B.  Law 265

Spring 2008

Exam #2, April 8, 2008

 

This exam contains 50 questions.  Each question is 2 points.  The exam and its answer key will be posted on www.cbe.uidaho.edu/wegman  one hour after the end of the exam. Go to “Test Bank of Old Exams” on the B. Law 265 section of the website.  Refresh the page.  If you disagree with the answer key, or you have a question or comment, please email Professor Wegman at Wegman@uidaho.edu.  You must include “exam” and the question number in the subject line of your email.  Feed-back will be considered and may result in modification of the answer key, if received by 11:00 AM Wednesday.

 

1.  What is the purpose of punitive damages? 
a. To punish the offender only.
b. To deter others from committing similar offenses only.
c. To reimburse a plaintiff for his or her losses only.
d. To punish the offender and to deter others from committing similar offenses.

2.  Which of the following is a legal doctrine that has been adopted by courts that aids plaintiffs in establishing negligence claims and recovering the greatest amount of damages? 
a. Res ipsa loquitur.
b. Assumption of risk.
c. Contributory negligence.
d. All of the above.

 

3.  Under which of the following will the court or jury determine the percentage of the fault of the defendant and the percentage of the fault of the plaintiff?

a. Assumption of risk.
b. Contributory negligence.
c. Comparative negligence.
d. Res ipsa loquitur.

4.  What are the three independent branches of the federal government, that are supposed to “check and balance” one another? 
a. Legislative, executive, and judicial.
b. Legislative, commerce, and safety.
c. Commerce, safety, and law enforcement.
d. Executive, safety, and law enforcement.

5.  You have been asked to become one of three general partners in a new limited partnership business.  You are concerned about the issue of your personal liability for the debts of this business.  Which of the following statements about your personal liability is true?

a. Your personal liability will be the same as that of all the other partners in the business.

b. Your personal liability will be greater than that of some partners and the same as that of other partners in the business.

c. Your personal liability will be greater than that of all the other partners in the business.

d. Your personal liability will be less than that of all the other partners in the business.

 

6.  Under workers’ compensation law, an injured worker will generally receive compensation:

a. Only if the worker was not at fault in causing the accident that resulted in the injury.

b. Only if a co-worker was at fault in causing the accident that resulted in the injury.

c. Only if the worker himself/herself was at fault in causing the accident that resulted in the injury.

d. Regardless of who was at fault in causing the accident that resulted in the injury.

 

7.  Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an employer can be successfully sued for “quid pro quo” sexual harassment when:

a. Sexual remarks and vulgar behavior of co-workers becomes unbearable to the victim

b. A supervisor tells a worker under her supervision that if he will have sex with her, she will recommend him for promotion

c. The employer regularly promotes only men, where there are equally competent women available for promotion

d. In all of the above cases, the employer can be successfully sued for “quid pro quo” sexual harassment.

 

8.   Joe was angry with Tom because Tom is now dating a woman who dumped Joe last year.  When Joe sees Tom in the street, he sneaks up behind Tom and punches Tom in the head.  The force of the blow would normally only have given the victim a headache and a bruise.  However, Tom had a pre-existing condition consisting of a very thin skull, as thin as an eggshell.  As a result, Tom’s skull was crushed and he almost died.  If Tom had a normal skull, the damages that would have resulted would have equaled $2,000.  But because of Tom’s pre-existing condition Tom’s damages were $500,000.  If Tom sues Joe, Joe’s financial liability will probably be:

a. $500,000 because a defendant generally takes the risk that his victim has a pre-existing condition.

b. $500,000 but only if Joe knew about Tom’s pre-existing condition.

c. $2,000 but only if Joe did not know about Tom’s pre-existing condition.

d. Two of the above are correct.

 

9.  Arbitration most often comes about as a result of:

a. A post-dispute agreement contained in a contract.

b. A pre-dispute agreement contained in a contract.

c. A lack of agreement between the parties as to whether to litigate the dispute.

d. A statute that requires arbitration in all cases involving $2,000 or less.

 

10.  Under workers’ compensation statutes’ “exclusive remedy” rule, a worker injured on the job:

a. Can bring a tort lawsuit against the employer and also against other parties.

b. Can bring a tort lawsuit against the employer only.

c. Can bring a tort lawsuit against other parties only.

d. Can bring a tort lawsuit against no one, because receiving workers’ compensation

benefits is the only remedy the injured worker has.

 

11.  Undue influence usually requires:

a. An improper threat of economic harm.

b. A threat of bodily harm.

c. A relationship of trust.

d. An influential party such as a government official or a very wealthy individual.

 

12.  You own a gas station in Moscow, Idaho.  Every Monday you drive over to your competitor, AAA Gas, and see what AAA is charging.  You price your gas at exactly that same amount.  All the other gas stations in Moscow do the same thing, and so gas prices in Moscow are exactly the same.  You all do this independently, without discussing it among yourselves.  What provision of the Anti-trust Acts have you violated?

a. Sherman Act Sec. 1 which outlaws “contracts, combinations and conspiracies” that restrain trade.

b. Sherman Act Sec. 2, which outlaws monopolies.

c. Price fixing, outlawed as a “per se” violation of the Clayton Act.

d. None of the above; you have done nothing illegal.

 

13.  Which of the following contracts is not required to be in writing under the Statute of Frauds?

a. A contract to be performed in ten months.

b. A contract involving the sale of land.

c. A contract for the sale of goods of $600.

d. A contract to pay someone else's debt if they fail to.

 

14.  Bob, an employee of Risky Manufacturing, Inc. is accidentally injured while working his shift.  Under workers' compensation, Bob can:

a. Sue Risky in court, or seek workers' compensation recovery, but not both.

b. Sue Risky in court, and seek workers' compensation recovery.

c. Recover from Risky only workers' compensation.

d. Recover nothing from Risky if Bob was at fault in allowing the injury to occur.

 

15.  Two supermarkets in the same town get together and agree to charge $3.00 for a gallon of milk, which is a fair price.  This action is:

a. Horizontal price fixing.

b. Vertical price fixing.

c. Legal, because the price agreed upon was fair.

d. Two of the above are correct.

 

16.  A disadvantage of the sole proprietorship form of business is:

a. The difficulty and cost of formation.

b. The unlimited liability of the owner for the business's debts.

c. The sharing of management authority by the owner with others.

d. The difficulty the owner has in transferring ownership to others.

 

17.  When a general business partnership fails, general partners:

 a. May lose their investment.

 b. May be required to pay partnership debts from their own personal assets.

 c. Neither (a) nor (b).

 d. Both (a) and (b).

 

18.  Under workers compensation law, a worker will receive compensation for work related injuries even if those injuries were caused by that worker’s own negligence.

 a. True.

 b. False.

 

19.  The following is true of a criminal trial:

 a. The defendant bears the burden of proof.

 b. The burden of proof is "a preponderance of the evidence".

 c. The burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt".

 

20.  Which form of business organization most limits personal liability for its owners?

 a. Sole proprietorship.

 b. General partnership.

 c. Corporation.

 d. They all share this attribute equally.

 

21. In Idaho, Small Claims Court may provide the following kind(s) of relief:

a. A judgment for money.

b. A simple divorce.

c. Resolve a dispute over the legal border of real estate.

d. All of the above.

 

22.  The burden of proof in a civil case is known as:

a. The preponderance of the evidence.

b. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

c. Proof beyond a shadow of a doubt.

d. Clear and convincing proof.

 

23.  Law enforcement officers may conduct a physical search of a person’s property but not notify that person until later, under the authority of what statute?

a. Federal Crime Prevention Act.

b. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Practices Act (RICO).

c. Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

d. USA Patriot Act.

24.  The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits discrimination in employment against persons who are what age or older?

a. 30 years.

b. 40 years.

c. 50 years.

d. 60 years.

 

25.  A private plaintiff (as opposed to the government) who brings a successful antitrust lawsuit may recover: 
a. Treble damages.
b. Court costs.
c. Attorneys fees.
d. All of the above.

 

26.  Attempts by a manufacturer to enforce control of the retail resale prices of its products is called: 
a. Lateral price fixing.
b. Horizontal price fixing.
c. Vertical price fixing.
d. Triangulated price fixing.

 

27.  Recently, the only two satellite radio companies in the USA wanted to merge.  This would leave the USA with only one satellite radio company.  The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was required to either approve or disapprove this proposed merger. The DOJ decided that the proposed merger did not violate Antitrust law, and it approved this merger.  The basis for this decision was that:

a. The relevant product was all satellite radio service.

b. The relevant product was all radio service.

c. The relevant product was irrelevant, because entertainment is exempt from the Antitrust laws.

d. The relevant product was irrelevant, because satellite radio is a new, innovative service.

 

28.  Jack Jones was very drunk on whiskey. While he was drunk, Jack entered into a contract with Sam, who sold Jack a used car. Jack did not understand this transaction, because of his intoxication.  This contract is:

a. Not voidable by Jack since his intoxication was purely voluntary.

b. May be voidable at the option of Jack.

c. Not voidable by Jack because he was only drunk on whiskey, a legal product.

d. Voidable either by Jack or Sam.

 

29. Acme seeds has monopoly power in seeds.  If Acme Seeds, Inc. refuses to sell its seeds to farmers unless they also agree to buy fertilizer from Acme, this is an example of a(n): 
a. Requirements contract.
b. Tying contract.
c. Exclusive dealing contract.
d. Seedy agreement.

 

30. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) imposes on employers a general duty to: 
a. Prevent workplace hazards that may cause death or serious injury.
b. Keep a log of all work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.
c. Report on-the-job fatalities and injuries that require hospitalization.
d. All of the above.

 

31. Which of the following is NOT required, in order to establish a case based on negligence? 
a. Harm to the plaintiff.
b. Intent to cause harm to the plaintiff.
c. Duty of care owed to the plaintiff.
d. Proximate cause.

  

32.  In a criminal law case, under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, law enforcement may not conduct:

a. Any searches or seizures of individuals’ real or personal property.

b. Any searches or seizures of individuals’ real property only.

c. Any searches or seizures of individuals’ personal property only.

d. Any unreasonable searches or seizures of individuals’ real or personal property.

 

 33.  Susan, age 53, is Tom’s supervisor at a large national corporation.  Susan tells Tom, age 23, that if he will have sex with her, she will reward him with a raise in pay.  Susan has committed:

a. Quid pro quo sexual harassment.

b. Sexually harassing environment sexual harassment.

c. No violation, because the “victim” is not female.

d. No violation, because reasonable “fraternization” among employees is acceptable.

 

34.  The Statute of Frauds requires a writing that is signed by which party or parties to a lawsuit?

a. The plaintiff.

b. The defendant.

c. Both the plaintiff and the defendant.

d. Neither the plaintiff nor the defendant, if the contract is for the sale of land where the price is $500 or less.

 

35.  Alpha Co. and Delta Corp. are the two leading discount electronics firms servicing South Dakota and Nebraska. Because the stiff competition between the two firms has led to greater advertising expenses and other distribution costs, the firms decide to form an agreement under which Alpha will retail its products only in South Dakota and Delta will retail its products only in Nebraska.  This agreement violates:

a. Section 1 of the Sherman Act.

b. Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

c. Section 7 of the Clayton Act.

d. The agreement is legal because is does not require anti-competitive behavior.

 

36.   John was walking along a sidewalk and was injured by a barrel of beer that fell from a window on the third floor of the defendant's brewery.  What legal theory is available to John that will provide the most help to him in recovering damages? 

a. Res ipsa loquitur.

b. Strict liability in tort.

c. Assumption of risk.

d. Negligence per se.

 

37. When all parties have fully performed their duties under a contract, the contract is:

a. Executory.

b. Voidable.

c. Executed.

d. Void.

 

38.  The Parol Evidence Rule:

a. Allows for the early release of prisoners.

b. Is a form of pardon.

c. Prevents oral evidence from being considered that clarifies an ambiguous written contract.

d. Prevents oral evidence from being considered that contradicts a written contract.

 

39.  All the gas stations in Smalltown agree to charge the same price for gas.  The owners of the various different companies get together every Friday in a coffee shop to decide what the price will be the next week.  This is a violation of:

a. Sherman Act, Section 1.

b. Sherman Act, Section 2.

c. Robinson-Patman Act.

d. All of the above.

 

40.   Moon, Inc. is a company that develops, manufactures and sells digital storage equipment.  Moon is very well managed, and it consistently stays ahead of its competition due to innovation and efficiency.  As a result, it has acquired and held a market share of 95% in the products it sells.  Moon has not abused its market power, but a small competitor, Star, Inc. has sued Moon alleging a violation of the Sherman Act.  Is it likely that Star will succeed in this suit?

a. Yes, a market share of 95% indicates monopoly power in violation of the Sherman Act.

b. Yes, Moon is in violation even though it has not abused its monopoly power.

c. No, Moon is not in violation because it has not abused its monopoly power.

d. Two of the above are correct, a and b.

 

41. Mindy purchased a stereo when she was 16 years old. Mindy has used the stereo for a year, and she now wants to avoid the contract. (For purposes of this question, you may assume that 18 is the age of majority.) Under these facts, and applying the rule used in the majority of states:

a. Mindy can disaffirm the contract, but she must do so before she turns 18.

b. Mindy can disaffirm the contract, but she must pay for any depreciation to the stereo.

c. Mindy can disaffirm the contract, and the seller must repay all money paid by Mindy.

d. Mindy can not disaffirm the contract.

 

42. A victim of a breach of contract is under a legal duty to take reasonable measures to avoid or to reduce the loss caused by a breach of contract. This rule is called:

a. Anticipatory damages.

b. Contractual damages.

c. Mitigation of damages.

d. Liquidated of damages.

 

43.  You own a small business.  One of your employees, Martha, is 43 years old and she belongs to a small “new age” church that worships crystals.  You have reasonable grounds to believe that Martha is not a productive employee and so you want to fire her.  Your human resource manager does not keep regular records of employee performance.  Martha does not have a fixed-term employment contract.  She is an “employee at will”.  If you fire her, what might be your liability?

a. You might be found liable under a claim of age discrimination.

b. You might be found liable under a claim of gender discrimination.

c. You might be found liable under a claim of religious discrimination.

d. All of the above.

 

44.  Gift promises are not binding and do not form contracts because of a lack of which essential contract element?

a.

Legality.

b.

Capacity.

c.

Consideration.

d.

Agreement.

 

45.  Sexual harassment can be the basis for a lawsuit if the victim is:

a. Female only.

b. Male only.

c. Either female or male.

 

46.  Joe is a police officer.  He wants to obtain a warrant to search Dorothy’s house.  The amount of evidence that he needs in order to obtain the warrant is called:

a. Just cause.

b. Probable cause.

c. Legal cause.

d. Cause beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

47.  Under the Constitution, the legislative branch of the government:

a.

Administers statutory law.

b.

Enforces statutory law.

c.

Interprets statutory law.

d.

Makes statutory law.

 

48.   Ira is trying to sell his horse to Jack.  Ira tells Jack that the horse rides "like the wind."  In truth, the horse rides in an ordinary manner, and Ira knows this.  Ira's statement is:

a.

Duress.

b.

Fraud.

c.

Puffery.

d.

Misrepresentation.

 

49.  Two supermarkets in the same town agree to charge $3.00 for a gallon of milk, which is a fair price. This action is:

          a.   Horizontal price fixing.

          b.   Vertical price fixing.

          c.   An illegal geographic market division.

          d.   Legal, because the price agreed upon was fair.

 

50.  Free question.  Please enter “d” as your answer. You will receive free credit for this question if you have correctly entered your Scantron information. Typically 1-2% of students fail to do this.   Common errors are:

 

-Forgetting to darken the boxes under your I.D. # or name.

-Darkening the wrong box (very common error) especially under name.

-Incorrectly entering your I.D.#.

 

Scantron Challenge:  if every student in the class will correctly enter his/her Scantron form information, 2 points will be added to every student’s score on this exam.

                                           

                                              Why not double check?

B.  Law 265

Spring 2008

Exam #2, April 8, 2008

Answer Key:  A discussion/explanation of question #1 appears at the end of this key.

1. d

2. a

3. c

4. a

5. b

6. d

7. b

8. a

9. b

10. c

11. c

12. d

13. a

14. c

15. a

16. b

17. d

18. a

19. c

20. c

21. a

22. a

23. d

24. b

25. d

26. c

27.b

28. b

29. b

30. d

31. b

32. d

33. a

34. b

35. a

36. a

37. c

38. d

39. a

40. c

41. c

42. c

43. d

44. c

45. c

46. b

47. d

48. c

49. a

50. d

 

Question #1 deals with remedies, the subject of class 10.  Compensatory damages are the basic remedy the law provides.  The purpose of these is to "make the victim whole" (see lecture outline).  As we discussed in class, if the victim (plaintiff) suffered a $10,000 loss, recovering compensatory damages in the amount of $10,000 will restore the plaintiff to same financial position that he/she enjoyed before the breach of contract occurred, thus "making him whole".

On the other hand, punitive damages have as their purpose to punish the defendant for intentional wrongdoing, also to deter others from similar conduct.  Fraud is the typical example in contracts (page 227), and intentional torts such as battery are other examples.  If the jury decides that punitive damages should be awarded, the amount will depend on how wealthy the defendant is, and how offensive the defendant's conduct was.  For example, a punitive damages judgment against a wealthy person like Bill Gates in the amount of $10,000 would not inflict any financial pain on him, but it certainly would be painful for you or me to pay.