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So Sue Me

The intersection between law and psychology

Shame
The Paradox of Blackmail

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on September 30, 2024

If it is legal to demand $1,000, and legal to expose your neighbor's affair, why is it illegal to ask for $1,000 in exchange for not exposing his affair? The answer may surprise you.

If it is legal to demand $1,000, and legal to expose your neighbor's affair, why is it illegal to ask for $1,000 in exchange for not exposing his affair? The answer may surprise you.

Attention
Gossip Can Operate as a Law Enforcement Mechanism

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on September 22, 2022

Imagine a world without lawyers, without courts, and without judges. Rather than settling disputes through the legal system, everyone resorts to a very different tool: Gossip.

Imagine a world without lawyers, without courts, and without judges. Rather than settling disputes through the legal system, everyone resorts to a very different tool: Gossip.

Altruism
Americans Have No (Legal) Duty to Help Each Other

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on May 8, 2020

Is there any legal obligation to help those in grave danger, those who are sick, or those who are injured? The answer may surprise (and dismay) you.

Is there any legal obligation to help those in grave danger, those who are sick, or those who are injured? The answer may surprise (and dismay) you.

Intelligence
Lawsuits Against Toddlers

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on November 22, 2019

Did you know that, in the United States, you can file lawsuits against very young children? Not just against their parents—but against the children themselves?

Did you know that, in the United States, you can file lawsuits against very young children? Not just against their parents—but against the children themselves?

Law and Crime
Evaluations for U, Non-Immigrant, Visas

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on January 27, 2019

Did you know that victims of criminal activity in the U.S., who help the government investigate or prosecute the crime, may be able to stay on a temporary basis with the U visa?

Did you know that victims of criminal activity in the U.S., who help the government investigate or prosecute the crime, may be able to stay on a temporary basis with the U visa?

Sex
Sexual Harassment in the Office

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on August 6, 2018

Is it okay to flirt with your colleagues? Is it okay to flirt with your boss? When does office romance become sexual harassment?

Is it okay to flirt with your colleagues? Is it okay to flirt with your boss? When does office romance become sexual harassment?

Law and Crime
The Shocking Law of Adverse Possession

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on May 7, 2018

Adverse possession has been described as one of the most shocking laws in history. Why does the law reward trespassers, and what is the emotional response to this?

Adverse possession has been described as one of the most shocking laws in history. Why does the law reward trespassers, and what is the emotional response to this?

Marriage
Palimony: Getting Alimony Without the Marriage

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on February 7, 2018

You have heard of alimony before, but have you heard of palimony? Is it really alimony between pals? When is it most needed, and when is it the most unfair?

You have heard of alimony before, but have you heard of palimony? Is it really alimony between pals? When is it most needed, and when is it the most unfair?

Marriage
Testamentary Restraints on Marriage

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on November 16, 2017

Many parents have a lot to say about their children's love interests and relationship decisions. Some parents want to have the last word, even after they die.

Many parents have a lot to say about their children's love interests and relationship decisions. Some parents want to have the last word, even after they die.

Law and Crime
Can You Sue Someone Over a Broken Promise?

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on August 18, 2017

Have you ever relied on someone's promise, only to be hurt when that promise was broken? Promissory estoppel is the little-known legal doctrine that holds people to their word.

Have you ever relied on someone's promise, only to be hurt when that promise was broken? Promissory estoppel is the little-known legal doctrine that holds people to their word.

Law and Crime
"Mine, Mine, Mine!": The Psychology of Property

Ruth S. Johnson J.D. on October 18, 2016

"Mine! Mine! Mine!" It is one of the first words that toddlers learn. But where does property come from, and what does it really mean? Scholars, philosophers, and toddlers answer.

"Mine! Mine! Mine!" It is one of the first words that toddlers learn. But where does property come from, and what does it really mean? Scholars, philosophers, and toddlers answer.