James Purchased an Abandoned Lot

question 7

Essay

James purchased an abandoned lot.When he started to develop the land,he discovered several underground storage tanks containing hazardous waste buried on the site.He claims the seller,Richard,is liable to him for the cost of removing the tanks.Richard claims he owned the lot for 20 years and never knew of the underground tanks.Richard argues he purchased the land from Thomas and that Thomas or his heirs are liable for the cost of removing the underground tanks.Explain whether Richard is liable to James.Does Thomas or do his heirs have any liability to James or Richard?

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Definitions:

Mosquito Spray

A substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces to deter mosquitoes and prevent mosquito bites.

Common Law

a body of law derived from judicial decisions of courts and similar tribunals, as opposed to statutes or constitutions.

Nuisance

An act, condition, or thing that is annoying, harmful, or inconvenient to a community or individual.

Trespass

An unlawful intrusion or invasion of a person's property or rights, which can involve land, personal property, or personal rights.