Francisco parked his car on a street and went shopping.While he was away,Joyce damaged Francisco's car by scratching it with a set of keys.Before she did so,the car was worth $5000.Afterwards,it was worth $4000.Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Joyce has committed the tort in connection with Francisco's chattel, as she has damaged his car. The difference in value before and after the damage reflects the decrease in the car's market value, which is a measure of damages in tort law. Detinue and recaption are not applicable here, and battery involves offensive contact with a person, not personal belongings. Nominal damages may be awarded for a trivial harm, but the amount is usually symbolic and not necessarily $1000.

Francisco Parked His Car on a Street and Went Shopping