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Introduction

  • Welcome back and reminders to put away drawings and look at previous notes.
  • Recap of past meeting focused on contracts.

Questions About Contracts

  • Discussion about specific contracts, such as the 2026 tuition contract.
  • Invitation for students to share their experiences and questions related to contracts.

Real-World Examples Related to Contracts

  • Mention of amusement park rides and safety measures, including warnings on VermaPorts.
  • Discussion of liability and reasons companies put up warnings; such as protection against being sued.
  • Emphasis on consumer accountability: "survival of the fittest."

Private Law vs Public Law

  • Definition of private law: governs interactions between private entities, such as individuals and companies.
  • Introduction of lawsuits under private law focused on contracts and torts.
  • Definition of "tort": a civil wrong that does not arise out of contractual obligations.

Torts

  • Explanation of types of lawsuits in private law:
    • Lawsuits about contracts.
    • Lawsuits about torts, divided into three types: intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability.

Intentional Torts

  • Characteristics of intentional torts: the intent must be present, not accidental.
  • Examples:
    • Trespassing - intentionally entering someone's property.
    • Defamation - harming someone's reputation through false information (includes slander and libel).
    • Invasion of privacy - unauthorized access to someone's private space or information.
    • Assault and Battery - threatening or physically harming someone.
  • Clar