Do you remember Katko v Briney (the spring gun case)? Here is the lawyer who represented the defendant!

Way back when you took Torts, your probably read a case discussing whether a property owner can "defend" property from trespassers by using a spring gun.  The case is in every Torts casebook I have reviewed, and Prosser's even has a photo of the defendant.

In any case, the defendant's lawyer was interviewed recently and you can read the interview  here.  The 93-year-old just retired after 66 years of practice.  His reaction when Katko came to him with the case:  "Damn, this will be fun."

Thanks to the TortsProf blog for the link.

Podcast: Legal issues related to Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go, the latest craze that has millions of people walking around using their phones to find and "capture" pocket monsters, has generated much attention this summer.  And, as it happens frequently, the use of the app has raised a number of legal issues.  Some of the issues are:  possible tort liability for injuries caused by, or to, people who are playing the game, issues related to trespass into private property, and issues related to nuisance.

So, to help you sort out some of these issues, Lawyer2Lawyer has posted a podcast on the legal issues related to Pokemon Go.  You can listen to it by clicking on the play button below, or if you can't see the button, by going here.

Cause of action for trespass vs Google maps

The ABA Journal.com is reporting today (here) that the Federal Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit has recognized a claim for trespass on behalf of homeowners against Google Maps over its “Street View” feature. The court affirmed that the couple can’t pursue their claims for invasion of privacy, but held they can sue for trespass. The trespass claim is based on the rather simple argument that a representative of the defendant entered upon the plaintiff's property without permission to take photos of their house. The opinion is available here.

Case vs 3M for groundwater contamination

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports today on an interesting case involving the spread of a 3M Co. chemical through groundwater. Because there is no evidence that the plaintiffs have been physically harmed, Washington County Judge Mary Hannon blocked a claim by the residents that they had sustained health problems. However, because trace amounts of PFCs, used in the manufacture of nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics and other products, have been found in public and private wells, the judge allowed the residents to seek punitive damages, against the company for negligence and trespass. Also pending is a claim that the pollutants have harmed the plaintiffs' property values. Thanks to William Childs of TortsProf Blog