Question

1 multiple choice 1 point which of the following statements about torts is correct? a tortious act is always a criminal act. a criminal act is always a tortious act. a tortious act may also be a criminal act. all the above are correct. 2 multiple choice 1 point shortly after brian started to work at trevit, inc., a co - worker, lee, began asking him out. brian said no. nevertheless, lee persisted. one day lee touched brian’s crotch. which statement is correct? lee defamed brian. lee committed the tort of trespass. lee committed the tort of interference with a prospective advantage. lee committed the tort of battery. 3 multiple choice 1 point jim told his manager, lana, that a co - worker, diane, had been in prison for theft. lana checked into the matter and, when she learned that diane had served time in prison for theft, fired her. jim is liable to diane for defamation. jim is liable to diane for defamation unless he can show a legitimate reason for having to tell lana about diane’s prison history. jim is liable to diane for defamation only if she is a public figure. jim is not liable to diane for defamation.

Explanation:

1. For Question 1: Tortious acts (civil wrongs) can overlap with criminal acts (wrongs against the state), but not all torts are crimes, and not all crimes are torts. The only accurate statement is that a tortious act may also be a criminal act.
2. For Question 2: Battery is defined as intentional, harmful or offensive physical contact with another person without consent. Lee's unwanted physical contact with Brian fits this definition.
3. For Question 3: Defamation liability can be avoided if the speaker can show a legitimate business reason for sharing the information (a qualified privilege applies here, as Jim was reporting to his manager about a coworker's relevant history).

Answer:

1. A tortious act may also be a criminal act.
2. Lee committed the tort of battery.
3. Jim is liable to Diane for defamation unless he can show a legitimate reason for having to tell Lana about Diane's prison history.