[Hair Stylist Woes] Ryan, a College Student, Went to See

question 75

Multiple Choice

[Hair Stylist Woes] Ryan, a college student, went to see his hair stylist, Melissa. Ryan, who had black, curly hair, requested straight, blond hair. Melissa told him that she could make those changes, but that there would be significant upkeep involved. Melissa made the changes, but Ryan did not do the upkeep required. Ryan proceeded to falsely claim that Melissa did not do what Ryan asked her to do, that Melissa lied to him, and that Melissa was professionally incompetent. Ryan made the statements about Melissa to friends of his. He also wrote a letter to his college newspaper saying that Melissa's shop should be avoided at all costs because Melissa was incompetent. In fact, Melissa was a good hair stylist and enjoyed a good reputation up until the time that Ryan started his criticism. Melissa threatened to sue Ryan for defamation, but Ryan told Melissa that she could not prevail because she could not prove loss of income. Melissa had to admit that while her reputation had been damaged somewhat and she felt embarrassed and humiliated, the damage was primarily among the college population. Her income kept increasing from other segments of the community, and she had suffered no net loss. All her appointment times were booked for weeks ahead.
-As far as the letter to the newspaper is concerned, which of the following is true in regards to Ryan's statement that Melissa cannot recover because she cannot show loss of income?

• A) Ryan is correct.
• B) Ryan is correct only if he can establish that he did not intend to cause economic loss to Melissa.
• C) Ryan is incorrect because his actions would be considered libel per se.
• D) Ryan is incorrect because general damages would be presumed.
• E) Ryan is incorrect because Melissa has proven special damages.

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Definitions:

Uterus

A hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen that is responsible for nurturing and housing the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Embryo

The early stage of development in multicellular organisms following fertilization and before fetal development.

Moral Reasoning

The process by which individuals make decisions about what is right and wrong, often reflecting their values and ethical principles.

Kohlberg's Theory

A theory of moral development proposing that the process follows a series of stages, from basic obedience to complex principles of justice and human rights.