Instructions for Discussion Questions and Current Events

For some chapters, we will have class discussions. These exchanges will relate to a question, sometimes contained in the back of the chapter in the Questions and Case Problems section, and sometimes posed by the professor. Discussions consist of exchanges of by students and read by the whole class. I anticipate the discussions will develop and evolve as each participant adds his/her views.

Please join in the discussion after you have reviewed the question and the relevant law, and after you have pondered the issues raised by the question. You should review the discussion every few days after you have posted your initial response to see how the discussion has developed and then provide follow up in the discussion. You should participate a minimum of three times in each discussion. I will be evaluating your participation based on the level of comprehension of the law evidenced by your contributions to the discussion. Your participation in these discussions will constitute twenty-five percent (25%) of your grade. At any time, we may have several discussions going, one or two on the material we are studying and a separate discussion on a news story involving the law.

What is a quality response ? It is one that advances the discussion by containing information from the textbook or other valid source, or by applying a concept from the text in a meaningful way or otherwise facilitating understanding of the course material. Responses such as "I agree", "Good Question" or "Interesting"are not quality responses. Such comments can be elevated to a quality response by including statements about why you agree, why you think a question posed is a good one, or why you found the material interesting. Don't be afraid to be creative in your answers while working within the bounds of the rules.Consider different approaches.

As you participate, do not be self-conscious if you express an opinion that varies from someone else's. Remember, reasonable people can disagree; both sides of an argument may be logical, plausible and sound. Don't be shy. Speak up! Speak out!

Ruth carelessly parks her car on a steep hill, leaving the car in neutral and failing to engage the parking brake. The car rolls down the hill and knock down an electric line. The sparks from the broken line ignite a grass fire. The fire spreads until it reaches a barn one mile away. The barn houses dynamite, and the burning barn explodes, causing part of the roof to fall on and injure Jim, a passing motorist. Which element of negligence is of the greatest concern here? What legal doctrine resolves this issue? Will Jim be able to recover damages from Ruth?