Adam decided to play a practical joke on Linda,a coworker.As Linda was leaving the office one night,Adam,wearing a mask,stepped out from behind some bushes.He pointed a handgun made out of licorice at her and demanded her purse.He then pushed the candy gun to her head and told her if she told anybody he'd kill her.Linda was very scared during the whole incident.She did not think it was funny when Adam pulled the mask off and took a bite out of the gun as he gave her the purse back.Did Adam commit the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress?
A)Yes,as his conduct was intentional.
B)Yes,but only if Adam intended to cause Linda serious emotional distress.
C)No,since he was only playing a practical joke.
D)No,since Linda was not physically hurt by Adam.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adam intentionally and with purpose scared Linda by pointing a fake gun at her head and threatening her with death. His conduct was extreme and outrageous, and it caused Linda to suffer severe emotional distress, which is enough to meet the elements of intentional infliction of emotional distress tort. The fact that Adam intended it to be a practical joke does not excuse his actions or make it less intentional.

Adam Decided to Play a Practical Joke on Linda,a Coworker