SmartBrief enables case brief popups that define Key Terms, Doctrines, Acts, Statutes, Amendments and Treatises used in this case.

SmartBrief

A.I Enhanced Margin Brief to quickly recall case brief 0

Confirm favorite deletion?

Cancel Yes, Delete

Torts keyed to Best

View this case in different Casebooks

Clark v. Brings

Citation:

169 N.W.2d 407 (Minn. 1969)

Facts

While babysitting the brings three children, Clark was allegedly attacked by the Brings’ pet siamese cat. The attack allegedly caused extensive injuries. Clark brought this action to recover medical expenses. 

Prior to the incident that brought about this case, the babysitter had been bitten by that cat once before, but never told the owners about the first bite. She had been playing with the cat by teasing it with a string, which caused the cat to get riled up and bite the babysitter lightly on the ankle. The cat had also previously scratched several people during the course of playtime or while those people attempted to pick the cat up. The cat also typically resided in a furnished basement in order to protect the furniture in the rest of the house from scratches and cat hair. 

The trial court entered a directed verdict for defendants because plaintiff failed to show that there was any reason the daily would have known the cat had a propensity toward violence. Plaintiff appealed the verdict. 

 

Only StudyBuddy Pro offers the complete Case Brief Anatomy*

Access the most important case brief elements for optimal case understanding.

*Case Brief Anatomy includes: Brief Prologue, Complete Case Brief, Brief Epilogue

  • The Brief Prologue provides necessary case brief introductory information and includes:
  • Topic:

    Identifies the topic of law and where this case fits within your course outline.
  • Parties:

    Identifies the cast of characters involved in the case.
  • Procedural Posture & History:

    Shares the case history with how lower courts have ruled on the matter.
  • Case Key Terms, Acts, Doctrines, etc.:

    A case specific Legal Term Dictionary.
  • Case Doctrines, Acts, Statutes, Amendments and Treatises:

    Identifies and Defines Legal Authority used in this case.
  • The Case Brief is the complete case summarized and authored in the traditional Law School I.R.A.C. format. The Pro case brief includes:
  • Brief Facts:

    A Synopsis of the Facts of the case.
  • Rule of Law:

    Identifies the Legal Principle the Court used in deciding the case.
  • Facts:

    What are the factual circumstances that gave rise to the civil or criminal case? What is the relationship of the Parties that are involved in the case.
  • Issue(s):

    Lists the Questions of Law that are raised by the Facts of the case.
  • Holding:

    Shares the Court's answer to the legal questions raised in the issue.
  • Concurring / Dissenting Opinions:

    Includes valuable concurring or dissenting opinions and their key points.
  • Reasoning and Analysis:

    Identifies the chain of argument(s) which led the judges to rule as they did.
  • The Brief Prologue closes the case brief with important forward-looking discussion and includes:
  • Policy:

    Identifies the Policy if any that has been established by the case.
  • Court Direction:

    Shares where the Court went from here for this case.

Topic Resources

Topic Outline

Strict Liability

Your Law School
Success Begins Here

  • Case Briefs - the Socratic Savior! – Best in class and Largest Library of complete I.R.A.C. / C.R.E.A.C. Law School case briefs. Includes:
    • SmartBriefs® - Enhanced case briefs for optimal clarity
    • CaseCast® - Professor overviews of "What you need to know"
    • New MarginBrief® - A.I. - Powered for faster, more efficient case recall
  • Lessons - Professor delivered video for topic reinforcement
  • Outlines - Professor written - downloadable, amendable and includes test-taking tips and tools
  • Refresher Courses - Quick course reviews with interactive exercises
  • Quizzes and Exams - over 5,000 Multiple Choice and Essay questions all Professor curated and answered
  • Exam Prep Workshops - Delivered by Professors on how to disect, organize and answer law school exam questions
  • and so much more ...
Start your FREE Trial