Langford v. Shu (1962)

a.       Facts- D wanted to play a trick on P. A “jack-in-the-box” type prank was executed by her son. P was scared by the prank, and stumbled into a brick wall, tearing cartilage in her knee. P sued for assault

b.      Procedural History- Trial Ct gave D judgment as a matter of law. N.C Sup Ct reversed

c.       Issue- Whether D is liable for assault, even though she did not execute the prank

d.      Holding- Yes, D is liable for assault, even though she did not execute the prank

e.       Rule- An actor may be liable for assault if they aided and abetted the assault

f.       Rationale- By playing along with the joke, D was aiding and abetting

g.      Notes:

                                                              i.      Even if she didn’t doing the springing, she had knowledge of it and took part in it