Question: In the famous case of Sturges v. Bridgman, Bridgman, a candy maker, had an established business, and Sturges, a dentist, moved into the office next door. Bridgman's sugar-crushing machines set up such strong vibrations that Sturges was unable to use his drill safely when the machines were operating. Is it efficient for a court to order Bridgman to cease doing business because of the harm to Sturges? Explain why or why not.
a. The following table below shows the marginal benefits to Bridgman for each additional hour of candy making in a 12-hour day and the corresponding marginal losses to Sturges. If negotiation is costless, how many hours of the day will Bridgman be making candy? Will this still be the case if the court had instead ruled that Bridgman could operate his equipment without regard to its effect on Sturges? Explain.
