JD Next Practice Exam

What is the outcome if a man returns a wallet without knowing about a reward?

1. He is entitled to the reward after the fact

2. He is not entitled to the reward

3. He can claim the reward based on good faith

4. He can sue for not receiving the reward

The correct answer is: He is not entitled to the reward

In the context of returning a lost wallet, the man who returns it without knowledge of any reward is not entitled to the reward because entitlement to a reward typically requires awareness of the offer at the time of the action. This principle is rooted in contract law, where acceptance of an offer signifies mutual agreement. Without knowledge of the reward, the act of returning the wallet is essentially a voluntary good deed rather than a contractual obligation or agreement to earn a reward. In situations where a reward is publicized, an individual must be aware of that reward to claim it; otherwise, their action is not linked to any promise or compensation. Therefore, since the man was unaware of the reward at the moment he returned the wallet, he does not have the right to claim it afterwards. This reinforces the idea that rewards are essentially incentives for actions taken with the intention of receiving said reward, making awareness a crucial component for entitlement.