Introductory Law

Analyze legal principles and claims that may be present in the fact pattern. Specifically, you shall identify generally applicable principles, identify claims, examine elements for claims, and make a determination of the validity of the claim. Additionally, the fact pattern covers multiple fields of law—as such you are expected to examine claims from multiple applicable realms of law. (For example, be sure to discuss the contract, negligence, trespassing, battery, homicide/manslaughter/murder, robbery, and so on as they come up in the fact patter below.) And be sure to mention where each case would be heard/filed (civil vs. federal court). 

Fact Pattern

Bob, a 17-year-old Nevadan, always wanted a Rolex Watch. He worked many jobs and saved up enough money to buy a watch from his friend Max, a 32-year-old California Dentist. When he had the money, Bob texted Max that he would pay Max $3500 for the watch. Max texted back, “Sounds good; come to my office next Tuesday with the money and I’ll have it here for you.” Bob replied, “Sounds good buddy. I’ll see you then.”

On Tuesday, Bob showed up at Max’s office in California. On his way into the office, Bob failed to see that a child had spilled apple juice on the floor of the office lobby and slipped on the apple juice. Bob fell to the ground and immediately felt his back and foot sprain. Embarrassed, he quickly got up and told the receptionist at the office that he was there to see Max. The receptionist said that Max was busy and had told her to tell Bob that he couldn’t see Bob. Bob said that he would not leave until he saw Max. The secretary then threatened to call the police, at which point Bob left the office and went outside. 

Bob waited outside until Max came out and confronted him. “Where is my watch, man” said Bob. Max replied, “You’re a kid, you don’t deserve a Rolex. If you want it, I want $1000 more.” At that point, Bob said, “I thought you might say that and I had prepared for this situation.” Bob then slapped Max, which led to them fighting. A couple of minutes later, Max pulled out a pocket knife. Bob then pulled out a gun and shot Max in the chest. Bob grabbed Max’s wallet and watch and fled the scene. An ambulance came to the scene and took Max to the hospital. Later that night, Max died at the hospital.

The next day, Bob was scared about what had happened. He went to an attorney in Las Vegas, NV that practiced General Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Work. He told the attorney exactly what is stated above. The attorney said, “Ok Bob, I will take the case on, but I will have to do some research to see what the civil and criminal issues might be.” The attorney then came to you and asked you to draft a research paper about the applicable legal issues, where to file a suit (court, state, etc.), and what he should tell Bob about any claims that he may be liable for to anyone and any claims of his own that he might have against anyone involved.