So Sue Me

The intersection between law and psychology

Ruth Lee Johnson J.D.

The Shocking Law of Adverse Possession

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?

Palimony: Getting Alimony Without the Marriage

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?

Testamentary Restraints on Marriage

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.

Can You Sue Someone Over a Broken Promise?

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.

Should Psychologists Be Allowed to Prescribe Medication?

A new trend has emerged in the controversial RxP battle.

"A Vicious Cycle": The Paradox of Apologies and Lawsuits

Do apologies invite litigation? Or do apologies prevent litigation?

"Mine, Mine, Mine!": The Psychology of Property

"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.

The Paradox of "Tasteful" Gold Digging

Find out why the most unethical forms of gold digging are also the most likely to evade penalty.

What Does a 'Gold Digger' Deserve?

Gold diggers love your wallet more than they love you. And when they have taken enough from you, they leave. Is there a way to stop them from getting away with it?

How Does the Law Treat Repressed Memories?

The existence of repressed memories is a controversial topic in psychology. But how will it play out in court?

How to Negotiate Like a Lawyer

Everyone has to negotiate sometimes, but lawyers negotiate for a living. Learn five important strategies that law schools teach lawyers, and unleash your inner attorney.

Can You Really Sue Someone for Breaking Up With You?

Surprisingly, the answer may be yes! It is a little-known fact, but some states still allow lawsuits for "breach of promise" or "breach of contract to marry." In these states, you can actually sue your ex for breaking up with you if, during your relationship, he or she promised to marry you.

Who Gets the Dog?

When can your vengeful ex successfully take your precious pet away from you? It is more complicated than you think. Learn how to protect yourself and your furry best friend.

How Do You Feel About Giving Human Rights to Corporations?

People do not realize this, but the United States Supreme Court has been treating corporations increasingly like human beings — by giving them fundamental rights. Is this crazy? Is this dangerous?

When to Sue Your Psychiatrist for Malpractice

Many cases of psychiatric malpractice are never reported because the victims are already emotionally unstable. What exactly does it mean for a psychiatrist to commit malpractice?

The Difference Between Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are two legal terms that are almost always used together. But is there a difference between "assault" and "battery"? As it turns out, one is physical; the other psychological.

The Hidden Horrors of Jury Duty

Jury duty may be much worse than a mere inconvenience.

Why Do We Obey the Law?

Have you ever wondered why people generally try to obey the law? For decades, legal scholars have agreed on two accepted explanations.

How Can the "Slender Man" Girls Be Competent to Stand Trial?

Yesterday, the two middle-school girls who stabbed their classmate nineteen times to appease a fictional online character known as "Slender Man" were ruled competent to stand trial. But how can girls so delusional be considered competent?

Why Is the Internet So Mad at Harvard Professor Ben Edelman?

A Harvard professor aggressively disputed a $4 over-charge of Chinese takeout . . . and the internet exploded in a fury of indignation and outrage. Why was everyone so incensed?

The Difference Between "Competency" and "Sanity"

In court, what is the difference between being found "incompetent to stand trial" and being found legally "insane"? Does competency equal sanity? Does sanity equal competency? Can you be competent but insane?

How to Plead Insanity

What do a Texas mother who strangled her two special-needs children, a California man who shot his estranged wife's friend, and a teenager who beat his little brother to death have in common? Each has been found "not guilty by reason of insanity" within the past three months.

Is the Ebola Quarantine Even Legal?

Armed guards are currently sitting outside of Thomas Eric Duncan's girlfriend's house, preventing her family from leaving or receiving guests for fear of ebola. Is this even legal? When is the government entitled to quarantine its citizens by gunpoint?

The High Cost of Having an Affair

The story of how one wife sued another woman for having sex with her husband and breaking up her marriage. . . and won $9 million in court.

Is Being Dumped Like a Breach of Contract? A Response

In "Is Being Dumped Like a Breach of Contract," Professor Mark D. White draws some excellent analogies between being dumped and experiencing a breach of contract. What he does not discuss, however, is that when a contract is breached, there is a legal remedy. In contrast, when someone is dumped, there is no compensation beyond "it's not you, it's me."

Are Lawyers All Raging Psychopaths?

Lawyers are not the only ones who exaggerate.

Do Attractive People Fare Better in the Courtroom?

Yes, of course they do. But to what extent? The answer is disturbing.

Who Should Keep the Engagement Ring After a Breakup?

She broke your heart. But does she get to keep the ring? The answer may surprise you.

Five Unexpected Legal Rights That Overwhelm College Students

Are teenagers really ready for this?

Suing for Emotional Distress: "Outrageous!"

Can you really sue someone for hurting your feelings?

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