A man sues his neighbor for fishing in a lake on his property. In deciding the case, the judge acknowledges that the neighbor has trespassed on the neighbor's property, yet

he dismisses the case without awarding damages to the property owner. Which of these statements would be a common law rationale for this ruling? a. The fisherman had a valid fishing license issued by the state.
b. The lakeshore extends beyond the boundaries of the man's property.
c. The law allows lawsuits of this kind only within one year of the violation.
d. The neighbors have fished on that property for decades without interference.

Answer: d