A college student 20 yrs ago interveiwed a man about something he was tried for 3 times and found not guilty.Student told the man that this was for a school project or some kind of report. The man agreed and the student had a hidden microphone. 20yrs later the student writes a book and tell most of the info he got from the interview.The student writes up a contract and both parties sign it when this interview was done. Did this student do anything unlawful or can he be held for damages?
2007-01-13 13:18:04 · 4 answers · asked by powerglide51 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, a contract between 2 people is legally binding, although it is always a good move to get a witness involved.
As for the rest of your question, it isn't very clear what you are asking. I think you are saying the student signed a contract promising not to reveal the man, though for what, I am not sure. Did he confess a crime to the boy?
2007-01-13 13:28:53 · answer #1 · answered by rik e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, there are a few problems here. First, yes of course they can create a contract! However, whether the student can be sued depends on the terms of the contract. Post what the contract says and it would be much easier to evaluate. Also, was there any fraud or duress on the part of the student? That could invalidate the contract. So really, more detail is needed to make a fair assessment.
2007-01-13 21:29:05 · answer #2 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the state, the hidden microphone may have been against the law.
Two people can write up a contract and it can be valid, even without attorneys.
Whether anything is actionable will depend on the state (as above) and exactly what the contract said.
2007-01-13 21:29:10 · answer #3 · answered by Citicop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people sign contracts all the time.
anything can be taken to court in this day and age, however:
A Judge will look at the Live contract more than the written contract.
For example: Tod signs an agreement saying that he will pay $50 million dollars for Mary to renovate his Bathroom. Mary puts in a used $25 toilet, and a cracked mirror that was made in china bought for $15. Mary spent a total of $40 in materials and $100 in man-hours.
Tod accosts Mary and says "This is not what I paid you for." Mary flashes the contract in front of him, and says "Yes, you did. And I refinished your bathroom. Ha!"
Assuming the Judge has not been paid off by Mary, assuming the Judge is sane and intelligent, He/She will rule that $140 will in no way constitute a $50 mil. bill.
actual life vs. written contract
2007-01-13 21:32:28 · answer #4 · answered by melomego 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋