When George smells smoke coming from the kitchen during the birthday party for his girlfriend Robin's son, he starts screaming "Fire!" and runs out of the building. Pushing everyone in sight, and stepping on Robin's mother's arm notwithstanding, could George get in trouble for screaming "fire!" in a crowded area? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC91reeH4Ls Shouting fire in a … Continue reading “The Fire” – Free Speech
Author: Aharon Schrieber
“The Implant” – Double Dipping
When George dips his chip a second time at the wake to memorialize his girlfriend Betsy's aunt, Betsy's brother Timmy accuses him of double dipping his chip. What's so bad about double dipping anyway? Could double dipping be illegal? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLOyChP2AWA We're just lawyers here, so it's not up to us to adjudicate social norms. Even … Continue reading “The Implant” – Double Dipping
“The Race” – Contracts
Before Jerry and Duncan have their Big Race, Duncan tells Lois that if Jerry beats him, he'll fly her to Hawaii for 2 weeks. Is Duncan bound by his words to Lois? Is he obligated to send her to Hawaii? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJt6jsy1AQ As we've discussed in our post on The Puffy Shirt, an oral contract is … Continue reading “The Race” – Contracts
“The Scofflaw” – Party Whips
Is Kramer correct when he said: "well, you know in the old days, when the senators didn't vote the way that the party leaders wanted 'em to… they whipped them."
“The Strike” – Worker Strikes
After H&H Bagels grants the union's request to give employees $5.35 per hour, the 12 year strike ends and Kramer goes back to work at the bagel conglomerate. But after being denied time off for his observance of The Festivus holiday, Kramer goes back on strike in demand of getting the holiday off. Could Kramer … Continue reading “The Strike” – Worker Strikes
“The Hamptons” – Going Topless/Public Exposure
After the gang heads out to the Hamptons to see the baby, Jerry, Kramer, and Elaine catch a glimpse George's girlfriend Jane tanning topless before George gets the chance to see her. By being topless on the beach, has Jane violated public exposure laws? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpUQyXI0Sns&t=91s New York Penal Code 245.01 defines public exposure as appearing … Continue reading “The Hamptons” – Going Topless/Public Exposure
“The Wizard” – Campaign Finance Laws
After Kramer's bid for Condo President of Del Boco Vista phase III takes a hit when Kramer is caught barefoot at the clubhouse, puppet master and campaign manager Morty Seinfeld suggests buying each member of the condo board a Wizard tip calculator as a form of damage control. Bribery questions aside, are Kramer and Morty … Continue reading “The Wizard” – Campaign Finance Laws
“The Pilot” – 13th Amendment (Slavery)
In Jerry and George's sitcom pilot for NBC, Jerry gets into a car accident but the other driver, Charles, is unable to pay for the repairs because he has no insurance. So the judge sentences him to be Jerry's butler. Could a judge actually hand down such a verdict? Could a judge force Charles to … Continue reading “The Pilot” – 13th Amendment (Slavery)
“The Engagement” – Conspiracy
After Elaine complains to Jerry and Kramer about a a dog in the courtyard that keeps her up all night from barking, she enlists Kramer and Newman to help create an unfortunate accident. Are Elaine, Kramer, and Newman guilty of conspiracy of kidnapping that stupid mutt? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCUdZTCnb78 In New York (and generally across the country) … Continue reading “The Engagement” – Conspiracy
“The Wink” – Agency Law
After George shows Kramer an interoffice envelope signed by the entire Yankee organization, Kramer thinks George’s wink and sarcastic comment indicate an approval from George for Kramer to sell both the envelope and the birthday card for George Steinbrenner found inside. By winking at him, did George make Kramer his legal agent? If not, can … Continue reading “The Wink” – Agency Law