The "Are You Legally Savvy?" Quiz

1. You are the boss and one of your employees wrongly damages someone’s property. When are you liable?

Only if it is your fault, too.

If it happens in the course of business.

If the employee has been employed for over three months.

Employees have no money and increasingly courts hold employers responsible if their employees hurt others or damage their property even if the connection is tenuous.

Explanation

Employees have no money and increasingly courts hold employers responsible if their employees hurt others or damage their property even if the connection is tenuous.

2. If you sign a contract without reading the small print as you did not have your glasses. Are you still liable?

Yes

No

Centuries ago, courts got sick of people saying I did not know what I signed. However, lately there are exceptions especially for little old ladies. So get a lawyer involved if you are lending money especially to friends and family.

Explanation

Centuries ago, courts got sick of people saying I did not know what I signed. However, lately there are exceptions especially for little old ladies. So get a lawyer involved if you are lending money especially to friends and family.

3. You are arrested. Do you:

Refuse to say anything at all.

Give an interview to put your side of things on the record.

Tell them why you are innocent but not put anything in writing.

When arrested the policeman certainly thinks you are guilty, say nothing and call a lawyer.

Explanation

When arrested the policeman certainly thinks you are guilty, say nothing and call a lawyer.

4. If a person insults you is it still defamation if no one else is around? Yes or No?

Yes

No

It must be published i.e. someone else must hear or be told about it.

Explanation

It must be published i.e. someone else must hear or be told about it.

5. You want to make a simple will. Is it good enough to:

Write it down on a piece of paper and tell your children what you want to do.

Use a “Do it yourself” will form from the newsagent.

Go to the expense of getting legal advice

A simple will is one of the cheapest legal things that you can get. Splash out.
Note: Make your own will? You can’t find your car keys most of the time.

Explanation

A simple will is one of the cheapest legal things that you can get. Splash out.
Note: Make your own will? You can’t find your car keys most of the time.

6. You tell your mate how to put up a fence, the nails you suggested were too weak, it collapses on him and he dies. Can his wife and children sue you and win? You are a builder but you did not charge him?

Yes

No

Try not to give advice to strangers as you may be held accountable.

Explanation

Try not to give advice to strangers as you may be held accountable.

7. If you sue someone and win. Must they pay all your reasonable legal expenses?

Yes

No

They pay roughly about 50-70%. A good rule if you lose, not so hot if you win. In the US they usually do not pay your costs at all.

Explanation

They pay roughly about 50-70%. A good rule if you lose, not so hot if you win. In the US they usually do not pay your costs at all.

8. You write a training manual. To stop people copying it do you need to register your ownership of copyright?

Yes

No

Copyright is automatic. Even in the US where you can register copyright, registration is not essential.

Explanation

Copyright is automatic. Even in the US where you can register copyright, registration is not essential.

9. Your employee leaves you and joins the competition. Can you sue him if he reveals your company secrets?

Only if you have a written agreement preventing him from doing so.

Only while he is employed by you.

Yes, because it is an implied duty.

Most employers do not get around to a confidentiality agreement and get very upset when this occurs especially when the employee goes to a competitor. It can land up in court in a matter of days. Employers, employees and competitors employing new staff should beware. Lawyers are happy to fight this to your last penny.

Explanation

Most employers do not get around to a confidentiality agreement and get very upset when this occurs especially when the employee goes to a competitor. It can land up in court in a matter of days. Employers, employees and competitors employing new staff should beware. Lawyers are happy to fight this to your last penny.

10. Do most modern commercial office leases try to set a reasonable agreement for both Landlord and tenant?

Yes

No

Landlord’s lawyers draft tough leases to minimise their risk.

Explanation

Landlord’s lawyers draft tough leases to minimise their risk.