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Zittrain Torts Playlist Spring 2013

Womack v. Eldridge

Should we hold people accountable for causing severe distress in others, even if no physical contact--or the threat thereof--was involved? The defendant deceitfully took plaintiff's photograph under the guise of conducting an interview with the plaintiff. The photograph was obtained on behalf of defendant's employer--an attorney--who then used the photograph as part of a client's defense in a sexual molestation case. Because the defense tactic implied the plaintiff was the actual molester, plaintiff was dragged into the client's ongoing trial despite lacking any real connection to the case. Plaintiff alleged extreme anxiety, loss of sleep, shock, and depression due to his unwarranted involvement in the case.