Minor breaks into locked liquor cabinet, who's responsible for any injuries

[ImNotYogi]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? North Carolina

This is more out of curiosity as I was in a discussion with someone.

If an adult who is at work or something has a locked liquor cabinet in his/her home, then a minor breaks into that cabinet, gets drunk and injured as a result, who's responsible for the injuries?

 

[CdwJava]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? North Carolina

This is more out of curiosity as I was in a discussion with someone.

If an adult who is at work or something has a locked liquor cabinet in his/her home, then a minor breaks into that cabinet, gets drunk and injured as a result, who's responsible for the injuries?

Who is the minor? Does the minor live in the home? Was the minor a guest or otherwise lawfully inside the residence?

Are we talking about criminal or civil liability?

Has anyone been charged with a crime? Is anyone being sued or afraid of being sued?

Perhaps a little more detail could help.

 

[FlyingRon]

Who is the minor? Does the minor live in the home? Was the minor a guest or otherwise lawfully inside the residence?

Are we talking about criminal or civil liability?

Has anyone been charged with a crime? Is anyone being sued or afraid of being sued?

Perhaps a little more detail could help.

Are we talking about a legal minor (under 18) or someone not old enough to drink (under 21 but a legal adult)?

 

[ImNotYogi]

The minor is a guest in the house. Under 18.

Criminal and civil liability.

No one has been charged or sued. This is just a hypothetical question. I got into a discussion with someone about who's responsible if a minor commits a crime. If an adult takes responsible steps (like having a lock liquor cabinet) then how responsible can they be if a minor goes out of their way to get into it?

I don't think the adult should be held responsible since reasonable steps were made to keep minors alcohol free, he disagrees.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

There is shared liability. The homeowner has insurance for things that would occur on his property. The parents of the minor are responsible for his actions.

Class dismissed.

 

[xylene]

Getting drunk is not an injury.

Your hypothetical question is too broad.

Stop worrying.

America is not a dry country any more.

 

[ImNotYogi]

Getting drunk is not an injury.

Your hypothetical question is too broad.

Stop worrying.

America is not a dry country any more.

I meant that the minor gets injured as a result of being drunk.

 

[HomeGuru]

I meant that the minor gets injured as a result of being drunk.

**A: where was the minor injured (location: off site or at the home) and what type of injury was sustained?

 

[mistoffolees]

**A: where was the minor injured (location: off site or at the home) and what type of injury was sustained?

Better yet. Instead of a fishing expedition, how about if OP tells us the entire story and who he/she is in the situation - and then asks their legal question.