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Crime on the Premises
Courts apply special rules when a third party criminal injures the plaintiff on defendant's property. Why might this be? Some courts point to the foreseeability (or lack thereof) when criminal conduct is involved. Others bridle at the apparent unfairness of holding landowners responsible, especially when the criminal actor is missing or judgment-proof. In reading the next four cases, consider how courts should resolve these disputes. Should the law incentivize landowners to improve their security, or will this incentive have perverse and unexpected results?
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