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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Conversion--Definition
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unwarranted interference with π's personal property that is so substantial that it is fair to require the ∆ to pay property's full market value
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Conversion Definition with Elements
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DIP
1. D asserts DOMINION and CONTROL over the object 2. D intended to perform interfering act--intention really doesn't matter--innocent parties are still strictly liable for conversion 3. π was either in POSSESSION of the chattel or had the immediate right to possess it |
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Conversion Defenses
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Assumption of Risk
Contributory Negligence Not substantial enough of an interference to constitute Conversion and should only be liable for trespass to chattels. |
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Conversion--Remedy
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Usually--damages=fair market value at the time of the conversion--forced sale
sometimes. if ∆ acted in GF, and the chattel has not been permanently reduced in value, some courts permit the return of the item plus partial damages for the temporary deprivation |
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Conversion v. Trespass to Chattels
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Conversion--damage to property is more egregious/substantial
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Strict Liability--general situations when imposed
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1. Conversion
2. Abnormally Dangerous or ultra-hazardous activity 3. Defective, unreasonably dangerous products -Statute or case law can also impose liability |
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Strict liability--definition/applied
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def: liability regardless of fault
only for damage resulting from the KIND OF RISK that made the activity dangerous in the first place. only extends to FORESEEABLE πs |
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Abnormally Dangerous Activity--elements/multi-factor test
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Multi-factor test (the more factors met, the more likely the activity is abnormally dangerous)
1. Does activity involve HIGH RISK OF SERIOUS HARM to people/property? 2. Is there NO WAY to perform the activity with COMPLETE SAFETY regardless of the amount of care taken---MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR 3. Is the activity NOT COMMONLY ENGAGED IN in the PARTICULAR COMMUNITY i.e. blasting in desolate area v. urban area 4. Does he activity's DANGER OUTWEIGH ITS UTILITY to the community--balancing test 5. LIKELIHOOD that harm resulting from the activity will be great/serious |
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Abnormally Dangerous Activity--Basic Definition
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One who carries out an abnormally dangerous activity is strictly liable for any damage that PROXIMATELY results from the dangerous NATURE of the activity
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Defenses to Strict Liability
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1. Assumption of Risk
2. Contributory Negligence--usually not a defense unless the type of negligence that is also assumption of risk. i.e. π approaches a vicious animal knowing it to be vicious. |
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Strict Liability--"Wild" Animals--situations where SL Exists--exceptions
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Owners are SL:
1. If the animal is "wild"=non-domesticated or not used in "service of mankind"--any harm resulting from their NORMALLY DANGEROUS PROPENSITIES --exceptions--> Zoos or keeping wild animals as part of a public duty |
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Strict Liability--"Domestic Animals" Animals--situations where SL Exists--exceptions
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Owner SL is he knows or has reason to know of the animal;s dangerous propensities, uncharacteristic of the species.
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Private Nuisance
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conduct by ∆ that creates an unreasonable/substantial interference with the π's[who has an INTEREST in prop--i.e. L or T] use or enjoyment of property.
like conversion-->intent doesn't matter examples--loud noise noxious odors |
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Private Nuisance--Damages
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All harm proximately caused by the nuisance, both personal [i.e. diseases caught from inhaling fumes, lack of sleep] and property.
1. If temporary--past and present damages + (perhaps) Injunctive relief--MOST COMMON 2. If permanent: all damages past and FUTURE and , if not adequate--INJUNCTION--very rare--must create all damage it will ever create by its very existence |
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Public Nuisance--Elements/Distinguised
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substantial/unreasonable interference with the exercise of a public right (shared by many), thereby offending public morals, property, health, safety or comfort of a number of persons-->actual invasion of the interests of land
much wider scope of injury than |
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Public Nuisance--if brought by private π
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private person must show special damges-->different IN KIND[i.e. destroys livelihood of fishing in a polluted pond]-->an injury beyond that of the community
very difficult to prove |
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Nuisance--Defenses
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COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE
Public--common-non-special injury and that D should have business interruption insurance Private: 1. coming to the nuisance --"I was here first" defense 2. Reasonableness-- defense [balancing approach--π's enjoyment v. utility and necessity of ∆'s use i.e. factory]--decided by jury REASONABLE FEAR OF HARM is a significant factor. but fear of invasion not a nuisance |
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Private Nuisance--Use or enjoyment--when interfered with
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1. Land itself--(water pollution, ground shaking damages building)
2. Health/Comfort (air pollution/noxious odors 3. Peace of Mind (funeral parlor, leper colony, mental hospital, explosives factory) |