I'm sure some of you are famaliar with Judge Judy (she has the court show in the USA) she is really no nonsense and strict. I imagine her taking this case. (She does get cases like this) I can see her verdict now, it would go something like this:
Judge to kid with damaged coat: 'O.K. so you punched this kid in the playground, he went after you and you say he tore your jacket is that correct?"
KID: "Yes your honor"
Judge: "Well he was only acting in self defense why should he have to pay for your jacket? and what stupid parent buys a kid a $400 jacket to wear to school and play in?" (Judge Judy is very blunt and thinks nothing of insulting someone)
KID: "But the jacket is almost new, and he shouldn't have pulled the hood"...(kid looking bewildered while parent stands there)
Judge: (To parent) "Your kids got a lot of nerve...don't you teach them any manners? He punches another child and wants to be compensated?..(Ha Ha) not in my court room...Do I look stupid or something...You acted like an idiot and this is the consequences...Judgement for the defendant...
Plaintiff walks away looking bewildered....
Case closed...