Docket no. PC-2026-0009
Ada Mendel v. Grace Okonkwo
Before Hon. Ruth Calloway · Decided
On the evening of the 14th the defendant ate my pad thai. The container was labelled with my name and the date, in permanent marker, in capitals. When confronted the defendant said the label "must have fallen off". The label was still on the container, in the bin, under the defendant's fork.
Findings, opinion and order
Mendel v. Okonkwo, 501 Petty 45 (2023)
Opinion of the court
In analogous cases, such as Latham v. Misdirected Snacks, 409 Petty 32 (2018), the court has consistently held the party in possession of the disputed item is liable unless proven otherwise. The defendant's claim that the label 'must have fallen off' is negated by its presence under the defendant's own fork, a fact not rebutted. The court finds the defendant's defense both implausible and unsupported.
Disposition
The judgment is for the plaintiff, Ada Mendel.
Damages and obligations awarded
The defendant, Grace Okonkwo, shall replace the pad thai and draft a 100-word reflective essay on proper office lunch etiquette, submitted within 48 hours.
Hon. Ruth Calloway
Judge, Smaller Claims Court
Entered September 7, 2026 at 7:24 PM
As delivered from the bench
Court is adjourned.