Outschool
Search

$14

per class
Class

The McDonald's Coffee Case (13-18)

Completed by 112 learners
Ages 13-18
Live One-Time Class
We will look at the famous McDonald's coffee case and use analytical and critical thinking skills to discuss whether there was a just outcome. We will discuss little known facts, products liability, and business ethics.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(271 reviews)

Live video meetings
Meets once
3-12 learners per class
55 min

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
A few years ago, a woman went through a McDonald's drive-thru and ordered coffee. She placed the coffee in her lap, and, unfortunately, the coffee spilled all over her lap causing severe burns. The woman sued McDonald's for her injuries. The media responded to her lawsuit with a lot of criticism of the woman; however, she won the case--based on evidence that came out during the trial. 

In this class, students will learn about the infamous McDonald's coffee case. Through part discussion and part lecture, students will understand what the public sentiment about this case was at the time, and how the evidence showed a totally different story. Students will learn about products liability under a theory of negligence so that they can understand how the jury arrived at its decision in this case. Students will be asked to analyze the details of the case to discuss what they think, if they think something is right or wrong, and if they would decide the case a different way.  By piecing this all together, it will lead to a greater discussion of how this case was used politically to lobby tort reform in many states. If time runs out, we will have the tort reform discussion through comments in the classroom (optional participation).

Learning Goals

The main goal is for students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. Students will learn an aspect of civil law and apply this new knowledge when analyzing this case. Students will be asked to think about the utility and ethics of punitive damages and business practices.

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have six years of work experience as a paralegal in both civil and criminal settings. I am completing a law degree in which I received several academic honors and awards. I also worked hard to be second in my class and the areas of Torts (civil law) and Criminal law are my strongest subjects. My work experience has added to my academic studies, as I have real-world experience in what I have studied. Having this real-world experience and relating it to what I am learning in law school has made me even more excited and passionate about becoming an attorney. I have seen through working with my former bosses, and learning about certain cases in school, that being a lawyer can be a very impactful job in the lives of clients'. I hope to share these insights with learners to show them a different side of working in the legal field. 

Reviews

Leandra - B.A. PoliSci; Law Student (she/her) suggests this class next...
All About Torts! Learning Civil Law and Analyzing Cases - Ongoing Class
Leandra - B.A. PoliSci; Law Student (she/her)
5.0
(271)
$18 per class
Group Class
1/wk, 55 min
13-18


Parents also liked
Navigating Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement: A Teen's Guide to Social Justice
Outschool Teen Educator: Dr. Kai Kafferly, PhD
5.0
(629)
$20 per class
Next session at 6:15 PM on Wed 6/4
Group Class
13 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
14-18
Law School for Teens - Criminal Law - Ongoing Class
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 9 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
13-17
Intro to Criminal Law- Inchoate Crimes (Part 2)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Sunday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Elements of a Crime (Part 1)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 8 PM on Wed 2/26
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law-Responsibility, Criminal Capacity, & Exculpation (Part 3)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Sun 3/2
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 50 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Property Crimes (Part 5)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Sat 3/15
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
14-18
Intro to Criminal Law- Crimes Against the Person (Part 4)
Lauren Cush, J.D.
4.9
(55)
$15 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Sun 3/9
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 1.17 hr
14-18
Interested or Preparing for a Career in Law Enforcement
Lance Davis B.S. Criminal Justice
5.0
(100)
$25 per class
Next session at 8:30 PM on Mon 3/24
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 45 min
14-18
Law Enforcement Cadet Academy (New Class Starts in January)
Lance Davis B.S. Criminal Justice
5.0
(100)
$12 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 40 min
13-18
Law School for Teens - Sports Law - Ongoing
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 5 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
13-17
Law School for Teens - Know Your Rights! - Constitutional Law - Ongoing
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 8 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
13-18
What Is Law School Really Like?
Spencer Bishins
4.9
(29)
$40 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Tue 5/6
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 45 min
14-18
Conflict in the Middle East: An International Law Perspective
Kirsten Bowman JD
4.9
(775)
$20 per class
Group Class
6 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Justice Served: Ongoing Supreme Court Case Discussion
Kirsten Bowman JD
4.9
(775)
$17 per class
Next session at 5 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
12-17
Law School for Teens - Weekly Class - Ongoing Class
Mike Traywick - Think, Reason, and Argue Better
4.9
(428)
$20 per class
Next session at 6 PM on Sunday
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
12-17
Legal News Chat Club for Teens! Learn Law School Topics Through Current Events
Leandra - B.A. PoliSci; Law Student (she/her)
5.0
(271)
$18 per class
Next session at 5 PM on Saturday
Group Class
1/wk, 55 min
12-17
See More Classes
Home
Search
Give a Gift Card
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Language & Region
Log In