Assignment
Dewey, Heuy and Louis are teenagers out for a walk on Central Avenue when they spot a bright and inviting Christmas display on the Morton's property. Without meaning to damage anything, they decide to walk across the lawn to get a closer look.
Unknown to them, there is a faulty electrical connection on one of the mini twinkle lights. Mr. Morton had intended to repair the wiring but he didn't get around to it before installing the display. In addition, there are a few groundhog holes on the front lawn that Mr. Morton knows about but never worried about because he knows where each one is.
As the three teens stealthily creep across the yard toward the lit up decorations, Dewey steps right into a groundhog hole, twists his ankle and falls with a howl right into the tree with the shorted wire, causing him to get a shock on his arm and shorting out all the decorations on that circuit.
Dewey sues Mr. Morton for negligence.
Answer the following questions in approximately one paragraph each based on the courseware and what you learned in class. There is no need to research or use case law to answer these questions.
I. For purposes of liability of land occupiers, what class of entrants is Dewey considered part of? What are the rights of this class of entrants?
II. What special rule or doctrine could potentially lead to Mr. Morton's liability to Dewey?
III. All things considered, do you think Mr. Morton will be liable? Why or why not?
IV. Mr. Morton wants to sue Dewey for shorting out all the decorations and ruining the circuit. For what tort would he do so? Will Dewey be held liable? Explain.