Pre-Trial Poll: Should Men Still Pay For Dinner On the First Date?

Today we discussed the curious case of the so-called “Dine-and-Dash Dater.” Paul Gonzales is accused of running out on several women at restaurants after expensive meal.  As we discussed, much of the alleged crime would depend on the expectations or understanding of the daters.  Below is a poll designed to gauge how jurors might view such a case.

Women have said that Gonzales eats big meals and then leaves to make a call to a sick aunt or some other emergency.  The women eventually learn that he has fled and stuck them with high dinner bills.

Much of the criminal case depends on the understanding or expectations of the two dating.  That raises the interesting socio-legal question of whether men are expected to pay for the dinner on the first date.  It may be difficult for the law to hold men to such a social convention, though it would be reasonable to hold them to half of the cost absent an agreement or understanding to the contrary.

Below is a poll to gauge whether mores or expectations have changed: