Multiple-Choice Questions
1. A valid defense in a defamation suit is
(a) Falseness.
(b) Honest error.
(c) Improbability.
(d) Opinion.
(e) Third-party reliance.
2. Joe Student, irate that on an exam he received a B- rather than a B, stands up in class and throws his laptop at the professor. The professor sees it coming and ducks just in time; the laptop smashes against the chalkboard. Joe has committed
(a) Assault.
(b) Battery.
(c) Negligence.
(d) Slander.
(e) No tort, because the laptop missed the professor.
3. Marsha, a supervisor, furiously berates Ted in front of 14 other employees, calling him "a loser, an incompetent, a failure as an employee and as a person." She hands around copies of Ted's work and for twenty minutes mocks his efforts. If Ted sues Marsha, his best claim will be
(a) Assault.
(b) Battery.
(c) Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
(d) Negligence.
(e) Interference with a contract.
4. Rodney is a star player on the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. He has two years remaining on his four-year contract. The Wildcats, a new team in the league, try to lure Rodney away from the Lakers by offering him more money, and Rodney agrees to leave Los Angeles. The Lakers sue. The Lakers will
(a) Win a case of defamation.
(b) Win a case of commercial exploitation.
(c) Win a case of intentional interference with a contract.
(d) Win a case of negligence.
(e) Lose.
5. Hank and Antonio, drinking in a bar, get into an argument that turns nasty. Hank punches Antonio several times, knocking him down and breaking his nose and collarbone. Which statement is true?
(a) Antonio could sue Hank, who might be found guilty in his suit.
(b) Antonio and the state could start separate criminal cases against Hank.
(c) Antonio could sue Hank, and the state could prosecute Hank.
(d) The state could prosecute Hank, but only with Antonio's permission.
(e) If the state prosecutes Hank, he will be found liable or not liable, depending on the evidence.