Intentional Torts: Master the Fundamentals of Civil Wrongs

Question 1

In tort law, conversion occurs when the defendant:

Accepted Answer

Intends to permanently deprive the owner of the chattel and takes control of it.

Answer

Intends to use the chattel temporarily but does not take control of it.

Answer

Takes control of the chattel but has no intent to deprive the owner.

Answer

Neither intends to permanently deprive the owner nor takes control of the chattel.

Question 2

In a defamation case, which defense asserts that the defendant's statement is true?

Accepted Answer

Truth

Answer

Privilege

Answer

Consent

Answer

Fair comment

Question 3

In the tort of conversion, the key distinction between 'physical interference' and 'exercise of dominion' is that:

Accepted Answer

Exercise of dominion implies a more serious interference with the chattel's value or use.

Answer

Physical interference involves intentional damage to the chattel, while exercise of dominion does not.

Answer

Physical interference is always accompanied by exercise of dominion, but not vice versa.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between physical interference and exercise of dominion.

Question 4

The primary distinction between intentional torts and negligent torts lies in:

Accepted Answer

The level of fault required

Answer

The type of damages available

Answer

The applicable statute of limitations

Answer

The burden of proof

Question 5

In the tort of trespass to chattels, which action would NOT constitute 'direct interference' with a chattel?

Accepted Answer

Touching the chattel without causing any harm

Answer

Taking possession of the chattel without consent

Answer

Damaging the chattel

Answer

Preventing the owner from using the chattel

Question 6

Intentional infliction of emotional distress is recognized as a tort in the UK when:

Accepted Answer

The defendant's conduct is particularly egregious

Answer

It results in physical harm to the victim

Answer

It is accompanied by a battery

Answer

It is not actionable in the UK

Question 7

The tort of false imprisonment involves the unlawful confinement or restraint of the victim's:

Accepted Answer

Physical liberty

Answer

Property

Answer

Reputation

Answer

Bodily integrity

Question 8

In the context of battery, when is the defense of consent valid?

Accepted Answer

When the victim fully understood the nature and possible outcomes of the contact.

Answer

When the contact was minor and caused no offense.

Answer

When the victim specifically asked for the contact.

Answer

Even if the victim was pressured or under the influence of alcohol.

Question 9

Trespass to chattels involves interference with:

Accepted Answer

Possession

Answer

Damages

Answer

Title

Answer

Ownership

Question 10

Which defense is NOT available to the tort of defamation?

Accepted Answer

Consent

Answer

Justification (truth)

Answer

Privilege

Answer

Fair comment

Question 11

In the tort of defamation, the publication of the defamatory statement is considered:

Accepted Answer

Intentional or negligent

Answer

Intentional only

Answer

Negligent only

Answer

Neither intentional nor negligent

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of direct trespass?

Accepted Answer

Direct contact

Answer

Intentional act

Answer

Indirect harm

Answer

Intentional harm

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a type of conditional privilege in defamation?

Accepted Answer

Absolute privilege

Answer

Fair reporting

Answer

Honest opinion

Answer

Communication between spouses in private

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT an essential element of the tort of assault?

Accepted Answer

Actual physical contact

Answer

Reasonable apprehension of imminent and harmful or offensive contact

Answer

Intention to cause reasonable apprehension of imminent and harmful or offensive contact

Question 15

Which defense is not commonly asserted in actions for trespass to land?

Accepted Answer

Contributory negligence

Answer

License

Answer

Necessity

Answer

Statute of limitations

Question 16

Which of the following acts constitutes conversion?

Accepted Answer

Unauthorized taking and carrying away of another's personal property with intent to permanently deprive

Answer

Intentional destruction of another's personal property

Answer

Negligent damage to another's personal property

Question 17

In an action for trespass to chattels, which damages are primarily sought?

Accepted Answer

Compensatory damages

Answer

Nominal damages

Answer

Aggravated damages

Answer

Punitive damages

Question 18

In which type of intentional tort is the plaintiff's reputation harmed?

Accepted Answer

Defamation

Answer

Battery

Answer

Assault

Answer

False imprisonment

Question 19

Which remedy is primarily sought in an action for false imprisonment?

Accepted Answer

Damages

Answer

Specific performance

Answer

Rescission

Answer

Injunction

Question 20

Intentional torts differ from negligence-based torts primarily in terms of:

Accepted Answer

The level of intent required

Answer

The burden of proof

Answer

The type of damages awarded

Answer

The availability of defenses

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of a strict liability intentional tort?

Accepted Answer

Trespass to land

Answer

Assault

Answer

False imprisonment

Answer

Defamation

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT an essential element of the tort of battery?

Accepted Answer

Intent to cause serious bodily harm or equivalent harm

Answer

Act by the defendant

Answer

Contact with the plaintiff's person

Answer

Harmful or offensive contact

Question 23

A defendant intentionally frightens a plaintiff, causing them to suffer a heart attack. Which tort is the defendant most likely liable for?

Accepted Answer

Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Answer

Assault

Answer

False imprisonment

Question 24

Which defense to trespass to land allows for entry onto another's property to rescue a person in imminent danger?

Accepted Answer

Necessity

Answer

Self-defense

Answer

Consent

Answer

Statutory authority

Question 25

In an action for conversion, what must the plaintiff prove?

Accepted Answer

The defendant exercised dominion and control over the chattel that interfered with the plaintiff's right to possession

Answer

The defendant intended to permanently deprive the plaintiff of their chattel

Question 26

Which of the following is a true statement about defamation?

Accepted Answer

Communication of the defamatory statement to a third party is essential

Answer

Truth is not a defense to defamation

Answer

Defamation can only arise from written statements

Question 27

A defendant claims that their statement about the plaintiff was true. What defense is the defendant raising?

Accepted Answer

Truth

Answer

Fair comment

Answer

Privilege

Question 28

A shopkeeper suspects a customer of shoplifting. They detain the customer for an unreasonable length of time without reasonable grounds. What tort has the shopkeeper likely committed?

Accepted Answer

False imprisonment

Answer

Assault

Answer

Trespass to goods

Answer

Conversion

Question 29

What must the plaintiff prove in an action for trespass to chattels?

Accepted Answer

The defendant intentionally interfered with the plaintiff's possession of the chattel

Answer

The defendant caused damage to the chattel

Answer

The defendant intended to permanently deprive the plaintiff of their chattel

Question 30

Which of the following factors is NOT relevant in determining whether a statement is defamatory?

Accepted Answer

The defendant's subjective intention

Answer

The meaning of the statement to a reasonable person

Answer

The publication of the statement

Answer

The nature of the plaintiff's profession