Question

Inattentive Driving. While cutting class and driving off campus to check on her new dress for the upcoming formal, Molly, a busy college student, is busy talking on her cell phone with her friend Sharon. Molly is trying to talk Sharon into going to the dance with her brother, who has a big crush on Sharon. Unfortunately for Molly, there is a statute in her state outlawing talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Molly crashes into the side of Sam's new convertible when she looks down to pick up a can of soda she just dropped onto her new jeans. A police officer just down the street comes over to investigate. Molly explains to him that it was difficult to hold the cell phone in one hand, the soda in the other, and also drive. The officer was not impressed. Around that time Sam comes along. He is furious regarding the significant dent in his new car. Molly says she has insurance and that she will cover the whole incident. Sam says that is insufficient. The officer is annoyed because it is his lunch break. He tells Molly that she must obey the law and proceeds to write several citations to her. Which type or types of law is or are involved in the above situation considering Molly's interaction with both the officer and Sam?
A) Public law only
B) Private law only
C) Civil law and private law only
D) Criminal law and public law only
E) Public law, private law, civil law and criminal law

Answer 1

Answer:

C: Civil law and private law only

Explanation:

This won't be part of Public law as it generally works on the relationship between civilians and the government. However, in such a case, the matter can be sought privately, between molly and the owner of the car she damaged.

Obviously,. due to state laws in place that prohibit using a cell phone while driving this might also become a civil law situation.