Manuel Applied for a Variance from the Local Zoning Ordinance

question 57

Essay

Manuel applied for a variance from the local zoning ordinance in order to build a building. His neighbor, Sandra, appeared before the zoning board to speak in opposition to the application. At the hearing, Sandra testified under oath and made several untruthful statements regarding Manuel's character which she believed, but which were not correct. The variance was denied. Manuel is now considering a lawsuit against Sandra for slander. Does Manuel have a valid cause of action against Sandra? Explain. What are the elements that he must prove to win a case of slander? What defenses can Sandra raise to the action?

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Definitions:

Magic Number

A term often used to refer to the number 7±2, which psychology suggests is the span of working memory, or the maximum number of items an individual can maintain in cognizant thought at once.

Chunking

A memory technique that organizes information into manageable units or chunks, making it easier to remember.

Miller

Refers to George A. Miller, a notable psychologist best known for his theory on the limitations of short-term memory capacity, famously summarized as "the magical number seven, plus or minus two."

Chunking

A cognitive strategy for organizing information into more manageable parts or groups to enhance learning and memory recall.