Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In University of the East v. Jader, petitioner University of the East (UE), through its College of Law, enrolled respondent Romeo A. Jader from 1984 to 1988. In the first semester of his fourth year (1987–1988), Jader failed to take the final examination in Practice Court I and received an incomplete grade from Professor Carlos Ortega. He applied for removal of the incomplete grade on February 1, 1988, which Dean Celedonio Tiongson approved, and took the make-up exam on March 28, 1988. On May 30, Professor Ortega submitted a failing grade of “5.” Meanwhile, UE’s faculty prepared a tentative list of candidates for graduation, in which Jader’s name appeared alongside the notation of his incomplete in Practice Court I. On April 16, 1988, Jader participated in the 35th investiture and commencement ceremonies, where he received a symbolic diploma, wore the hood, and had his tassel turned—events he celebrated with a blow-out attended by family and friends. Believing he had completed a... Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Enrollment and Academic Records
- Plaintiff enrolled in UE College of Law from 1984 to 1988. In the first semester of SY 1987–1988, he failed to take the final exam in Practice Court I and received an “Incomplete.”
- He applied for removal of the incomplete grade on February 1, 1988, paid the required fee, took the exam on March 28, 1988, and on May 30, 1988 received a failing grade (5) from Professor Ortega.
- Tentative Graduation List and Ceremonies
- The College of Law faculty deliberated on candidates for LL.B graduation (2nd sem. SY 1987–1988) and included plaintiff in the Tentative List with annotations: “Conflict of Laws – x-1-87-88, Practice Court I – Inc., 1-87-88. C-1 to submit transcript with S.O.”
- The 35th Investiture & Commencement (April 16, 1988) invitation listed plaintiff among candidates with a footnote: “This is a tentative list. Degrees will be conferred upon these candidates who satisfactorily complete requirements….” Plaintiff went on stage, was hooded by Dean Tiongson, and received a symbolic diploma, then held a celebratory “blow-out.”
- Preparation for Bar Examination and Aftermath
- Plaintiff enrolled in FEU pre-bar review, took leave from work (April 20–September 30, 1988), and prepared for the 1988 Bar Exams.
- He learned too late of his failing grade, dropped the review class, missed the bar exams, and sued UE for damages alleging moral shock, mental anguish, besmirched reputation, and sleepless nights due to UE’s negligence and misleading conduct.
Issues:
- Main Legal Issue
- Can an educational institution be held liable for damages for leading a student to believe he had met all graduation requirements when he had not?
- Related Issues
- Did UE breach its contractual obligation and duty of good faith by failing to promptly inform respondent of his academic deficiency?
- Does respondent’s own negligence in verifying his eligibility affect liability and the award of moral damages?
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)