The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently heard arguments in a lawsuit surrounding the ownership of a $70,000 engagement ring. The case involves Bruce Johnson, who is suing his ex-fiancée Caroline Settino for the return of the ring after calling off their engagement due to suspicions of an affair. Settino argues that the court should not intervene in romantic disputes and wants the ring to be considered an irrevocable gift, similar to the laws in Montana.
The trial court originally ruled in favor of Settino, stating that Johnson was at fault for ending the engagement. However, an appeals court later sided with Johnson, leading Settino’s attorneys to seek a reversal of the decision. Johnson’s legal team contends that the ring should be returned if the engagement is ended without the donor’s fault, in order to protect the sanctity of marriage.
This case has sparked a debate over the ownership of engagement rings in failed relationships and has the potential to challenge a legal precedent set over 60 years ago. As the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court deliberates on the matter, the question of who rightfully owns an engagement ring remains unresolved. The decision is eagerly awaited by both parties involved and may have significant implications for future disputes over valuable gifts exchanged in relationships.
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