Real-Life Decision Making
In some jurisdictions, justices of the peace have the power to decide civil
and minor criminal cases. They rely on their experience and wisdom to make
the right decision.
You are a justice of the peace presiding over a rather unusual civil case
involving an over-eager lawnmower.
It seems that homeowner A had a prized flower garden filled with pansies,
roses and daffodils. She had cultivated the garden for more than 15 years.
She weeded it, watered it and enjoyed the view of it from her window.
That is, until homeowner B and his lawn mower came along.
It was early one Saturday morning when homeowner A realized that the mower
was getting awfully close to her house. When she looked out the window, she
saw her flowers being decapitated. Flowers, stalks and stems filled the air.
You listen closely to the testimony. Homeowner B claims it was an accident,
that he cut a few of the flowers at first while not looking, and then cut
the rest in the hopes that his neighbor wouldn't notice the original
mistake. Homeowner A claims it was a vicious act of vandalism.
You take a break to retire to your chambers. Homeowner A is asking for
$900 in damages. That is enough to replace all the flowers, plus payment for
pain and suffering.
You can issue any punishment or ruling you want. Both homeowners have agreed
to abide by any ruling you make.
What will you decide?