Exam 6: Intentional Torts And Business Torts

The First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech is an absolute right.

Howson won a lawsuit against Hardwick for intentionally inflicting emotional distress.The jury awarded Howson $500,000 in compensatory damages.It also awarded Howson $4 million in punitive damages because Hardwick was quite wealthy and the jury thought a large amount was necessary for Hardwick to feel the punishing effects of the judgment.How does the jury's award fit into the guidelines offered by the U.S.Supreme Court?

Don was standing in a cafeteria line holding a plate.Tim was upset with Don.Tim turned Don around and grabbed the plate out of Don's hand.Tim then held the plate up and threatened to break it over Don's head.Tim has committed:

Public officials and public figures receive less protection from defamation than ordinary people.

In an advertisement,FreshAir,Inc.stated that its air freshener lasted for 3 hours while the competitor,Smell Sweet,lasted for only 36 minutes.In fact,Smell Sweet freshens the air for more than 2 hours.FreshAir has not violated the Lanham Act because the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech applies.