exchanged:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Telegram from Vendor received by Bye Bye on June 2: “You’re in luck. We have only 100 QT’s, all on clearance at
50% off usual wholesale of $120 per unit, for delivery at our shipping platform on June 12.”
Letter from Bye Bye received in U.S. mail by Vendor on June 5: “I accept. Would prefer to pay in full 30 days after
invoice.”
Telegram from Vendor received by Bye Bye on June 6: “You must pick up at our platform and pay C.O.D.”
Letter from Bye Bye received in U.S. mail by Vendor on June 9: “I don’t deal with people who can’t accommodate
our simple requests.”
Telegram from Bye Bye received by Vendor on June 10, after Vendor had sold and delivered all 100 of the QT’s to
another buyer earlier that day: “Okay. I’m over a barrel and will pick up the goods on your terms June 12.”
Bye Bye now sues Vendor for breach of contract. Which of the following arguments will best serve Vendor’s defense?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Vendor’s telegram received on June 2 was merely a price quotation, not an offer.
Bye Bye’s letter received on June 5 was not an acceptance because it varied the terms of Vendor’s initial telegram.
Bye Bye’s use of the mails in response to Vendor’s initial telegram was an ineffective method of acceptance.
Bye Bye’s letter received on June 9 was an unequivocal refusal to perform that excused Vendor even if the parties had
previously formed a contract.
Sample Contracts Question #2
A written construction contract began with the following recital: “This Agreement, between Land, Inc. (hereafter called
‘Owner’), and Builder, Inc., and Boss, its President (hereafter called ‘Contractor’), witnesseth:” The signatures to the
contract appeared in the following format:
LAND, INC.
By /s/ Oscar Land
President
BUILDER, INC.
By /s/ George Mason
Vice President
/s/ Mary Boss,
President
Builder, Inc., became insolvent and defaulted. Land, Inc., sued Boss individually for
the breach, and at the trial Boss proffered evidence from the pre-contract negotiations that only Builder, Inc., was to be
legally responsible for performing the contract.
If the court finds the contract to be completely integrated, is Boss’s proffered evidence admissible?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Yes, because the writing is ambiguous as to whether or not Boss was intended individually to be a contracting party.
Yes, because the evidence would contradict neither the recital nor the form of Boss’s signature.
No, because the legal effect of Boss’s signature cannot be altered by evidence of prior understandings.
No, because the application of the “four corners” rule, under which the meaning of a completely integrated contract
must be ascertained solely from its own terms.
Sample Contracts Question #3
On March 1, Mechanic contracted to repair Textiles’ knitting machine and to complete the job by March 6. On
March 2, Textiles contracted to manufacture and deliver specified cloth to Knitwear on March 15. Textiles knew
that it would have to use the machine then under repair to perform this contract. Because the Knitwear order was
for a rush job, Knitwear and Textiles included
in their contract a liquidated damages clause, providing that Textiles would pay $5,000 for each day’s delay in
delivery after March 15.
Mechanic was inexcusably five days late in repairing the machine, and, as a result, Textiles was five days late in
delivering the cloth to Knitwear. Textiles paid $25,000 to Knitwear as liquidated damages and now sues
Mechanic for $25,000. Both Mechanic and Textiles knew when making their contract on March 1 that under
ordinary circumstances Textiles would sustain little or no damages of any kind as a result of a five-day delay in
the machine repair.
Assuming that the $5,000 liquidated damages clause in the Knitwear-Textiles contract is valid, which of the
following arguments will serve as Mechanic’s best defense to Textiles’ action?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Time was not of the essence in the Mechanic-Textiles contract.
Mechanic had no reason to foresee on March 1 that Knitwear would suffer consequential damages in the
amount of $25,000.
By entering into the Knitwear contract while knowing that its knitting machine was being repaired, Textiles
assumed the risk of any delay loss to Knitwear.
In all probability, the liquidated damages paid by Textiles to Knitwear are not the same amount as the actual
damages sustained by Knitwear in consequence of Textiles’ late delivery of the cloth.
Sample Contracts Question #4
On April 1, Owner and Buyer signed a writing in which Owner, “in consideration of $100 to be
paid to Owner by Buyer,” offered Buyer the right to purchase Greenacre for $100,000 within 30
days. The writing further provided, “This offer will become effective as an option only if and when
the $100 consideration is in fact paid.” On April 20, Owner, having received no payment or other
communication from Buyer, sold and conveyed Greenacre to Citizen for $120,000. On April 21,
Owner received a letter from Buyer enclosing a cashier’s check for $100 payable to Owner and
stating, “I am hereby exercising my option to purchase Greenacre and am prepared to close
whenever you’re ready.”
In a later suit against Owner, Buyer prevailed. Which of the following is buyer entitled to recover?
a. Nominal damages only, because the remedy of specific performance was not available to
Buyer.
b. The fair market value, if any, of an assignable option to purchase Greenacre for $100,000.
c. $20,000 plus the amount, if any, by which the fair market value of Greenacre on the date of
Owner’s breach exceeded $120,000.
d. The amount, if any, by which the fair market value of Greenacre on the date of Owner’s
breach exceeded $100,000.
Sample Contracts Question #5
In exchange for a valid and sufficient consideration, Goodbar orally promised Walker, who
had no car and wanted a minivan, “to pay to anyone from whom you buy a minivan within
the next six months the full purchase-price thereof.” Two months later, Walker bought a used
minivan on credit from Minivanity Fair, Inc., for $8,000. At the time, Minivanity Fair was
unaware of Goodbar’s earlier promise to Walker, but learned of it shortly after the sale.
Can Minivanity Fair enforce Goodbar’s promise to Walker?
a. Yes, under the doctrine of promissory estoppel.
b. Yes, because Minivanity Fair is an intended beneficiary of the Goodbar-Walker contract.
c. No, because Goodbar’s promise to Walker is unenforceable under the suretyship clause
of the statute of frauds.
d. No, because Minivanity Fair was neither identified when Goodbar’s promise was made,
nor aware of it when the minivan-sale was made.
Criminal Law
and Procedure
31 questions
Criminal Law Subject Matter Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Homicide
A. Intended killings
B. Unintended killings
Other Crimes
A. Theft
B. Receiving stolen goods
C. Robbery and Burglary
D. Assault and Battery
E. Rape
F. Kidnapping
G. Arson
Inchoate Crimes
A. Offenses and parties to crime
General Principles
A. Acts and omissions
B. State of mind
C. Causation
D. Justification
E. Jurisdiction
Constitutional Protection of Accused
A. Arrest, Search and Seizure
B. Confessions and privilege against self-incrimination
C. Lineups and right to counsel
D. Fair Trial, Guilty Pleas, Double Jeopardy
E. Burdens of proof and persuasion
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What did you didn’t learn in
Crim Law/Pro…
• Other Crimes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Theft: larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses
Receiving stolen goods
Robbery
Burglary
Assault and battery
Kidnapping
Arson
Possession offenses
Sample Criminal Question #1
After being fired from his job, Mel drank almost a quart of vodka and decided
to ride the bus home. While on the bus, he saw a briefcase he mistakenly thought
was his own, and began struggling with the passenger carrying the briefcase. Mel
knocked the passenger to the floor, took the briefcase, and fled. Mel was arrested
and charged with robbery.
Mel should be:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Acquitted, because he used no threats and was intoxicated.
Acquitted, because his mistake negated the required specific intent.
Convicted, because his intoxication was voluntary.
Convicted, because mistake is no defense to robbery.
Sample Criminal Question #2
In which of the following situations would Defendant’s mistake most likely constitute a
defense to the crime charged?
a. A local ordinance forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 18 years of
age. Relying on false identification, Defendant sells champagne to a 16-year-old high
school student. Defendant is charged with illegal sale of alcoholic beverages.
b. Mistaking Defendant for a narcotics suspect, an undercover police officer attempts to
arrest him. Defendant, unaware that the person who has grabbed him is an officer, hit
him and knocks him unconscious. Defendant is charged with assault.
c. Defendant, aged 23, has sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old prostitute who tells
Defendant that she is 18. Defendant is charged with the felony of statutory rape under a
statute that makes sexual relations with a child under 16 a felony.
d. Relying on erroneous advice from his attorney that, if his wife has abandoned him for
more than a year, he is free to marry, Defendant remarries and is subsequently charged
with bigamy.
Sample Criminal Question #3
Sam and two of his friends were members of a teenage street gang. While they were
returning from a dance late one evening, their car collided with a car driven by an elderly
woman. After an argument, Sam attacked the elderly woman with his fists and beat her to
death. Sam’s two friends watched, and when they saw the woman fall to the ground they
urged Sam to flee. Sam was eventually apprehended and tried for manslaughter, but the jury
could not decide on a verdict.
If Sam’s companions are subsequently tried as accomplices to manslaughter, they should be
a.
b.
c.
d.
Acquitted, because Sam was not convicted of the offense.
Acquitted, because they did not assist or encourage Sam to commit the crime.
Convicted, because they urged him to flee.
Convicted, because they made no effort to intervene.
Sample Criminal Question #4
Scott held up a drugstore at 10:30 at night, and drove away. His car broke down in an isolated area just outside
the small city in which the crime occurred. Scott walked to the nearest house and asked Henry, the homeowner,
if he could stay until the next morning, explaining that he had been searching for his sister’s home and had run
out of gas. Henry agreed to let him sleep on a couch in the basement. During the course of the night, Henry
began to doubt the story Scott had told him. Early the next morning, Henry called the police and said he was
suspicious and frightened of a stranger whom he had allowed to stay the night. The police went immediately to
the house to assist Henry and walked through the open front door. They found Scott and Henry drinking coffee
in the kitchen. When they saw Scott, they realized he matched the description of the drugstore robber. They
arrested Scott and in his jacket they found drugs taken during the robbery.
Scott moves to suppress the evidence of the drugs.
If the court finds that the police did not have probable cause to believe Scott was the robber until they saw him
inside Henry’s house and realized he matched the description, the court should
a.
b.
c.
d.
Grant the motion, because, as a guest, Scott has sufficient standing to contest the entry of the house without
a warrant.
Grant the motion, because as a guest, Scott has sufficient standing to contest the lack of probable cause at
the time of entry.
Deny the motion, because Scott had no ownership or other possessory interest in the premises.
Deny the motion, because the police had the permission of the owner to enter the house.
Sample Criminal Question #5
On May 1, 1987, a car driven by Debra struck Peggy, a pedestrian. On July 1, 1987, with regard to
this incident, Debra pleaded guilty to reckless driving (a misdemeanor) and was sentenced to 30
days in jail and a fine of $1,000. She served the sentence and paid the fine. On April 1, 1988,
Peggy died as a result of the injuries she suffered in the accident. On March 1, 1991, a grand jury
indicted Debra on a charge of manslaughter
of Peggy. On May 15, 1991, trial had not begun and Debra filed a motion to dismiss the
indictment on the ground of double jeopardy in that her conviction of reckless driving arose out of
the same incident, and on the ground that the three-year statute of limitations for manslaughter
had run.
Debra’s motion should be
a.
b.
c.
d.
Granted only on double jeopardy grounds.
Granted only on statute of limitations grounds.
Granted on either double jeopardy grounds or statute of limitations grounds.
Denied on both grounds.
Evidence
31 questions
Evidence Subject Matter Outline
I.
Presentation of evidence
A. Introduction of Evidence
B. Presumptions
C. Mode and Order
D. Impeachment, Contradiction, and Rehabilitation
E. Proceedings to which evidence rules apply
II. Relevancy and reasons for excluding relevant evidence
A. Probative value
B. Authentication and Identification
C. Character and related concepts
D. Expert testimony
E. Real, Demonstrative, and Experimental Evidence
III. Privileges and other policy exclusions
A. Spousal immunity, Attorney-Client, and Physician-Patient
B. Remedial Measures
C. Compromise, Payment of Medical Expenses, Plea Negotiations
D. Past Sexual Conduct
IV. Writings, Recordings and Photographs
V. Hearsay and circumstances of its admissibility
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What did you didn’t learn in
Evidence…
• Introduction of Evidence:
• Personal knowledge, refreshing recollection, objections and
offers of proof, lay opinions, judicial notice, roles of judge
and jury, limited accessibility
• Presumptions
• Mode and Order:
• Control by the court, scope of examination, form of
questions, exclusion of witnesses
Sample Evidence Question #1
At Defendant’s trial for sale of drugs, the government called Witness to testify, but Witness
refused to answer any questions about Defendant and was held in contempt of court. The
government then calls Officer to testify that, when Witness was arrested for possession of
drugs and offered leniency if he would identify his source, Witness had named Defendant as
his source.
The testimony offered concerning Witnesses’s identification of Defendant is
a.
b.
c.
d.
Admissible as a prior inconsistent statement by Witness.
Admissible as an identification of Defendant by Witness after having perceived him.
Inadmissible, because it is hearsay not within any exception.
Inadmissible, because Witness was not confronted with the statement while on the stand.
Sample Evidence Question #2
In an arson prosecution the government seeks to rebut Defendant’s alibi that he was in a jail
in another state at the time of the fire. The government calls Witness to testify that he
diligently searched through all the records of the jail and found no record of Defendant’s
having been incarcerated there during the time Defendant specified.
The testimony of Witness is
a.
b.
c.
d.
Admissible as evidence of absence of an entry from public record.
Admissible as a summary of voluminous documents.
Inadmissible, because it is hearsay not within any exception.
Inadmissible, because the records themselves must be produced.
Sample Evidence Question #3
At Defendant’s murder trial, Defendant calls Witness as his first witness to testify that
Defendant has a reputation in their community as a peaceable and truthful person. The
prosecutor objects on the ground that Witness’s testimony would constitute improper
character evidence.
The court should
a.
b.
c.
d.
Admit the testimony as to peaceableness, but exclude the testimony as to truthfulness.
Admit the testimony as to truthfulness, but exclude the testimony as to peaceableness.
Admit the testimony as to both character traits.
Exclude the testimony as to both character traits.
Sample Evidence Question #4
Defendant was charged with attempted murder of Victor in a sniping incident in which
Defendant allegedly shot at Victor from behind a bush as Victor drove his car along an
expressway. The prosecutor offers evidence that seven years earlier Defendant had fired a
shotgun into a woman’s home and that Defendant had once pointed a handgun at another
driver while driving on the street.
This evidence should be
a.
b.
c.
d.
Excluded, because such evidence can be elicited only during cross-examination.
Excluded, because it is improper character evidence.
Admitted as evidence of Defendant’s propensity toward violence.
Admitted as relevant evidence of Defendant’s identity, plan, or motive.
Sample Evidence Question #5
Plaintiff sued Defendant for personal injuries arising out of an automobile accident.
Which of the following would be ERROR?
a. The judge allows Defendant’s attorney to ask Defendant questions on cross-examination
that go well beyond the scope of the direct examination by Plaintiff, who has been called
as an adverse witness.
b. The judge refuses to allow Defendant’s attorney cross-examine Defendant by leading
questions.
c. The judge allows cross-examination about the credibility of a witness even though no
question relating to credibility has been asked on direct examination.
d. The judge, despite Defendant’s request for exclusion of witnesses, allows Plaintiffs
eyewitness to remain in the courtroom after testifying, even though the eyewitness is
expected to be recalled for further cross-examination.
Real Property
31 questions
Real Property Subject Matter Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Ownership
A. Present Estates
B. Future Interests
C. Cotenancy
D. Landlord Tenant Law
Rights in land
A. Covenants at law and in equity
B. Easements, profits, and licenses
C. Fixtures
D. Zoning
Contracts
A. Creation and construction
B. Marketability, Fitness, and Sustainability
C. Equitable conversion
D. Merger
Mortgages/Security Devices
A. Types of security devices and relationships
B. Transfers by morgagor and mortgagee
C. Payment, discharges, and defenses
D. Foreclosure
Titles
A. Adverse possession
B. Transfers
C. Title assurance systems
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What did you didn’t learn in
Property…
• Mortgages and Security Devices
•
•
•
•
•
Types of security devices
Transfers by mortgagor
Transfers by mortgagee
Payment, discharge, and defenses
Foreclosure
• Special Problems
•
•
•
•
After-acquired title
Forged instruments and undelivered deeds
Purchase-money mortgages
Judgment and tax liens
Sample Property Question #1
Six years ago, Oscar, owner of Blackacre in fee simple, executed and delivered
to Albert an instrument in the proper form of a warranty deed, purporting to convey
Blackacre to “Albert and his heirs.” At the time, Albert was a widower who had one
child, Donna.
Three years ago, Albert executed and delivered to Bea and instrument in the proper
form of a warranty deed, purporting to convey Blackacre to “Bea.” Donna did not
join in the deed. Bea was and still is unmarried and childless.
The only possibly applicable statute in the jurisdiction states that any deed will be
construed to convey the grantor’s entire estate, unless expressly limited. Last month,
Albert died, never having remarried. Donna is his only heir.
Blackacre is now owned by
a.
b.
c.
d.
Donna, because Albert’s death ended Bea’s life estate pur autre vie.
Bea, in fee simple pursuant to Albert’s deed.
Donna and Bea as tenant in common of equal shares.
Donna and Bea as joint tenants, because both survived Albert.
Sample Property Question #2
Three years ago Adam conveyed Blackacre to Betty for $50,000 by a deed that provided: “By accepting this deed, Betty
covenants for herself, her heirs and assigns, that the premises herein conveyed shall be used solely for residential purposes
and, if the premises are used for nonresidential purposes, Adam, his heirs and assigns, shall have the right to repurchase
the premises for the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000).” In order to pay the $50,000 purchase price for Blackacre,
Betty obtained a $35,000 mortgage loan from the bank. Adam had full knowledge of the mortgage transaction. The deed
and mortgage were promptly and properly recorded in proper sequence. The mortgage, however, made no reference to the
quoted language in the deed.
Two years ago Betty converted her use of Blackacre from residential to commercial without the knowledge or consent of
Adam or of the bank. Betty’s commercial venture failed, and Betty defaulted on her mortgage payments to the bank.
Blackacre now has a fair market value of $25,000.
The bank began appropriate foreclosure proceedings against Betty. Adam properly intervened, tendered $1,000, and
sought judgment that Betty and the bank be ordered to convey Blackacre to Adam, free and clear of the mortgage.
The common-law Rule Against Perpetuities is unmodified by statute.
If the court rules against Adam, it will be because
a.
b.
c.
d.
The provision quoted from the deed violates the Rule Against Perpetuities.
The Bank had no actual knowledge of, and did not consent to, the violation of the covenant.
The rights reserved by Adam were subordinated, by necessary implication, to the rights of the bank as a lender of
the purchase money.
The consideration of $1,000 was inadequate.
Sample Property Question #3
Anna owned Blackacre, which was improved with a dwelling. Beth owned Whiteacre,
an adjoining unimproved lot suitable for constructing a dwelling. Beth executed and delivered a deed granting to
Anna an easement over the westerly 15 feet of Whiteacre for convenient ingress and egress to a public street,
although Anna’s lot did abut another public street. Anna did not then record Beth’s deed. After Anna
constructed and started using a driveway within the described 15-foot strip in a clearly visible manner, Beth
borrowed $10,000 cash from Bank and gave Bank a mortgage on Whiteacre. The mortgage was promptly and
properly recorded. Anna then recorded Beth’s deed granting the easement. Beth subsequently defaulted on her
loan payments to Bank.
The recording act of the jurisdiction provides: “No conveyance or mortgage of real property shall be good
against subsequent purchasers for value and without notice unless the same be recorded according to law.”
In an appropriate foreclosure action as to Whiteacre, brought against Anna and Beth, Bank seeks, among other
things, to have Anna’s easement declared subordinate to Bank’s mortgage, so that the easement will be
terminated by completion of the foreclosure.
If Anna’s easement is NOT terminated, it will be because
a.
b.
c.
d.
The recording of the deed granting the easement prior to the foreclosure action protects Anna’s rights.
The easement provides access from Blackacre to a public street.
Anna’s easement is appurtenant to Blackacre and thus cannot be separated from Blackacre.
Visible use of the easement by Anna put Bank on notice of the easement.
Sample Property Question #4
Olive owned Blackacre, a single-family residence. Fifteen years ago, Olive conveyed a life estate in
Blackacre to Lois.
Fourteen years ago, Lois, who had taken possession of Blackacre, leased Blackacre to Trent for a term of
15 years at the monthly rental of $500.
Eleven years ago, Lois died intestate leaving Ron as her sole heir.
Trent regularly paid rent to Lois and, after Lois’s death, to Ron until last month.
The period in which to acquire title by adverse possession in the jurisdiction is 10 years.
In an appropriate action, Trent, Olive, and Ron each asserted ownership of Blackacre.
The court should hold that title in fee simple is in
a.
b.
c.
d.
Olive, because Olive held a reversion and Lois has died.
Ron, because Lois asserted a claim adverse to Olive when Lois executed a lease to Trent.
Ron, because Trent’s occupation was attributable to Ron, and Lois died 11 years ago.
Trent, because of Trent’s physical occupancy and because Trent’s term ended with Lois’s death.
Sample Property Question #5
Alex and Brenda owned Greenacre in fee simple as tenants in common, each owning an
undivided one-half interest. Alex and Brenda joined in mortgaging Greenacre to Marge by a
properly recorded mortgage that contained a general warranty clause. Alex became
disenchanted with land-owning and notified Brenda that he would no longer contribute to the
payment of installments due Marge. After the mortgage was in default and Marge made
demand for payment of the entire amount of principal and interest due, Brenda tendered to
Marge, and Marge deposited, a check for one-half of the amount due Marge. Brenda then
demanded a release of Brenda’s undivided one-half interest. Marge refused to release any
interest in Greenacre. Brenda promptly brought an action against Marge to quiet title to an
undivided one-half interest in Greenacre.
In such action, Brenda should
a.
b.
c.
d.
Lose, because Marge’s title had been warranted by an express provision of the mortgage.
Lose, because there was no redemption from the mortgage.
Win, because Brenda is entitled to marshalling.
Win, because the cotenancy of the mortgagors was in common and not joint.
Torts
33 questions
Torts Subject Matter Outline
I.
Intentional Torts
A. Assault, Battery, False Imprisonment, IIED, Trespass, Conversion
B. Defenses
II. Negligence
A. Duty (failure to act, unforeseeable plaintiffs, etc.)
B. Standard of Care
C. Breach (proof of fault and res ipsa loquitur)
D. Causation
E. Limitations on liability and special rules
F. Liability for acts of others
G. Defenses
III. Strict Liability
IV. Products Liability
V. Other Torts
A. Nuisance
B. Defamation and invasion of privacy
C. Misrepresentation
D. Intentional interference with business relations
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What did you didn’t learn in
Torts…
• Products Liability
• Manufacture, design, and warning suits
• Defenses
• Other torts:
• Nuisance and defenses
• Defamation, invasion of privacy, defamation and
constitutional limitations
• Misrepresentation and defenses
• Intentional interference with business relations and defenses
Sample Torts Question #1
A young boy and a young girl were playing with a football on the sidewalk next to a
street. They were laughing as they pushed and pulled each other, trying to get the ball
and keep it away from each other. Just as a car approached on the street, the girl lost her
balance and fell of the sidewalk and into the street. The driver of the car tried to swerve
to avoid her but ran over her leg. The girl suffered a broken leg.
If the girl’s parents assert a claim on her behalf against the driver to recover damages for
her injuries, they will most likely
a.
b.
c.
d.
Prevail, unless the driver was driving his vehicle within the posted speed limit
Prevail, unless the girl fell because the boy negligently pushed her into the street
Not prevail, unless the driver was driving negligently when the accident occurred
Not prevail, unless the driver had the last clear chance to avoid the accident.
Sample Torts Question #2
The warden of State Prison prohibits the photographing of the face of any prisoner without the prisoner’s
consent. Photographer, a news photographer, wanted to photograph Mobster, a notorious organized crime
figure incarcerated at State Prison. To circumvent the warden’s prohibition, Photographer flew over the
prison exercise yard and photographed Mobster. Prisoner, who was imprisoned for a technical violation of a
regulatory statute, happened to be standing next to Mobster when the photograph was taken.
When the picture appeared in the press, Prisoner suffered severe emotional distress because he believed that
his business associates and friends would think he was consorting with gangsters. Prisoner suffered no
physical harm as the result of his emotional distress. Prisoner brought an action against Photographer for
intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress.
What is the best argument that Photographer can make in support of a motion for summary judgment?
a.
b.
c.
d.
No reasonable person could conclude that Photographer intended to photograph Prisoner.
Prisoner did not suffer any physical injury arising from the emotional distress.
As a news photographer, Photographer was privileged to take photographs that others could not.
No reasonable person could conclude that Photographer’s conduct was extreme and outrageous as to
Prisoner.
Sample Torts Question #3
Vintner is the owner of a large vineyard and offers balloon rides to visitors who wish to tour the
grounds from the air. During one of the rides, Vintner was forced to make a crash landing on his
own property. Without Vintner’s knowledge or consent, Trespasser had entered the vineyard to
camp for a couple of days. Trespasser was injured when he was hit by the basket of the descending
balloon.
If Trespasser sues Vintner to recover damages for his injuries, will Trespasser prevail?
a. No, unless the crash landing was made necessary by negligence on Vintner’s part.
b. No. unless Vintner could have prevented the injury to Trespasser after becoming aware of
Trespasser’s presence.
c. Yes, because even a trespasser may recover for injuries caused by an abnormally dangerous
activity.
d. Yes, if the accident occurred at a place which Vintner knew was frequented by intruders.
Sample Torts Question #4
Homeowner hired Arsonist to set fire to Homeowner’s house so that Homeowner
could collect the insurance proceeds from the fire. After pouring gasoline around the house,
Arsonist lit the fire with his cigarette lighter and then put the lighter in his pocket. As Arsonist was
standing back admiring his work, the lighter exploded in his pocket. Arsonist suffered severe burns
to his leg.
Arsonist brought an action against the manufacturer of the lighter based on strict product liability.
Under applicable law, the rules of pure comparative fault apply in such actions.
Will Arsonist prevail?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Yes, if the lighter exploded because of a defect caused by a manufacturing error.
Yes, if Arsonist can establish that the lighter was the proximate cause of his injury.
No, because the lighter was not being used for an intended or reasonably foreseeable purpose.
No, because Arsonist was injured in the course of committing a felony by the device used to
perpetrate the felony.
Sample Torts Question #5
Actor, a well-known movie star, was drinking Vineyard wine at a nightclub. A bottle of the
Vineyard wine, with its label plainly showing, was on the table in front of Actor. An amateur
photographer asked Actor if he could take his picture and Actor said, “Yes.” Subsequently,
the photographer sold the photo to Vineyard. Vineyard, without Actor’s consent, used the
photo in a wine advertisement in a nationally circulated magazine. The caption below the
photo stated, “Actor enjoys his Vineyard wine.”
If Actor sues Vineyard to recover damages as a result of Vineyard’s use of the photograph,
will Actor prevail?
a.
b.
c.
d.
No, because Actor consented to being photographed.
No, because Actor is a public figure.
Yes, because Vineyard made commercial use of the photograph.
Yes, unless Actor did, in fact, enjoy his Vineyard wine.