Halachic Highlights

Question: Is a person liable for deleting files from another person’s computer?

Short Answer: Yes, even if done accidentally, this is not considered “hezeik she’eino nikar” and therefore the deleter is liable.

Question: Is a person liable for damage that resulted from a complete accident?

Short Answer: There is a dispute whether one is liable for damage stemming from “oneis gamur.” We pasken that one is not liable.

Question: Does a child who breaks a window need to pay the owner when he reaches bar mitzvah?

Short Answer: No, he does not need to pay, according to many poskim, including the Shulchan Aruch. However, in many circumstances, it is “lifnim mi’shuras ha’din” (equitable and above the letter of the law) for him to pay when he gets older.

Question: Does one violate a prohibition when damaging another’s property?

Short Answer: Yes, a tortfeasor violates a prohibition when damaging another’s property. The precise prohibition, however, is subject to a dispute amongst the poskim.

Question: Is a person liable to pay damages for torts performed when drunk?

Short Answer: Yes, a drunk is liable for damages. While there used to be a possible exception on Purim, many poskim severely limit this exemption nowadays.

Question: Why are women not obligated in mitzvas Sukkah based on the idea of “af hein hayu b’oso ha’neis” (that they were part of the neis)?

Short Answer: There are numerous reasons why “af hein...” does not apply to the mitzvah of Sukkah.