(SOLVED)A residence hall on the campus of University was evacuated

Discipline: Law

Type of Paper: Question-Answer

Academic Level: Undergrad. (yrs 3-4)

Paper Format: APA

Pages: 2 Words: 700

Question

Lesson # 7 Legal Writing

A residence hall on the campus of University was evacuated after a number of student residents became seriously ill from aerial dispersal of bacteria that had infested the air conditioning system. Reputable consultants retained by University to prescribe a remedy for the infestation advised University that there were three ways to proceed: the cheapest would be to purge the air conditioning system with disinfectants, which had usually taken care of the problem in several other similar circumstances; a more expensive method would be to seal off and fumigate the building, which would be more effective; and the most expensive, and the most effective, would be to do multiple sealed fumigations.

To minimize the expense, University chose the cheapest method. University was also motivated by the need to recover revenues that it had lost during the closure and by the need to be able to provide desperately needed housing for the students. After allowing time for the disinfectant to work its way out of the air conditioning system, University reopened the residence hall and advertised reduced rates to induce students to move back in.

Paula and her roommate Art, students attracted by the reduced rates, spoke with University’s Director of Student Housing, who told them that it was safe to move back. Paula said, “Well, I guess I have to rely on your judgment.” Art agreed, saying, “At that price, it’s worth the risk.” They resumed living in the residence hall. Soon after they moved back, Paula and Art had an argument, which left Paula harboring anger against Art.

Within a month, Paula fell ill with the same bacterial infection. Art did not become ill. However, while waiting for an ambulance to pick her up, Paula stuffed Art’s pillow into the ventilator duct with the intent of allowing the pillow to accumulate as much bacteria as possible. She then placed the pillow on Art’s bed. A week later, Art became ill with the same infection.

Paula and Art each wish to sue University for personal injury. What theory of liability should they assert, what defenses might University raise against each, and who would be likely to prevail in each suit? Discuss.

Remember, this assignment must be prepared in Microsoft® Word® using the Times New Roman font, 12 point, single space, double space between paragraphs. Each page must be numbered and your last name and student number included on the upper left hand corner of each page.

This research/writing assignment is to be submitted in the box at the bottom of the assignment page.



Required Viewing
Taft Law School Video #7


(Please refer to your Legal Writing Workbook for the Essay. The video will state it is 'session six', this is the correct video for this course.)
Writing Assignment # 7 to Be Submitted for a Grade:



Open a blank Microsoft® Word® document which should be labeled 'Legal Writing 604 Assignment # 7' followed by your last name and your student number. Once you have completed this assignment, save it on your computer where you will be able to find it. You will then use the 'browse' button at the bottom of the assignment to retrieve the assignment and then submit it by clicking the 'upload' button.

Please write an IRAC answer to the following Tort essay.

The Microsoft® Word® file name must read Legal Writing 604, Assignment # 7 followed by your last name and student number (Example: Legal Writing 604, Assignment # 7, Jones, # 3500).


 


EXPERT SOLUTION REVIEW


 Paula v. University


Negligence?

Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonable person would under the same or similar circumstances. In order to establish the prima facie case for negligence, Paula would need to show that University owed her a duty, breached that duty, and the breach was the actual and proximate cause of the injuries she suffered, and a lack of defenses.


Duty?

One who acts affirmatively owes a duty of reasonable care to all foreseeable plaintiffs within the zone of danger. Here, University acted affirmatively by its actions to remedy the bacteria infestations and by then inviting the students to move back into the residence hall. Further, there will also be a duty imposed on the relationship between the University and the students.
Therefore, duty will be established.


Standard of care?

The standard of care will be that of a reasonable person. And, because of the unique relationship between the students and the University, University may also be held to a higher standard of care.


Breach?

Breach is the failure to act as a reasonable…………..