Discussion Topic #2 – The case is Liebeck v. McDonald’s. It became the talk of everyone and created the discussion of abusive litigation and demands for tort reform. However, should McDonald’s or any business be required to pay these types of claims? Before you answer first read about the case by googling Liebeck v. McDonald’s on Wikipedia to educate yourself about the facts. Did it change your mind about the case?  Make sure you provide comments that reflect both your understanding of law (from reading the chapters) and your opinion of the case.  Also, make sure you respond to at least one post from your fellow students.

See the HBO Trailer on this issue – "HOT COFFEE":

https://youtu.be/PAzMMKIspPQ

 

Here is the New York Times version:

 

https://youtu.be/pCkL9UlmCOE

Much ado has been made in the media about the elderly woman who collected a substantial judgment from MacDonald’s as a result of the injuries she sustained from hot coffee she spilled on her lap. To get more details about this case, enter the search term “The Actual Facts About the McDonald’s Coffee Case.” (Note: at least one article was written by the Consumer Attorneys of California (Links to an external site.), whose primary members are plaintiffs’ attorneys.) 

After reading this article and watching the videos, write your views and support them with fcats and evidence, not just your opinions, in Discussion Topic #2. In your paper, consider some of the arguments raised in this chapter about the purpose of tort law. Answers will vary but students should consider whether this award would serve to protect consumers, whether McDonald’s conduct justified such a substantial punitive damage award, and whether the plaintiff should have been held more accountable for her own contribution to her injuries. Also briefly discuss duty, breach, and causation in terms of this case.  Write at least 6 paragraphs.  Proof read your work before submitting it; spelling, grammar, and usage do matter.