Chapter Review
Chapter 22:
Torts and Public Policy
Practice Test
1.
Tort law should serve each principle of public policy EXCEPT __________.
a.
to compensate in a prompt and efficient way persons who are injured
b.
to fairly allocate benefits to victims and costs to wrongdoers
c.
to deter conduct that is unreasonably risky or dangerous
d.
to provide a livelihood for attorneys
2.
What is an example of tort reform targeting the process of settling tort claims?
a.
placing a limit on how much a plaintiff can recover
b.
capping the amount that an attorney can earn for any one case
c.
shortening the time that a plaintiff has to bring a tort suit
d.
requiring parties to a tort suit to attempt to settle the case
3.
A survey in one state compared residents' beliefs about tort litigation and the actual court records. The results showed that residents believed that __________.
a.
about 40 percent of civil suits were tort suits when the actual number was fewer than 5 percent
b.
the number of tort suits was increasing and in fact the number was increasing
c.
the average damage award in tort cases exceeded $200,000 and that was true
d.
43 percent of tort suits were settled out of court but in fact 65 percent were settled out of court
4.
Which argument supports the present medical malpractice system?
a.
As the size of awards increases, the insurance premiums paid by doctors and hospitals rise, and this cost is passed along to patients.
b.
As costs increase, some people cannot afford needed care.
c.
Some doctors who cannot afford malpractice insurance premiums have stopped practicing medicine.
d.
High damage awards fairly compensate patients for their injuries.
5.
What is one argument that supports finding the club owner responsible for the deaths and injuries at the Heaven's Gate nightclub?
a.
The club had recently been inspected and met all safety standards.
b.
The club owner did not include a clause permitting pyrotechnics in the contract with the band.
c.
The band has played at other clubs and used pyrotechnics without getting permission.
d.
Two of the exit doors were locked on the night of the fire.
6.
What is one argument that supports finding the band responsible for the deaths and injuries at the Heaven's Gate nightclub?
a.
Other bands that have played at the club had gotten permission to use pyrotechnics in the past.
b.
The band has always asked permission before using pyrotechnics in the past.
c.
Other club owners reported that this band has used pyrotechnics without permission in the past.
d.
The club should have had a sprinkler system.
7.
To determine the reasonable amount of money to be spent on safety, one could calculate __________.
a.
the benefits of adding a safety precaution compared to the costs of adding it
b.
the costs of adding a safety precaution
c.
the benefits of adding a safety precaution.
d.
the costs of the safety precaution plus the cost of the product or service
8.
If the costs of the safety precaution exceed the benefits, the safety precaution __________.
a.
is reasonable
b.
is unreasonable
c.
is necessary
d.
is not really a safety precaution
9.
What argument supports legislation banning cell phone use while driving?
a.
Police have been able to catch drunk drivers faster because of calls from cell phone users.
b.
Emergency vehicles have been able to save lives because of cell phone calls from drivers.
c.
Most states do not collect data on whether cell phones were in use when investigating accidents.
d.
Cell phone use has caused accidents.
10.
What argument can be used to oppose legislation banning cell phone use while driving?
a.
The answer to the problem is to use common sense, not to pass more laws.
b.
Fifty percent of drivers have cell phones in their vehicles.
c.
Eighty percent of cell phone owners keep their cell phones on at least some of the time they are driving.
d.
Cell phone use has caused accidents.
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Chapter Overview
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Cases and Resources
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Unit Activities
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Chapter Reviews
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Unit Web Activity Lesson Plans
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Textbook Updates
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Teacher Forum
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Web Resources
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State Resources
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U.S. Supreme Court Updates
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