In part 2 of our posts on “The Good Samaritan,” we ask whether George was guilty of adultery when he slept with Robin after he practiced the timeless art of seduction with his alluring: “God bless you.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlL_krkAd9s After George and Robin actually sleep together, George turns to Robin and cries “what's wrong? I'll tell … Continue reading “The Good Samaritan” – Adultery
“The Good Samaritan” – Assault
After Kramer has a seizure during an episode of Entertainment Tonight, Elaine figures out that it’s the sound of Mary Hart’s voice that’s causing Kramer to have an epileptic fit. Can Kramer sue Entertainment Tonight or Mary Hart for causing his seizures? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gytrxCAFB9A While Seinfeld presents this scenario rather humorlessly, it is actually based … Continue reading “The Good Samaritan” – Assault
“The Seven” – Arbitration Agreements
After a dispute between Kramer and Elaine regarding whether Elaine must compensate Kramer with her bicycle for him fixing her sore neck, the two agree to have Newman arbitrate their disagreement. Is Newman’s decision binding? Can Elaine appeal the decision? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsbgwNe4Rv4 Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolutions (ADR) where the parties agree to … Continue reading “The Seven” – Arbitration Agreements
“The Package” – Write Offs
After Kramer concocts an insurance scam to get the United States Postal Service to pay for Jerry’s new stereo, he claims that the $400 payment on the insurance claim is just a “write-off” for the independent federal agency. Is it actually a write-off? Does anyone even know what a write-off is? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEL65gywwHQ Let’s start with … Continue reading “The Package” – Write Offs
“The Yada Yada” – Hate Speech
After Jerry makes a joke about dentists to Father Curtis, Jerry is accused of being an anti-dentite. Is it illegal to be an anti-dentite? Could Jerry’s joke be considered criminal? https://youtu.be/tnupnWcufsE?t=1m42s While hating a group of people or saying hate speech is not illegal, even about dentists, there are two doctrines outlined by the Supreme … Continue reading “The Yada Yada” – Hate Speech
“The Butter Shave” – Disability Discrimination
In a job interview with PlayNow, company boss Mr. Thomassoulo mistakenly believes that George’s limp from the injury he sustained in “The Summer of a George” is actually a permanent disability. Must PlayNow provide George with proper accommodations because he is “differently advantaged?” If George were to be denied the position, could he sue PlayNow … Continue reading “The Butter Shave” – Disability Discrimination
“The Handicap Spot” – Engagement Gifts
Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine all pitch in to buy The Drake and The Drakette a big screen TV as a gift for their engagement. But after the Drake and Drakette break up, the gang wants to get the TV back. Do they have a case? Editor's Note: This post analyzes gifts being given by … Continue reading “The Handicap Spot” – Engagement Gifts
“The Diplomat’s Club” – Removed From a Plane
After Jerry’s agent has a dispute with an airplane pilot after a comedy show, Jerry is removed from the flight. Can an airline remove a passenger for simply being annoying to the pilot? When a person purchases a plane ticket, the passenger and airline enter into an agreement called the “contract of carriage.” In the … Continue reading “The Diplomat’s Club” – Removed From a Plane
“The Chicken Roaster” – Light Nuisance
After a Kenny Rogers Roasters chicken restaurant opens up across the street from Jerry and Kramer’s building, Kramer is unable to sleep or function due to the light shining into his apartment from the giant red neon sign atop the restaurant. Can Kramer get a court to grant an injunction to shut down the sign? … Continue reading “The Chicken Roaster” – Light Nuisance
“The Pick” – Mailing Pornography
After sending out Christmas cards to her friends, family, and colleagues, Elaine discovers that her nipple is exposed in the picture on the front of the card. Has Elaine violated Federal Criminal Law or New York Criminal Law by sending pornography through the mail? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OmF_HluN9g Both New York and Federal Law prohibits the mailing of obscene … Continue reading “The Pick” – Mailing Pornography
