Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

...
1 Approved Answer

I. READ the following NARRATIVE FACTS; CONSIDER the issues presented: Billionaire Munn E. Gotz is an ocean-front estate/mansion homeowner in Malibu. Wealthy digital entrepreneur Dadd

I. READ the following NARRATIVE FACTS; CONSIDER the issues presented:

Billionaire Munn E. Gotz is an ocean-front estate/mansion homeowner in Malibu. Wealthy "digital entrepreneur" Dadd E. "Wore" Bux owns a neighboring estate/mansion, just north up Pacific Coast Highway, next door to the Gotz estate.

In a stellar display of "one-upsmanship" and of conspicuous wealth, Gotz installed a 26-foot-long blown glass sculpture entitled "Blowin' in the Wind" by artist Dylan Bobb, valued at over $25 million in his mansion's ocean-side yard.

Almost immediately, Bux became incensed at Gotz's "gross display" and complained loudly to the City of Malibu. Specifically, Bux claimed that the sculpture on Gotz's property was installed without proper City permits and had been "unnecessarily ugly", covered by a "hideously gross" net for weeks. Bux's grievance further alleged that, when uncovered, the smooth, crystal-clear surfaces of the sculpture acted like a magnifying glass, focusing the sun's rays on Bux's expensive, prize-winning "super azaleas," burning them to a crisp.

The City of Malibu issued "cease and desist" citations against Gotz, which largely was a waste of paper, as the City lacked the personnel to enforce the citations.

Not used to being ordered around, Gotz responded to the citations "like a boss" (more like a "Boss Baby"), by playing loud music, including, repeatedly, The Trashmen's 1963 surfing anthem, "Surfin' Bird", aka, "Bird is the Word" - annoying played once; sheer torture played repetitively. Gotz's strategy was to try to get Bux to drop his complaints, and, if that failed, to bug the living daylights out of Bux ("Maybe he'll move!").

Gotz's "antics" failed to persuade Bux to drop his formal grievances filed with the City. Bux waited weeks for the City to execute its threat to remove the sculpture permanently, but Bux grew frustrated, and seeing Gotz being picked up by a limo one day, he threatened to give Gotz's sculpture "a good kick in the glass."

However, one warm summer evening, while Gotz was hosting a black-tie, double-header, "invite-only" concert by Kenny G and Michael Bolton (Prof. Simonian's worst musical nightmare), Gotz discovered large broken pieces of glass in the grass (the lawn, not marijuana). Much like his precious sculpture, Gotz was shattered. He immediately blamed his neighbor, Bux, and he sued Bux for millions.

After being served with Gotz's lawsuit, Bux, though his lawyer, immediately filed both a "complete denial" of Gotz's allegations and also a cross-complaint against Gotz, seeking millions in compensatory and punitive damages, for Gotz's harassment and for property damage caused by Gotz's sculpture.

At trial, Bux denied ruining Gotz's sculpture personally and claimed that the damage actually was "retribution by God" against Gotz, as the million-dollar art piece was broken accidentally by a falling palm frond from one of the many palm trees lining the Bux estate. Because it was an unintended, uncontrollable "act of nature, not of man", he could not be held liable, Bux testified poetically.

As part of the judgment in the Gotz-Bux litigation, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge I. M. Wisdom issued a separate "permanent injunction" against each litigant in favor of the other litigant, barring each from unreasonably interfering with his neighbor's use and "quiet enjoyment" of the neighbor's (very expensive) property.

If either of the parties violates the terms of Judge Wisdom's order, will the Judge legally be able to impose civil and/or criminal penalties on that person?

If so, (1) identify the specific legal term for violation of a Court's injunctive order; (2) specify the standard of proof the Judge will utilize before imposing any penalty; (3) detail the different types of punishments that the Judge may impose; and (4) explain why a judge would impose those punishments - i.e., the type(s) of bad conduct required; the purpose(s) of the punishment(s).

OR, if not, (1) identify the specific legal term for violation of a Court's injunctive order; (2) specify the standard of proof the Judge will utilize before imposing any penalty; (3) detail the different types of punishments that the Judge may impose; and (4) explain what legal limitations a judge has in imposing more severe punishments, or any punishments at all.

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access with AI-Powered Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Intermediate Microeconomics

Authors: Hal R. Varian

9th edition

978-0393123968

Students also viewed these Law questions