Judge, surely I'm not obligated to pay $250,000 in back taxes. If you were to decide against me, it would really put a crimp in my finances. I wouldn't be able to afford that new BMW, and my social status in our upscale neighborhood will drop like a rock.
A) Appeal to pity.
B) Appeal to force.
C) Appeal to unqualified authority.
D) No fallacy.
E) Argument against the person, circumstantial.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speaker is attempting to appeal to the judge's emotions by making them feel sorry for the impact the ruling would have on their finances and social status. This is an appeal to pity fallacy.

Judge, Surely I'm Not Obligated to Pay $250,000 in Back