Wanna Be a Lawyer? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Squatter's rights

You and your neighbor must both understand that the fence encroaches into your property. If you do not make them aware of this, they can eventually own that property. If you do not approve of their encroachment, you must notify them of the trespass in writing.

Answer: Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the illegal taking of someone's money, and using it for something other than that for which it was intended.

Answer: To entrust personal property to another person

Taking clothes to be laundered, checking your hat and coat at a restaurant, or even loaning your lawnmower to a neighbor, are all examples of bailment. The receiving person must take responsible and reasonable care for your property. If your mower blows up while the neighbor is using it, they are not legally liable for repairs.

However, if they ran over a brick, then they did not take responsible care for the machine and are then liable. If your coat and hat are stolen while under the restaurant's care, they may be liable also, regardless of what their disclaimers are.

Answer: Vandalism

The difference between malicious mischief and vandalism is the 'act to intentionally cause damage'. 'Toilet-papering' a house is not vandalism. Throwing an egg at a house with the goal of making a mess is not vandalism. However, throwing the egg with the intention of breaking a window is. Vandalism by a child in all states does not always result in the parent being legally liable for damage.

Answer: Aggravated assault

If you were in a fight and were knocked to the ground, the crime would be assault and battery. An intent to murder, rob, rape, or any bodily harm in the process of robbery is aggravated assault.

Answer: The intended maiming or disfigurement of a person

A very misunderstood legal term, mayhem is the term used to alter another person's physical or mental function. The law has also been used to prosecute in the abuse of animals.

Answer: Kleptomania

Kleptomania is normally defined as an impulse control disorder, although there is some dispute over whether it is a genuine psychiatric disorder, or just an excuse for theft.

Answer: Conversion

If you gave your vehicle to a mechanic to be repaired while you were on vacation, then the mechanic repaired your car and rented it out until you returned, this would be conversion. If a parking valet took your vehicle to a party or joyride while you were in a theater, this is also conversion.

Answer: Tort

Often times, a tort and a crime are confused. If someone carelessly bumps into your car making a dent in your bumper, this is a tort. A crime is a wrongful act against society.

Answer: The unlawful taking of the personal property of another person without violence

Scam artists are often charged with larceny. Buying land in Florida that ends up being swamp land might be an example. There is a difference between a seller 'puffing' their product versus a wilful and wrongful intent to deceive the buyer for profit.