In each of the following situations, explain whether the situation involves a tort, a crime or both a tort?

Question

In each of the following situations, explain whether the situation involves a tort, a crime or both a tort
and a crime, and discuss the likely outcome of the situation.
(a) Alf, a gas fitter, was installing a new boiler in Bridget’s house. It was nearly lunchtime and Alf
decided to go for lunch leaving a partly-sealed gas pipe which was slowly leaking gas. Alf thought
it would be safe because Bridget had gone shopping. Shortly after Alf had left the house, Bridget
returned, switched on the hall light and was killed in the gas explosion which followed. (4 marks)
(b) Catherine and Della worked in the same office. Catherine knew that Della had been going out with
Finlay, the managing director’s son, and she was jealous because she also fancied Finlay. Catherine
spoke to Finlay and told him that she thought Della had been stealing from the cash box. She then
sent an internal e-mail to Finlay in which she accused Della of theft. Catherine’s allegations about
Della were not true. (4 marks)
(c) Gavin illegally entered Howard’s house at night, took some cash and jewellery and then went to
leave. Howard heard a noise, came running downstairs with a shotgun and fired at Gavin as he was
running across the lawn. Gavin was hit in the back of the leg and injured. (4 marks)

Answer 1

a) tort
b) tort
c) crime by Gavin, crime and tort by Howard.

Answer 2

A: negligent homicide B defamation of character, framing a co-worker C Gavin is liable for breaking and entering and theft. The home owner can be held for shooting Gavin as he was no longer in the house and he shot him in the back of the leg. Final answer 3 crimes and a tort.

Answer 3

Do your own homework. This is not a difficult law question. A bit of reading will help!!