Torts — Core Concepts Practice Questions

A frustrated motorist, Peter, driving on a busy street, intentionally threw a banana peel out of his car window, aiming for a trash can on the sidewalk. The peel missed the trash can, sailed through the air, and unexpectedly struck a pedestrian, Olivia, who was walking on the sidewalk, causing her to slip and fall, breaking her wrist. Olivia sues Peter for battery. What is the most likely outcome?

During a heated argument, Alex, in a fit of rage, screamed at Brenda, 'I'm going to punch you in the face!' Alex then quickly raised his fist, but before he could make contact, a bystander intervened and restrained Alex. Brenda was terrified by Alex's threat and suffered severe emotional distress, requiring therapy. Brenda sues Alex for assault. What is the most likely outcome?

A local coffee shop, 'The Daily Grind,' has a policy requiring employees to clean up spills immediately. One morning, an employee, Chris, spilled coffee near the counter but was called away to serve a customer before he could clean it. Five minutes later, a customer, Emily, slipped on the coffee, fell, and broke her arm. Emily sued 'The Daily Grind' for negligence. Which element of negligence is most clearly established by these facts?