American University v. Wood
Illinois Supreme Court
294 Ill. 186, 128 N.E. 330 (1920)

- Written by Alex Ruskell, JD
Facts
American University (plaintiff) operated a school of chiropractic medicine taught by correspondence. D. E. Wood (defendant) worked as president for American’s school until he was fired. Upon being fired, Wood immediately became head of faculty at Chicago University of American Sciences’ chiropractic school. Wood sent communications to his old students telling them to leave American and come to his new school. The communications also belittled American’s programs. American sued Wood, and Wood claimed that American’s advertising was full of falsities regarding student salaries and whether there was a physical school. The appellate court found that it would not decide the claim based on the doctrine of unclean hands. American appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Farmer, J.)
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